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Advice sought:
Am trying to justify a Garmin watch - on the basis that it can replace the need for a mapping solution (like a 66i). Am I dreaming?
Up till now, I have used the TOPO loaded on my phone. Will also get a simple SOS-style PLB. I'm not doing mad multi days or bush-bashing yet. Do I really need a 66i type of thing?
Ive had topo maps loaded onto a garmin fenix 5x and now 7x, havent used my handheld for years
Work on justifying both with the boss if you can ;) I like the idea of having a backup where possible, for when sh#t hits the fan or the tech fails.
I run a Garmin GPS handheld like the 66i and basic GPS watch as backup. Along with separate standalone PLB.
Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk
@Bagheera provided an excellent review here of the Garmin Epix GPS. https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....-review-97687/
He's hunted in the Kaimai, so your getting the worst possible reception testing here. Took another mate in who uses a Fenix and he frequently lost reception. I'm in agreement with Bagheera, it's a nice to have, but not necessary. I use an Alpha 200i and so understand why you'd want to upgrade from the 66i (same machine, but hunting dog centric) - it's a bit of a pain to unclip, activate the screen...
The combination of phone/topo50 and garmin Epix is great. I havent replaced my Garmin handheld (oregon). 9 put of 10 I glance at my wrist and see the map on the EPIX. Only if I need a real wide view like > 1 km in several directions do I use the phone.
Loading nz 1:50,000 maps into the EPIX was an hackers exercise but they are working well now and I use standard NZ coordinates.
Likewise there is a very rocky learning curve from the iPhone or touch screen handheld interface to use a 5 button watch.
The watch uses very little electricity to recharge from a small powerbank and lasts 1-2 days with all bells and whistles running. Solar would be a marginal gimmick and waste precious screen space.
I do carry a single function plb but can use sattelite txt from my iPhone 14 and it works pretty well plus you can do find my and share location.
Summary: best value is a new iPhone - focus your saving & spending there first. Has so many functions like camera sat txt map ballistic app internet access and if course voice calls. Next get a plb and if you come into more money then a top of range gps watch; dont get a value point townie fashion model.
I think the Epix might be a dead end branch of the Garmin family tree. It was identical to the Fenix 7 I think but has a way better brighter AMOLED screen. The Fenix have the good screen now i believe.
dreaming. the watch screen is too small.
I had a Fenix 5 then 6 which I still have, the screen is too small.
I use my cell phone with pre downloaded maps.
I use the watch for minute by minute course, distance, elevation and potential track back, or for sight and go.
The cell phone I power up the GPS every couple of hours or so to see where I am or how far I have to go in the bigger picture.
Z