Garmin 60Csx vs. Etrex Vista Hcx vs. DeLorme PN-20

[+kawal]

As a long-time Magellan handheld GPS user and a long-time DeLorme map enthusiast, I recently decided I needed to upgrade my Magellan Sportrak Pro. So I started reading the forums and two handhelds seemed to pop out as the best ones to buy - the Garmin 60Csx and the DeLorme PN-20. Almost everyone liked the 60Csx but quite a few people chose the DeLorme PN-20 because of the excellent DeLorme maps. Many users claimed the PN-20 performance was equal to the 60Csx, and because the maps were better, the PN-20 was the better choice.

 

DeLorme was running a special on the PN-20 for $299, which included the complete Topo 7.0 map sets, as well as the optional lithium battery set and all sorts of chargers - USB, 12 volt, and 120 volt. It sounded like a great deal with a 30 day trial period, so I bought one. It also used an SD card which I happened to have quite a few because of my digital cameras.

 

I tried out the PN-20 for about a week and I was impressed, especially when compared to my old black and white Sportrak Pro. But it picked up satellites much quicker and it saw a lot of satellites when my Sportrak Pro could only see about four or five. The maps were nice, and I was used to them because I've had the DeLorme Street Atlas packages which I upgrade every year. The new Topo 7 has all of the points of interest and routing features of the Street Atlas, so it is quite versatile for travelling and planning trips.

 

But I still wondered about the Garmin 60Csx and how it might compare. Then I read on the forums about the Etrex Vista Hcx. Although it didn't have the same renowned chipset as the 60Csx, the reviews were very good, and the performance seemed similar. Since the layout and the size were different than the 60Csx, I wondered which I might prefer. I found a good price on both on Walmart.com, so I decided to order both and compare them against the PN-20. I also bought the Garmin Topo 2008 map package to use on both of them- they weren't included like the DeLorme package.

 

The Etrex Hcx arrived first, but I had fortunately already received a 2 gb micro SD card, which the Garmins use, so I first had to acquaint myself with the Garmin map software. It was a LOT different than the DeLorme map software, with not nearly as much information on them, and no points of interest and no routing capabilities. But I did like the various waypoint options and also the neat feature of clicking on View and selecting the choice of viewing your area and waypoints on Google Earth - and Excellent feature in my opinion!

 

To me, since I do not use my handheld GPS for car travelling - I use DeLorme Street Atlas plus their Bluelogger (bluetooth) GPS on my laptop or my in-dash GPS navigation system - the points of interest and routing capabilities for a handheld don't mean much to me. I just want good maps with good waypoint capabilities and most of all, good GPS performance in tree cover and canyons.

 

Upon first trying out the Etrex and the PN-20 together, the first thing I noticed was the blazingly fast satellite pickup on the Garmin. I had thought the PN-20 was fast, but I had the Garmin already tracking within 15' accuracy before the PN-20 found its first satellite! My wife and I take a two mile walk every morning on the same route up a zig-zag trail to the top of a hill. I carried the PN-20 in one hand and the Etrex Hcx in the other. Since we duplicate our route up and down, it was a good comparison to see how accurately each of them tracked. It didn't take long to see that the Garmin unit outperformed the PN-20 in satellite pickup and reception and consistent tracking. I came to like the Garmin maps just as well on the handheld unit and in some ways even better than the DeLorme. After a couple of days it was obvious which one was going to be sent back. I called DeLorme and said thank you very much, but I'm returning it. I wrote them a letter and said it was a nice unit, but it just doesn't compare to the Garmin. When overlaying tracks from our daily hike, the PN-20 was always less accurate than the Garmin, when tracks up and down the same route scattered on either side of the Garmin tracks.

 

Next, after a few days playing with the Garmin Vista, I received the Garmin 60Csx. I immediately liked it, and loaded the same local maps to duplicate the maps on the Vista. Both units are very versatile in setting up each page you want to enter and the information on each page. I had set up the Vista just how I liked it, so it was simple to set up the Garmin 60Csx the same way. I also liked the front button layout on the 60Csx - it is a bit easier to use because each button is marked so you don't have to think about which button to press. On the Vista Hcx, most of the buttons are on the side and you have to learn which button does what function - once you use it for awhile, it's simple - but just not as obvious as the front 60Csx buttons.

 

Next came trying both Garmins out on our daily two mile trail. I was wondering whether the 60Csx would outperform the Vista, considering its excellent reputation. What I found was both units picked up satellites with the same speed, and found the same number of satellites, and the accuracy was just as fast on both models. We did our same hike numerous times with the 60Csx in one hand and the Vista Hcx in the other. Every track was essentially the same. Even in the house or under heavy tree cover, both units picked up satellites and maintained accuracy within about 15 feet. The little Vista seemed to do everything the big brother 60Csx would do. Every day I would upload both tracks to the computer and compare them - they were essentially identical.

 

I liked two things better about the 60Csx - the button layout on the front as I mentioned above, and the little bit larger screen. The 60Csx is just a little easier to read because it's slightly bigger. But I liked a number of things better on the Vista Hcx. One of the big advantages to me is the small size - it fits easily in any shirt pocket - its almost as small as a lot of subcompact digital cameras. It also weighs less - about 5 oz. compared to 7 oz. for the 60Csx. So it is just easier to carry. Another nice feature is the extremely long battery life. I'm still on my first set of AA alkaline batteries in this little beauty - they seem to last forever! My old Magellan Sportrak went through a set of AAs in about 6 hours. The Vista Hcx claims 25 hours. This beats the 60Csx 18 hr. battery life. For night time, the Vista Hcx screen is MUCH brighter than the 60Csx. Both are very readable, but the the extra brightness is nice. Finally, the Vista Hcx is considerably less expensive than the 60Csx. The best price I've seen on the 60Csx is about $300 - the Vista Hcx at Walmart.com is $219.

 

So although I really liked both Garmin handhelds, I ended up keeping the Vista Hcx. It seems to do everything the 60Csx does just as well, and the other advantages outweighed the nice button layout on the bigger unit. You can't go wrong with either one, but I'm very happy with my choice of the Vista Hcx. I ended up buying the Garmin holster for the Vista, and I like that a lot too.

 

I hope this helps others in making a choice for the best handheld out there.

[gallet]

As you say, once you get to know the buttons on the Vista, they disappear. It took me nearly a year before I found out that the 'zoom out' button is used when entering data, (like addresses for example) to exit the field, rather than using the 'OK' key. Pressing and holding the 'menu' button goes straight to the 'Find' menu. Starting up with the rocker button held down brings up the diagnostic screen. I also like the way that the 'zoom in' button is towards you and the 'zoom out' button is away from you. Unlike the 60 that has two buttons side by side in an unergonomic position. Have you also noticed that you need to use two hands when entering data with the 60CSx whereas the HCx scroll stick is also the 'enter' button. I really dislike the 'sponginess' of the 60CSx rocker as well. But I suppose it's horses for courses. After using your HCx for a few weeks, you should try the 60CSx then.

Edited May 26, 2008 by gallet

[MtnHermit]

As you say, once you get to know the buttons on the Vista, they disappear. It took me nearly a year before I found out that the 'zoom out' button is used when entering data, (like addresses for example) to exit the field, rather than using the 'OK' key.

I didn't know that and I've had my Venture Cx ~16-months. Hitting the OK is still obvious, so likely I'll still do that rather than trying to remember another trick.

 

To me the bigger issue is on every eTrex, sooner or later, the rubber band comes loose . . . PITA. Garmin has been building it this way for a decade, their must be a solution.

[+kawal]

One thing I forgot to mention for people who are considering both handhelds is the size of the screen. The 60Csx appears to have a much larger screen if you look at the specifications. But the usable area of the map on the 60Csx is decreased because Garmin chose to display some information such as battery life, compass on, etc. all the time at the top of the screen. This information takes up map space which I think most of us would rather see. On the Vista Hcx, you have that same information immediately if you just push the power button.

[zumoo]

GREAT info, I appreciate it. Just today I posted a "help" message, looking to buy my first GPS. A reply to my posting suggested the Vista, so your posting supports that and expands on it. It looks like I will be getting the Vista. Thanks for the detailed info.

[+kawal]

GREAT info, I appreciate it. Just today I posted a "help" message, looking to buy my first GPS. A reply to my posting suggested the Vista, so your posting supports that and expands on it. It looks like I will be getting the Vista. Thanks for the detailed info.

 

Don't forget to order a micro SD card, because the Vista doesn't come with one. The 60Csx does, but its small size is pretty useless. You can get a 2 gb micro SD card from buy.com for only about $13 with free shipping. 2gb lets you transfer more than 1/3 of the entire U.S. onto the card. Actually, 2 gb would allow you even more, but I believe you are limited to about 2000 of the individual Garmin maps, so you can't fill the card.

 

If you're going to use this mostly for hiking as a handheld, you'll also want to get the Garmin Topo 2008. It goes for around $80.

 

Another nice feature about both of these Garmins is the electronic compass. Before I tried it, I didn't know anything about it - but it is really a nice feature to have (only some models have it).

Edited May 26, 2008 by kawal

[gallet]

As you say, once you get to know the buttons on the Vista, they disappear. It took me nearly a year before I found out that the 'zoom out' button is used when entering data, (like addresses for example) to exit the field, rather than using the 'OK' key.

I didn't know that and I've had my Venture Cx ~16-months. Hitting the OK is still obvious, so likely I'll still do that rather than trying to remember another trick.

 

To me the bigger issue is on every eTrex, sooner or later, the rubber band comes loose . . . PITA. Garmin has been building it this way for a decade, their must be a solution.

 

My error I should have said the "Zoom In" button is the 'enter button' not the 'Zoom Out'. It works for all fields including Waypoints and numbers in addressess too. I doubt many people know about this.

 

Yes the rubber surround can be a problem. Usually when left in an oven, or a closed car in the sun. I just replaced the rubber surround on a friend's etrex using McNetts seam sealer and the result is far superior to the garmin muck.

[MtnHermit]

Yes the rubber surround can be a problem. Usually when left in an oven, or a closed car in the sun. I just replaced the rubber surround on a friend's etrex using McNetts seam sealer and the result is far superior to the garmin muck.

Did you start with a new clean rubber band or were you able to use the McNetts over the old sticky?

 

I'll Google McNetts to see if I can find it, was considering using automotive adhesive.

 

Thanks

[MtnHermit]

One thing I forgot to mention for people who are considering both handhelds is the size of the screen. The 60Csx appears to have a much larger screen if you look at the specifications.

While the screen of the 60/76 is ~20% larger, it actually has fewer pixels than the Vista/legend displays.

 

But the usable area of the map on the 60Csx is decreased because Garmin chose to display some information such as battery life, compass on, etc. all the time at the top of the screen. This information takes up map space which I think most of us would rather see.

Your right on, map space to oh so critical on these small displays. The Colorado, while not a whole lot larger, eliminated all the unnecessary crap and has many more pixels. This allows displaying much more map info, albeit with smaller features.

 

I'm actually considering a Nuvi 2xxW class GPS to supplement my Venture Cx, just for the maps. A Nuvi 2xxW, has a huge screen both pixels and size, it's lighter than any of the handhelds and a bunch cheaper. I saw a refurb 200W for $150 yesterday. The Nuvi's will display the same Topo maps as any other Garmin.

[gallet]

Yes the rubber surround can be a problem. Usually when left in an oven, or a closed car in the sun. I just replaced the rubber surround on a friend's etrex using McNetts seam sealer and the result is far superior to the garmin muck.

Did you start with a new clean rubber band or were you able to use the McNetts over the old sticky?

 

I'll Google McNetts to see if I can find it, was considering using automotive adhesive.

 

Thanks

 

This is the stuff http://mcnett.baron-co.com/page.cfm?pageID=549

 

I took the band off and spend about 3 days cleaning all the gummy muck off the rubber band and the etrex, using isopropyl alcohol. This is not fun. Leave the tape on that is under the band.

 

The rubber band appeared stretched and a bit loose but I figured correctly that the seam sealer would pad it out and it did. Applied the band in two stages. first I put the seam sealer on the top of the eTrex only then plugged in the usb cap and sealed the top bit. This was to make sure that the position was good so the buttons would line up well.

 

After it dried I then applied the sealer around the rest of the etrex and finished the band. Take care around the buttons.

[+SimbaJamey]

...

 

So although I really liked both Garmin handhelds, I ended up keeping the Vista Hcx. It seems to do everything the 60Csx does just as well, and the other advantages outweighed the nice button layout on the bigger unit. You can't go wrong with either one, but I'm very happy with my choice of the Vista Hcx. I ended up buying the Garmin holster for the Vista, and I like that a lot too.

 

I hope this helps others in making a choice for the best handheld out there.

 

I could write almost the same story! (Except for the pin-20 part)

I ordered a 60Csx ($299 Amazon) and then REI put that Vista Hcx package on sale (with a holster and topo for $260).

I did the side-by-side comparisons for almost 2 weeks and came to pretty much the same conclusion...especially since I started getting used to the Vista buttons. So the 60Csx went back to Amazon.

Over the next 2 weeks as my caching experience doubled I started to become a little frustrated with the Vista (I mostly cache on the fly so printing pages isn't a viable option for me and the PDA idea hasn't worked out so well either so I was loading info into the cache names and the hint into the descriptions(That went VERY badly!)) so...based on the available options...a month after I bought the Vista I took it back to REI and ordered a Colorado from ActionGPS.

The Colorado came Friday.

Holy Moly!!!!!!!!

 

One thing I noticed right away is that the track logs are WAY more accurate than either the Vista or the 60Csx in two ways...First, up and back tracks on the same road or trail on the other two would always be seperated by ~50' (not to mention the 'wandering') whereas the Colorado tracks are on top of eachother, same with multiple loops of the same path (like walking around the block 10 times...the Colorado tracks overlay the same but the other ones had a lot of variance track to track). And second, when I am driving, the Colorado actually shows me ON the road I'm on...the other two ALWAYS had me next to the road sometimes as much as 500' away (when driving on a major highway near me I had to zoom out (on the Vista and 60) to the 500' view to get the highway to show up on the map!)