While I’m in no rush to get a new device, I will need one sooner or later. I’ve been looking at the Satmap Active 10 Plus and the Garmin 62st. I’ll probably buy off eBay, though I’ll be looking for a new/unregistered Garmin. I’ve decided to stay away from the touch screen models after my poor Oregon experience. I would get a second hand CSx, but they are ridiculously overpriced and I would need to re-buy Topo maps.
Satmap Active 10 Plus
- Needs to come with 1:50K GB OS maps as these are expensive to buy separately.
- Really old technology (Windows Mobile CE).
- Known to lock up periodically.
- A bit big and clunky, but a nice big screen.
- Poor battery life, mostly solved by included battery pack introduced with plus model.
- Reported good CS from Satmap.
- Expensive additional 1:25K GB maps available.
- No routing, though this is not an issue for me as I can use other devices.
- Weatherproof rather than IPX7 waterproof.
Garmin GPSMAP 62st
- I’m not sure if the accuracy is any better than the Oregon, I know it’s not as good as the CSx.
- Looks similar to CSx, poorer accuracy, same low resolution, small screen and big device.
- IPX7 waterproof, like almost all proper handheld GPSrs.
- Garmin list this as “top of the line”, but what does that mean? If you compare it to the Oregon 450 on their site it beats it on nothing, but loses on a few things.
- 3-axis compass. Oregon 450 also has this and it didn’t impress me over the old 2-axis compass on the CSx.
- Reads custom maps (and Discoverer maps).
- I know I can get an almost new one for just over £200 with a little luck. Should be easy after Christmas.
Garmin Fēnix
- Cool, wristwatch GPSr.
- Brand new release.
- No maps, but represents a trail and can follow a route.
- £350.
- Looks promising, but needs a while to mature yet. Not for me just yet.
Let me know if you know of any good reviews of these items. I want something like Patrick Roeder‘s excellent CSx review from all those years ago.