Thread: GPS watch

Originally Posted by Randomandrews

I'm lucky enough to get to play with a bunch of GPS watches.
The thing to do, is figure out what you're trying to achieve, and what your price point is.
Some, like the Garmin Fenix series, are a true multi sport watch. The Fenix 6 is generally regarded as the best in its field. The GPS in most of the latest generation stuff is every bit as good as a handheld unit, but the small screen size is the drawback there. Its a major step up from the Fenix 5 in screen size, and more importantly, battery life. Ive had a number of them, from Epix, to Fenix 1/2/3/5/6, and the Fenix 6 is top dog.
I currently swap between the Garmin Descent (for diving/hunting) the Fenix 6 and the Tactix Delta.
I use mine for all my day hunts, in areas that I'm reasonably familiar with. If I'm hunting a new location, or doing multi day hunts, I still prefer a handheld for its larger map area, for planning.
They're also awesome for any training you do (I'm into pack training at the moment, and have a circuit I do with a pack of bricks on, my improvement over the four weeks of being home has been great to track.) Plus they do swimming/cycling/kayaking/hiking etc etc. As someone said earlier, recovery of animals using the Sight and go feature is awesome. (pretty much every hand held has this too)
You can punch in waypoints, mark new ones, navigate to them, backtrack etc.
Theres' lesser priced options too, like the Instinct series. Is a stripped out version of the Fenix. No maps, but is amazingly light weight.
In the bush, I'd stay away from the fitness oriented stuff (that has GPS) as its just not as rugged.
Am happy to help with any questions you've got, flick me a PM

Cheers

K

So if all I wanted was an electronic compass that gave grid ref and waypoint/nav with sight and go, what would I get?. I always carry map and compass anyway, refuse to rely on electronics cause I know Murphy is always watching! Don't need or want 95% of the crap my 64s does either!