What is a good GPS to purchase

[fasteddie15x]

Looking to buy a GPS so I can get an accurate speed check on my sled. I am looking for suggestions on a brand and model to purchase. Let me know what you guys think is good.

 

[09nytro]

If you are just checking speed I think there's a app for your phone to do that ...

 

[cannondale27]

Yes a couple of apps for phone. Look for one that shows Max speed. You will find the speedo is 1 mph fast. But the GPS will require you to hold a speed till it locks on it. Thats what makes it a true speed. I use a Garmin. I dont have it mounted just have it in my goggle bag. Its just one you would normally use in a car. Cheap. Has never gotten wet. Is nice with the trails chip. Only look at it when lost so dont think I will ever mount it. Buddy has his mounted and its just like driving your truck except trails. I use this program.
http://www.vvmapping.com/snowtrailGPS.html

 

[Mr Freeze]

Garmin Montana has my vote. Have it directly wired in to the battery w/fuse. Clips in/out of a cradle that I have mounted to the riser to prevent theft. Been through some pretty cold (-30C) and wicked wet weather and has never flickered.

 

[Wannaviper]

I agree the Garmin Montana 600 has my vote for the top of the line sled GPS. The AMPS cradle mount is lockable, and it can be set up on RAM mounts so that it is adjustable to just the right position. You can go a lot cheaper, but the Montana is truly weatherproof, and I don't worry about it being exposed to the elements. After a winter of use, I am glad I spent the extra money, it was well worth it.

 

[TD Max]

I ran my old Garmin Nuvi 255w all season without hardly a hiccup. It does display MPH, but does not recall max that I can see. Track log does show some MPH numbers, but they can't be trusted.

 

[SounderMN]

I got an older one, a Nuvi 52LM. It is not specifically labeled as waterproof, but I used it for about 2000 miles this year without trouble. It's not really going to get wet anyway. I take it inside if the sled is outside overnight. If it sits outside the restaurant, it may get snow on it, but that's going to blow off. I only paid about $60 after shipping, so if it dies in a few years, I can get another one and still spend less than the fancy new ones.

It shows the map, speed, altitude, time, plus the other things you want it to do. I got the redpine maps, and have found them to be mostly accurate, although some trails may be missing from the map.

 

[FrozenTows4]

Do Not get a Nuvi 2595. Even plugged in, it will not hold, or take a charge, in the cold. It will work, for about 1/2 day, then comes the low battery warning. Then it shuts down. Next season I'm going with either the Montana, or Zumo for the even larger screen. I need to justify the Zumo's $800+ price tag. But dollars are just dollars. We like the good stuff. Otherwise we wouldn't be on Yamahas.

RedPine mapping is top notch. Get it. You'll be glad that you did.

 

[SounderMN]

My Nuvi has had no problems with the cold. I've used it in temps as low as -10 and it worked fine. When it was that cold, I took it inside whenever we stopped, just to be sure it didn't freeze while sitting.

 

[FrozenTows4]

Nuvi's, other than the 2595, appear to do OK. At least that's what the word is. Another Nuvi down side is the non-daylight viewable screen. Sunlight will wash it out to be illegible. The Montana, and Zumo, have daylight viewable screens.

"used it in temps as low as -10 and it worked fine"

All day long at -10 degrees? What Nuvi model? Bet it's not a 2595. No more taking chances, to save a buck, for me. The Nuvi was meant for the car. I'll use it for that. The Montana, or Zumo, will stay on and be viewable all the time. Better for the boat too.

 

[SounderMN]

as noted above... 52LM

 

[biffdotorg]

I ran my old Garmin Nuvi 255w all season without hardly a hiccup. It does display MPH, but does not recall max that I can see. Track log does show some MPH numbers, but they can't be trusted.

I just found out on many of the Garmins like yours, you can click on the lower right hand corner, when the map is up. This will bring up another screen that shows a half screen speedo, Mileage, Bearing, Elevation, Max Speed etc. I never knew it existed till we were taking some speed runs in Michigan and I told my buddy, "I wish I could find my max speed as that was a fast run" he walked over and tapped in the lower left hand corner to bring up that screen.

Good luck!

 

[cannondale27]

Yes I have same one. You just touch the little button on screen for speed.

Then screen comes up and to reset it to 0 you touch the one upper left

Then you are ready. Best is TD if you havent sped in your car your Max speed on your sled is still in there. Take a look.

 

[biffdotorg]

I know I shared this in other threads. But it was a cool way to find that setting after a fast run in Michigan! 113mph on GPS!

 

[cannondale27]

Wow nice! Thats a real speed. Like I said the GPS makes you actually hold it to log it.