Which GPS are you using? I need to buy a new one!

[4by4]

I am the market to buy a new GPS. After going to MT last year I want to get one and get the chip that shows the landownership. I currently have the Garmin Etrek and need to upgrade. Right now I am leaning towards to the Garmin Oregon or Montana. anyone have any of these and what do you think? I see there is an oregon 550 and 600 and 650. Cabelas has a sale on the 550 that is over 50% off. Or should I go with the newer model so it is not outdated sooner. The Montana is more expensive but I am not sure what the major difference is.

Any suggestions is appreciated. Even if you have a suggestion on a different brand. Thanks!

[ivorytip]

everything is outdated a week after its on the market. i have the oregon 550 and i love it and its all ya really need, the rhinos are sweet as sweet gets but not really a need. the 550 works great for me, if ya wanna up grade wait 2 years and get the new montana for 50%off

[Umpqua Hunter]

I have the Garmin Oregon. Mine is an older model the 400T I bought back in May 2009. It's an excellent GPS and has served me well, especially with the land status cards.

The only issues I have had is the screen can be difficult to see in bright sun. Also the screen is a plastic, and it has been scratched in a few spots from normal use while hunting which makes it difficult to see and read things where the scratches are. Overall it's been a great tool, but if those two issues were improved, it would be even better.

[4by4]

anyone know how the touchscreen works? How do the updates work? Do you have to pay something each year to keep up-to-date and if so what is that cost? Thanks.

[25contender]

My Garmin 62s has served me well. I also have the Hunting Maps card installed. In fact I just updated it. Updating the Hunting Maps card is simple. Just plug your GPS into the computer and download the update. I think if you buy the card the update is free for the first year and I believe $40.00 to update the card after the first year. It could be a little more or less.

[Old Hunter]

I never owned one, but as I get older I seem to be getting lost more often. So, i'm thinking about getting one.

[MAKAIRA]

Check Cabelas they had some good sales last week.

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a Garmin 600, bought it at Cabelas a couple of months ago. I also have 2 chips (C0 & Wy). I was going to get the 800 until I actually saw and held both. IMHO the 800 was just too big and heavy for me. I didn't get the T with the topo installed. Didn't want to get too much clutter on the screen. If I had it to do over, I would look pretty hard at the T models. Might rethink it and get it.

The screen works like the new smart phones (I don't have one), its all touch. Put your fingers together, touch screen, spread fingers....screen magnifies. All the program options show as touch buttons on the screen. Rotate unit 90 and the picture rotates too and gets wider. All in color and shows up pretty good in the sun.

I really like the chips as they will show you if you are on PP, NF or wilderness. Even has most of the PP owners name on the parcel....subject to County land records. No comparasion to the older gps I had.

[4by4]

What is the difference between the 550 and 600? Other then cost.

[Colorado Cowboy]

What is the difference between the 550 and 600? Other then cost.

Not sure, probably have to go to the Garmin website to check.