Garmin Etrex 30 or GPSMAPS 62s

[+policewoman1432]

Fairly new to geocaching. Since the Garmin GPSMAPS 64 was released, the price on the 62's have decreased. I'm debating between the Garmin Etrex 30 and the Garmin GPSMAPS 62s. Any recommendations? Thoughts? Opinions? Any input on these two units would be appreciated. On Amazon right now, the Etrex 30 is $243. The 62s is $229. Help me decide please

[+briansnat]

At that price I'd definitely go with the 62S. It's a good unit and has a quad helix antenna instead of the patch antenna in the eTrex. Even though today's high sensitivity receivers have reduced the importance of antennas, a quad helix still has an advantage over a patch. Also I've seen complaints about the joystick on the eTrex being a frequent point of failure.

[+policewoman1432]

At that price I'd definitely go with the 62S. It's a good unit and has a quad helix antenna instead of the patch antenna in the eTrex. Even though today's high sensitivity receivers have reduced the importance of antennas, a quad helix still has an advantage over a patch. Also I've seen complaints about the joystick on the eTrex being a frequent point of failure.

 

Thank you for the input. I have been leaning towards the 62s for the exact reason you stated about the quad helix antenna. I appreciate you taking the time to give me your input!

[+Chrysalides]

I don't have either unit, though I've used the 62s. It's certainly a nice unit. Its replacement is already out - the 64s. That is probably the main reason why the 62s is so inexpensive right now. You may be able to pick up a 62s used for less money if someone is upgrading. And GPSCity has it for $200 and free shipping.

Edited July 1, 2014 by Chrysalides

[+JBnW]

You may also want to keep an eye on the GPS forum, where several threads have shown short-term sales on the 62s at $200; Cabela's, BassPro, Academy Sports, and the like. These sales are usually weekend, or two-week deals, but they keep showing up.

[+BAMBOOZLE]

At that price I'd definitely go with the 62S. It's a good unit and has a quad helix antenna instead of the patch antenna in the eTrex. Even though today's high sensitivity receivers have reduced the importance of antennas, a quad helix still has an advantage over a patch. Also I've seen complaints about the joystick on the eTrex being a frequent point of failure.

 

+1....also has higher speed processor , larger screen, and better button arrangement ( IMO )with no joystick.

As said the 62S has been at $ 199.99.

In all fairness you are not comparing apples to apples....the 62 series was always a more premium product in the Garmin line and before the 64 was introduced cost quite a bit more than the Etrex.

Sort of like buying a brand new 2012 Mercedes or a new 2014 Chevrolet.

[TeamSquid]

I've always used a cell phone app, but have been considering buying a handheld unit.

 

I've been going between these same two for a while. Decided I wanted the 62, but there are approximately one zillion different 62 models. What are the differences between them? Everyone references the 62s, but the 62 is on sale at cabelas right now for 169.99.

[+BAMBOOZLE]

62S has the 3 axis pointer, one of my favorite features.

62ST adds a Topo map which I understand is so-so and you can get free ones.

62STC adds a camera, faster processor and more memory.

[TeamSquid]

Awesome, thanks!

[+Chrysalides]

I've always used a cell phone app, but have been considering buying a handheld unit.

 

I've been going between these same two for a while. Decided I wanted the 62, but there are approximately one zillion different 62 models. What are the differences between them? Everyone references the 62s, but the 62 is on sale at cabelas right now for 169.99.

Bamboozle pretty much nailed it. And the base 62 has no sensor, no camera, no maps.

 

http://sites.garmin.com/gpsmap62/info/

 

I use openstreetmaps on my Garmin. Works great. If you want topo maps, Garmin has 24k topo maps by region which are much better than the 100k maps on their "t" units.

 

The magnetic compass and barometer can be useful but not essential for geocaching and hiking. But you need to recalibrate it every so often.

[+W7WT]

We have both the Etrex 20 and 62S. Both work fine. The Etrex 20 battery last a long time. The 62S life is about the same as the 60 models. I put new AA batteries in it once a day before we start geocaching.

[+Chrysalides]

Looks like the GPSCity price jumped by $40 after my post

 

But wait! Apparently they still list the 62s with 4GB card for $205.

 

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-62s-with-4gb-micro-sd-card.html

Edited July 2, 2014 by Chrysalides

[+BAMBOOZLE]

Looks like the GPSCity price jumped by $40 after my post

 

But wait! Apparently they still list the 62s with 4GB card for $205.

 

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-62s-with-4gb-micro-sd-card.html

 

What a great deal.....I have three and it still makes me want to get another.

[+popokiiti]

62s - I love it, because even though I am a technophobe, I can operate it! No experience with the Etrex, so can't comment there. Good Luck!

[+policewoman1432]

I don't have either unit, though I've used the 62s. It's certainly a nice unit. Its replacement is already out - the 64s. That is probably the main reason why the 62s is so inexpensive right now. You may be able to pick up a 62s used for less money if someone is upgrading. And GPSCity has it for $200 and free shipping.

 

That's exactly what I did! I bought a 62s for a great price of $200. Just trying to figure out how to use it to the best of my ability now. Thank you for the response.

[+Chrysalides]

That's exactly what I did! I bought a 62s for a great price of $200. Just trying to figure out how to use it to the best of my ability now. Thank you for the response.

Enjoy the unit. Some links to get you started :

 

1. It has a lot in common with the Garmin Oregon with regards to the file structure. The main difference between the two is that the Oregon is a touch screen interface. If you're not sure what file goes where, check this wiki : http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/home

 

2. OpenStreetMaps : http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ - they're not topographic maps, but they include many trails. Some areas may be better than others - in my area they're excellent.

 

Many people own this unit, so if there's something you're not sure of, just ask here. I find that the best way to use these handheld units is to ask myself what I want to do, then find out how to do it.