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Garmin eTrex 30x or something else?


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Hi everyone, I've been geocaching the past few months with a friend and decided I really like this hobby so I recently created my own account! I'm looking to buy a handheld GPS to use instead of my iPhone 6 the battery is an issue using GPS, plus my Sprint network fails a lot in forests. The features I know I want are Electronic compass(I like the idea of seeing the direction I'm going), basecamp(maybe), and of course decent battery life is a priority; I see most have a min of 16hrs which is fine. I would be using this GPS for geocaching, hiking, and I would like to put topo maps of lakes on it. I saw the Garmin eTrex 30x(Not a fan of the button/joystick thing though) and thought it looked pretty good I also like the Oregon 600.

If anyone can give me some insight if these are a good decision or if you have a better one in mind please let me know. My preferred budget is about $300 but if I see a good reason to spend a bit more than I might do so.

 

Thank you for the help.

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I've seen the eTrex Touch 35 and it's kinda disappointing since it a new device and it's only 160x240 pixels and 16hr battery life. I belive I could get used to the eTrex30x's joystick given time. Has anyone tried to use a handheld gps on a lake or ocean, how well did it perform?

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Has anyone tried to use a handheld gps on a lake or ocean, how well did it perform?

I've been using a GPSMAP 62s while placing and finding geocaches along local rivers in a kayak.

 

Works fine in both cases with no issues.

 

I also have an eTrex 20 and the only time I found the joystick to be an annoyance was while working on multicaches.

Entering new coordinates is a bit of a pain. My buddy with his touchscreen Oregon had the information entered and was heading for the next WP before I even had half the coordinates entered.

 

My next GPS will likely be an eTrex Touch 35.

Edited by BlackRose67
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The Oregon 600 also has a 16 hr battery life, though with a larger and higher resolution screen than the eTrex 35t. Don't let battery life be the deciding factor on what GPS you buy. Unlike your phone, you can just pop the batteries out and throw a fresh set in... and still use rechargeables to save money.

 

If weight and size are a concern, then the eTrex 30x or 35t is what you want. But I love the Oregon 600. Is it worth the $400 price tag? I don't know, I managed to get it on mega sale at REI back in May, so if it ever drops in price like that again, it's certainly worth it.

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