One lost writer. Five new GPS devices. A thousand acres of wilderness. And it's getting dark...
Garmin GPSMAP 60CS
$536
Memory: 56MB (nonexpandable); stores 1,000 waypoints plus 50 routes
Time to lock in satellites: A speedy 60 sec.
Pros:
• Clear-as-day color display
• Lightning-quick satellite lock
• Basemap includes turn-by-turn driving directions
• Highly configurable, with a USB port for downloading maps
Cons:
• Setup is a challenge
• Questionable accuracy in woods or bad weather
• The eXplorist 600 is just as good for about $90 less
Value grade: A-
Lowrance iFinder H2O (lowrance.com)
$239
Memory: 8MB (expandable to 512MB); stores 1,000 waypoints plus 100 routes
Time to lock in satellites: Sluggish: 90 sec.
Pros:
• One of the most consistent signal pickups we tested
• Dual processors refresh readings constantly
• Bigger screen, thumbloving buttons
• Waterproof
Cons:
• Interface is a slog at first
• Installing memory cards is difficult, and map cards aren't highest quality
Value grade: B+
Magellan eXplorist 600 (magellangps.com) Money's pick
$450
Memory: 16MB (expandable to 1GB); stores 500 waypoints plus 20 routes
Time to lock in satellites: A brisk 75 sec.
Pros:
• Built-in altimeter, barometer and compass
• Most user-friendly interface
• Comprehensive help menu
• Innumerable features -- detailed basemap, sharp display, long battery life -- make it our pick
Cons:
• Only complaint is the joint-torturing buttons
Value grade: A
Brunton Atlas MNS (brunton.com)
$359
Memory: 8MB (expandable to 512MB); stores 1,000 waypoints plus 10 routes
Time to lock in satellites: A glacial 3 minutes
Pros:
• Large screen, expandable memory, powerful dual processors
• Built-in altimeter, barometer and compass
• Extra cards ($199 each) hold government-grade maps including back roads
Cons:
• Distressingly long satellite fix
• Map cards are expensive, even if they are the best available
Value grade: B-
Magellan eXplorist 100 (magellangps.com)
$126
Memory: 0.25MB (nonexpandable); stores 500 waypoints plus 20 routes
Time to lock in satellites: Sluggish: 90 sec.
Pros:
• Controls are a snap to figure out
• Advanced features (high-res display, customization) at a beginner price
Cons:
• No basemap and no way to install one or upgrade
• Buttons are teeny-weeny
• AA batteries, not rechargeable lithium-ion, drain fast
Value grade: B