Hello all,

Im looking for a versatile GPS that could possibly both show road maps and work for trails - waypoints, etc. Im just not sure if thats a pretty standard feature, or if topography software covers it, or what. Or am i in a dreamworld, and should i just drag along my Garmin car's gps ?

It all depends on the software. Garmin and Magellan offer road maps, outdoor rec, topo, etc. Just get a nice handheld with a color screen and buy the software you want.

The Garmin Legend Cx is a great deal if you ask me. If you want to spend more, the 60 Csx is great too.

-Ryan

you can get great road software and AMAZING lake detail with a Lowrance and the lakemaster chip and the U.S. TOPO software.

its a great unit and is quite affordable

I've got the Legend Cx and it works great on the sled and in the car. I bought the topo software to use when off road, and I bought the City Navigator for my road trips. The City Navigator was worth every penny! The setup is just as accurate and holds as much info as any gps I've ever seen. You'll find these features on most gps units with a data card. Spend at least $200 for the unit and you'll be set up.

looking at legend - looks like you can get for 260 on net, vs $400 in best buy?

wow what a price diff

Keep shopping. The Legend Cx unit was selling for $185.00 before Christmas, plus an additional $50 off rebate.
You also want to get a larger microSD memory card, as the stock 32mb (or 64mb now) card won't hold many maps.
Check out http://www.gpsnow.com/, great place to buy. Also do all the online shopping places (i.e pricegrabber, amazon, etc.)

I got my Legend Cx on ebay for $220 shipped. Was brand new in the package and sold by a reputable dealer.

Topo USA, I think retail is $116ish, new on ebay, $75
City Nav, retail is around $135, new on ebay, $110.

Some people want to be able to read the display at speed. Not sure why you would need to do that, but if that's necessary you may want to stay away from any handheld. I can read mine just fine at slower speeds and only need to look at it when stopped anyway.

bummer - it says the legend doesnt float - thought it did.. oh well. (i guess ill just need to pickup a lanyard for when/if i use on jetski)

thanks for the help guys - now its time to watch for a deal

I've got a Garmin 60 csx with city navigator. It doesn't have the marked sled trails, but city nav shows a lot of back roads. Like ALL of them, if you like off trail- look for the dotted lines!

I have a garmin suction cup mount stuck to my speedo guage, I always watch my tach anyway. The 60csx does ANTHING, turn by turn directions, waypoints, tracking, i put the handlebar bag strap through the lanyard loop, 400 miles in cold riding conditions, jumps, bumps, ruts, ditches. Hasn't moved an inch...

GPS makes sledding SUPER fun!

just be sure you get one with an expandable memory,that way you wont have to be downloading maps over and over from the computer to the gps,with the cards you will be able to store a map of everywhere you go

I also have the 60csx . I bought the topo on a micro card .Can you also have city navigator and switch back and fourth without changing micro cards?

no...

if you bought Topo preloaded on a card and attempt to upload CN to it...Topo will be erased

you will need another card to load CN maps to and then switch cards to display the maps you want

Thanks thats what I thought but couldnt find the info anywhere.

I also have the 60CSx and have been THRILLED with it. I have the topo software, lakes for MN, and city navigator. I originally bought it for snowmobiling, but it has proved to be invaluable for navigation. I was considering buying one for the car, but not anymore! the only thing this one won't do is talk at you and no touch screen.

I bought mine at Cabela's just before Xmas. I think I got it for $350 after rebate and they were running a special promotion. By signing up for the Cabela's club, I got another $125 off, then I got My wife's parents and sister to sign up as well and got a credit of $160 for 3 referrals!

The GPS ended up costing me just over $100 with tax ans shipping.. keep your eyes peeled for those special deals at Cabela's!