Magellan or Garmin?

[RSD]

I've talked to a few stockists of bushwalking GPS with the following results -

The Magellan dealer said that Magellan were better but the reasons why were far beyond my comprehension - something to do with an extra layer of mapping or something

The Garmin dealer said that Garmin was better because Garmin had better customer service

The dealers that stocked both either had no preference or admitted that they didn't really know much about the products.

Does anyone have any information or thoughts as to which is better for bushwalking?

[Ent]

Hi

Garmin support better? Err? Um?

The major component with mapping GPS is maps. Garmin might have a greater range, especially of free ones as a large body of users developing them. But I think the main one is available for both.

As for accuracy of plots most domestic ones can with a clear view of the sky get within 5 meters. The better the unit's antenna the more capable if holding position in restricted views of the sky. Never compared a Magellan to a Garmin in tracking performance.

Ease of use is a big point and that appears to have a lot of personal preference involved.

Battery life is important but also how battery saving features are enabled. Gets frustrating having a screen going dark in a too short time.

Best thing is beg, borrow, steal units and figure what works out for you.

What is better is very much Ford versus Holden debate. We all want an Audi instead.

Cheers

[sim1oz]

Hi RSD,
Thanks for asking the question. We've been thinking of getting a GPS for bushwalking and I didn't know how to evaluate Garmin vs Magellan. Someone's GPS saved the day yesterday. The walk leader hadn't done a pre-walk and didn't mention it so we all followed along unquestioning. Once that became clear, a GPS owner kept checking we were on track. We made it back to the cars half an hour after sunset - all safe. The experience reminded me why I want a GPS. So I hopped on this site to try and work out what to buy.

Ent, from what you are saying, Garmins are better supported by freeware and community input? So I just need to work out what features in a Garmin handset are relevant for me? It seems the maps are the main issue. I've been reading all your other GPS-related posts. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It sounds like there's still a long way to go for accurate and user-friendly bushwalking maps in Australia. I'm not sure I have the patience to experiment the way you have. (thank you!) I just want something that works.

Cheers,
Simone

[Ent]

Hi Simone

As much as it gals me to say, Garmin have the mapping business re free maps largely to themselves. Also I hate with total passion the MemoryMap mob but due to sweetheart deals with state mapping bodies they are the best option for an iPhone mapping system.

Boy you do not know how much saying the above cuts me to the bone.

Strongly recommend you go first with a mapping Garmin and download Shonkymaps. There are some better priced Garmins than my expletive 62s expletive as well as some with better interface. Have not seen or used them but the Oregon series are likely the best way to go.

Cheers

[stepbystep]

I would suggest paying the $$$ and getting OzTopo maps on a solid Garmin unit. I would never advise someone to get Shonkymaps... The name says it all! OzTopo will give you solid support and help you set up your unit.

[Miyata610]

And I'd recommend using your iPhone (or some crappy androd phone) and Memory Map. Works great.

[stepbystep]

And I'd recommend using your iPhone (or some crappy androd phone) and Memory Map. Works great.

Just don't drop it!

[ULWalkingPhil]

Garmin maps are crap up my way. Very inaccurate. I would never rely on Garmin maps.
I helped out a hiker using a Garmin GPS at Fraser Island over the past week. He would have gotten lost if he had relied on his Garmin.

[Miyata610]

And I'd recommend using your iPhone (or some crappy androd phone) and Memory Map. Works great.

Just don't drop it!

Just get a good case like a lifeproof.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I would stick to the old paper maps and compass. GPS great for backup.

I still say, I would never rely on my Garmin, I don't think there all that cracked up that they claim.

[stepbystep]

I would stick to the old paper maps and compass. GPS great for backup.

I still say, I would never rely on my Garmin, I don't think there all that cracked up that they claim.

Have you used the OzTopo maps Phillip? The Garmin maps are rubbish and should never be used for navigation.

And I'd recommend using your iPhone (or some crappy androd phone) and Memory Map. Works great.

Just don't drop it!

Just get a good case like a lifeproof.

Don't trust myself Phil, I envisage the thing slipping from my grasp on a dolerite scree slope and disappearing or smashing

[ULWalkingPhil]

No have not tried the Oztopo maps, but I have heard there supposed to be pretty good.

I use what's called a Twonav Sportiva with digital maps.

[Miyata610]

Don't trust myself Phil, I envisage the thing slipping from my grasp on a dolerite scree slope and disappearing or smashing

Just leave it switched off and safely tucked away in a zippered pocket. Like all electronic devices should be.

[stepbystep]

No have not tried the Oztopo maps, but I have heard there supposed to be pretty good.

I use what's called a Twonav Sportiva with digital maps.

I'd try good maps before writing off a brand as a whole.
The Garmin I use a 60SCx which is far from perfect(crappy non-intuitive interface), but it is robust, weather proof with an excellent aerial. A good bushwalking model.

Don't trust myself Phil, I envisage the thing slipping from my grasp on a dolerite scree slope and disappearing or smashing

Just leave it switched off and safely tucked away in a zippered pocket. Like all electronic devices should be.

Maybe when my Garmin dies I'll give it a go.

[Taz73]

For under $400 with the Tassie Topo 1:25K map, my Magellan has been great so far.
It has a lot of tracks and so far they seem accurate.
Couldn't have asked for more considering the price. 18 hour battery life and faultless reception.
Construction appears bombproof and I hide an Android as backup but can't see the need for that in a hurry.
With the fog and cloud where I go, paper maps are sometimes useless.