Garmin GPSmap76CSx

[Mike Barney]

If money is no object, this earns a solid 5 out of 5 rating.

With a big bright easy to see day / night display, incredible smarts and unparalleled sensitivity, removable micro-SD memory, runs about 25-30 hours on a set of 2 AA lithium batteries and floats, and has more useful / interesting modes of operation than you'll ever use, it rates a 5.

If price is an object, the 76CSx is a 4/5. But at $589 (street price ~ $380 – $450), it's pricey, and that's really the only big drawback.

There are several features that make this big display unit incredible as it is has great contrast in pitch darkness or bright sunlight. Further, the SiRF III chip set means you'll remain in SatLock when everyone else is lost.

It has a magnetic compass capability, that's good if you are not moving and need to know direction. It is designed to work with MapSource, and stores more waypoints, routes and tracks and logs than you're little brothers' Pre-RIAA Napster downloads.

It has arrival, off course and time alarms. It also has a "Jumpmaster mode" if your into leaving perfectly good airplanes.

It has the ability to float, which also means it's heavier and larger than many every other GPS, weighing in about 8 ounces with Lithium batteries. Compared to the eTrex, it's only about 3 ounces more, and in my opinion, well worth the weight, but some may find that excessive. The extra display capabilities are well worth the 3 oz, for a total around 7.8 oz w/ lithiums.

Further, the recent 3.0 Software upgrade (free off their website)corrected several nits, now supports Lithium batteries (the only way to go IMHO), and reacquires the satellites quickly after passing through a tunnel or ultra thick canopy.

I bit the bullet with this one, and am glad I did. I give it a 5 except for the price. If you have the money, buy this one.

[James Pitts]

This is an awesome (but somewhat heavy) GPS. It's a TON of fun. I figured out how to build my own TOPO maps for it so it is even more fun. I have no problems getting signal in most conditions. I use it pretty much every day and on many backpacking trips (but not all because of the weight). The maps that Garmin sells are very nice but I would not purchase the 100K maps again as they are not detailed enough. I make my own now that are better than the 100K maps they sell and I can have maps of anywhere I want, not just the parks Garmin puts on their CD.

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