REI has VistaHCx for $169.99

[ScottM]

I always keep my eye out for good deals on bikepacking GPS's, since people ask me about it frequently.  The VistaHCx is still one I recommend to people.  It is getting a little dated, but still among the most reliable/solid out there.

This sale lasts through Nov 29th, or while supplies last.

See link about the sale here:

http://bestgpsdeals.net/rei-com-winter-gps-sale/914/

[Village]

The 60CSx is also on sale: http://www.rei.com/product/735607. Is there a big difference between these two when used for bikepacking?

[ScottM]

60Csx - bigger screen, bigger buttons, easier to use and see while riding.

VistaHcx - smaller, lighter, better handlebar mounting options.

Both have very similar software and the same limitations for memory/tracks.

That is a good deal on the 60CSx, too.  Thanks for pointing that out.

[robinb]

Both have very similar software and the same limitations for memory/tracks.

Any chance you could elaborate on the memory/track limitations? 

[ScottM]

The problem with both of these units is the 20 saved track x 500 point limit.  In practice this is plenty of points, even for a route as long as the CTR or AZT.  But it requires some additional processing of a track to get it simplified and split into 500 point chunks.  Once you get it down, it's no big deal, but it does cause problems.

Newer units (e.g. Dakota, Edge 705/800) still have a point limitation (often 10,000 points) per track, but you don't have to split tracks, and you can also store multiple 10k tracks and display them at the same time.  The downside to a lot the newer units are either size/weight (GPSMap 62) and internal battery / start&stop button silliness (all Edge units).  I am hoping for a new version of the Vista...

[ScottM]

Here's a budget GPS deal.  The VentureHC for $99:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDR230?ie=UTF8&tag=gpsdeals-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PDR230

This will work almost the same as a VistaHCx -- software, form factor, screen.  But it lacks an sdcard slot, so you can only load 24 mb of maps.  That's enough to cover a 300-500 mile bikepacking trip, but not much more.

[trebor]

scott - would the VentureHC hold the entire TD if segmented/split?

i've been using delorome and love it but may think of getting a backup unit.

EDIT:
One more question to all viewing the thread.... has anyone used the Lowrance Endura line of GPS?

[ScottM]

scott - would the VentureHC hold the entire TD if segmented/split?

Yep, it should be enough to handle TD's track, but not topo base maps for the entire route.

[Marshal]

My 2 cents on GPS models

Disclaimer:
I have only used a Vista HCx and Legend HCx so can not give an informed opinion on any other brand/model (note: these units are identical units except the Legend does not have an Electronic compass or Barometric altimeter)

The only reason I could see going with a different GPS unit would be if I wanted one that had training/power meter options  --but for just pure bikepacking/racing, imo these two are possibly still the top choice.


Bikepacking/Racing Benefits:
1: best battery life, rated at 24 hrs but my experience shows they can go into the 30+ hr range with lithium and not using the backlight feature

2: small, light and fit quite nicely on handlebars—(and if you use the lanyard wrap method to lock in place it will NOT jar loose)

3: Both use SD cards for memory so you can load as much base map as you would ever want/need ie: the entire US in topo etc.  In addition to the base topo the SD card has enough mem to also record literally thousands of miles.

4: 10,000 points, 20 saved tracks, as Scott has pointed out this is a ‘minor’ memory limitation.  However from a practical point of view this does not represent any ‘on the ground’ limitation.  So if Garmin ever improves this ‘limitation’ it would be nice but not really a big deal  ie: while building up a set of tracks from scratch or from someone else’s files you can use the split and simplify function in TopoFusion to load up practically any length route.  The TDR route fits into this limitation without a hitch. 

5: HCx --the x means its got the better GPS anntenna--picks up better in trees etc

Memory Example:
I loaded a base topo map for the entire GD route with a 100 mile + buffer to each side, then loaded the entire specific TDR route (in 20 individual tracks) and then during the race recorded the entire route as I rode it (I did miss recording a few miles in one section when I forgot to reset the record track function at the start of that day)

[ScottM]

The REI sale is over, but Amazon has the VistaHCx for still a very good price ($179.99):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDR1LS?ie=UTF8&tag=gpsdeals-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PDR1LS

Thanks to GPSdeals (http://bestgpsdeals.net) for the scoop.

[ScottM]

My 2 cents on GPS models

Good thoughts Marshal, thanks.  I've gone almost as high as 50 hours on one set of Lithium AAs.

[Chucky]

Just yesterday ordered an HCx for $ 153.00 delivered from Walmart.  Tough to pass it up!