What GPS is right for me?

[milesroat]

Hello, I am new to Geocaching. I have about 25 finds and I can tell that I am getting a little better so I want to properly equip myself so I can better enjoy this amazing hobby. I am currently using both my iPhone 5S with Google Maps and my Garmin 50LM GPS unit. the Garmin does not provide accurate results and every time I get to the GZ on the iPhone the GZ moves 15-20 feet away and every time I get there it moves again. I would like a beginners GPSr, preferably handheld and inexpensive that will provide accurate results. Basically anything that shows a satellite view (if possible) and where the GZ does not migrate when I get near it. Thank you, I will review all submissions. This is a topic for other beginners to view as well so they can get a proper understanding of how to buy a GPS.

[alandb]

If you are within 15 to 20 feet of GZ, it is time to put the GPS away and search with your eyes. A different GPS won't change this. There are good reasons to get a a handheld (durability, waterproof, battery life), but as far as finding geocaches, your iPhone app will do just as well.

[+Walts Hunting]

Getting within 20 feet is all you can expect from any gps. After that put it away and search.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

...the GZ moves 15-20 feet away and every time I get there it moves again. I would like a beginners GPSr, preferably handheld and inexpensive that will provide accurate results

Your equipment has done all it is going to do. Consumer-grade units cannot be asked to do better.

As told to many, all the time here in the forums.... 15 or 20 feet away is time to put the device away. Stop using your eyes to look at the device and use 'em to find the cache, instead.

[+Psychaesthetic]

There'rs no such thing as a cheap beginner handheld thar displays satellite images.

 

Even on higher-end Garmins you have to pay a $40 subscription fee to download the images, then manually transfer them to your device before heading out.

 

None the less, I would always recommend spending as much as you can manage to spend, because there's nothing worse than buying a lower-priced/quality product, then realizing you want something better: you'll just end-up regretting not paying the extra to start with, and having the unit you ended-up wanting.

[insig]

There'rs no such thing as a cheap beginner handheld thar displays satellite images.

 

Even on higher-end Garmins you have to pay a $40 subscription fee to download the images, then manually transfer them to your device before heading out.

 

None the less, I would always recommend spending as much as you can manage to spend, because there's nothing worse than buying a lower-priced/quality product, then realizing you want something better: you'll just end-up regretting not paying the extra to start with, and having the unit you ended-up wanting.

 

Correction: $30.

 

As a side note, if you buy a GPSMAP 64s or 64st, you get a year's subscription for free.

[+Psychaesthetic]

There'rs no such thing as a cheap beginner handheld thar displays satellite images.

 

Even on higher-end Garmins you have to pay a $40 subscription fee to download the images, then manually transfer them to your device before heading out.

 

None the less, I would always recommend spending as much as you can manage to spend, because there's nothing worse than buying a lower-priced/quality product, then realizing you want something better: you'll just end-up regretting not paying the extra to start with, and having the unit you ended-up wanting.

 

Correction: $30.

 

As a side note, if you buy a GPSMAP 64s or 64st, you get a year's subscription for free.

 

I thought it was $39? So I rounded it to $40

[Stagger_Inn]

New GPS's are out with android on thme - look great - very expensive. I'm on a hunt for a dual purpose GPS for CANADA - specifically Ontario. I would like to geocache (of course) but also have hotmaps or Navionics in it for boating. There's plenty of info out there for the U.S. but I'm not seeing a lot for Ontario - any suggestions without breaking the bank?

 

Cheers!

[milesroat]

Thank you guys very much for your input. I watched some videos and soon after posting this discovered the GPS 15-20 feet rule so now all I need are some recommendations on a cheaper GPS unit that has good battery life and other good features.

Edited April 11, 2014 by milesroat

[insig]

Thank you guys very much for your input. I watched some videos and soon after posting this discovered the GPS 15-20 feet rule so now all I need are some recommendations on a cheaper GPS unit that has good battery life and other good features.

 

If you can find an Oregon 450 or a GPSMAP 62s for $200, then buy it without hesitation. Otherwise, an eTrex 20 isn't a bad choice.