Hand held GPS questions?

[NBCrappie]

How good are handheld gps at tracking speed?

Are they worth the investment? Do you actually use them that much?

What are some better choices on make and model?

Do they have road maps like a garmin for them?

Thanks

[Barnacle Bill]

I used my Lowrance H2O all the time until I got a bigger unit. They will give you your speed just as accurate as the bigger ones. I can't speak for the other units but with my Lowrance I can download streets and a whole lot more info from another program called Map Create, also a Lowrance product. It won't give you turn by turn directions but you can plot a course to an address and get to it by using it.

[LBM]

How good are handheld gps at tracking speed?

Are they worth the investment? Do you actually use them that much?

What are some better choices on make and model?

Do they have road maps like a garmin for them?

Thanks

They are spot on for tracking speed.

I wouldn't in any manner think of it as a investment but rather as a expense. I used one before getting a graph with a GPS and continued using both while on the water and really liked using them both. I really liked using both GPSs while working brushpiles and wouldn't drop buoy markers.

Another reason for using both was that my graph only has one card slot which I have a Navionics map in. If I have to ever reset the Lawarence Graph I would lose all the way points. So whenever I mark a waypoint on the graph I also mark it on the hand held GPS. I am able to bring the hand held GPS inside to the computer and save the waypoints on my computer into the Easy GPS software.

I have been using a Garmin GPSmap 76S which has been repaired once (really a replacement) and again now it is not acquiring satellites and in need of repair or replacement. For me guess its worth it to continue using one. They get you hooked on using new fangled gadgets where one really hates to quit using them.

The Garmin GPSmap 76S dose have a good basemap on it with streets.

Good luck.

[FroggerZack]

My Lowrance Ifinder will track speeds down to .3-.4 range just fine. If I'm in the boat it's turned on and I keep an eye on it. You will hear good things about Garmin also it's just a preference on what you want to use.

[RajinCajun]

I have a etrex legend that use to work real good until this pass weekend, it just quit with no warning. called my son who has one also to see if he had problems with his, he said his just up and died also. My wife said to use it as an anchor weight and to get a better one.

[TwainGang]

I just ordered a Lowrance XOG for use in the truck and boat. These take Navionics chips as well, which will be my next purchase. The mph reading is the standard for accuracy- especially when comparing against speedometer.

[opie13]

Don't get an H2Oc for speed. It only tracks down to about 1.1. I learned the hard way about that. Wish I would have asked questions instead of assuming.

[poppop]

I have a Garmin 76cs...and it does the speed just fine...I noticed if I troll around .04 mph...sometimes I have to speed up to update my position on the map....but as far as speed its just fine.

[ad1974]

I have the Lowrance h2o and really like it.

[BleuGhill]

Get one! It's not an investment (~$200) it's a necessity for speed and location marking - and tracklogs! Might (can, will) save your bacon for navigating back to the boat ramp if you get fogged in! Garmin Map60 handheld is the way to go for best-bang-for-the-buck (screen size, memory, price, etc.). But ultimately, do what you want; most people won't take truthful advice even after asking for it.

BleuGhill