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Best Value Handheld GPS?

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by LNR, Aug 28, 2005.

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  1. LNR

    LNR Karting

    Apr 28, 2005
    128
    Chino, CA
    Full Name:
    Lyndon
    #1 LNR, Aug 28, 2005
    I understand the concept of you get what you pay for. What handheld GPS units do you guys think is the best value for the typical weekend warrior? VFR vs. IFR (back up) flying. Grey scale display vs. Full color display? Screen size? Lets see and hear what you guys have and your experiences if you have used multiple devices.
     
  2. rjnavion

    rjnavion Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    128
    Gate, OK (western O
    Full Name:
    Ron Judy
    #2 rjnavion, Aug 28, 2005
    I've used the Garmin 195 and Garmin 295. The latter is in color and all of the difference in the world from a gray and white like the 195. The 295 has been replaced with the 296 which has terrain avoidance and I'd recommend it over anything I've seen or heard of.

    Unless, of course, you could justify the new 396 @ about $2600. It does everything the 296 does plus has XM radio reception for receiving weather and live radar. I've waited a long time for the radar as before this everything I looked at was in the $7000+ range with lots of black boxes and installation problems. Now Garmin has made the installation simple with a minimum number of black boxes and easy installation and at a price I felt I could justify.

    Ron Judy
     
  3. LNR

    LNR Karting

    Apr 28, 2005
    128
    Chino, CA
    Full Name:
    Lyndon
    #3 LNR, Sep 6, 2005
    I've got my sights on the 296, although it will really stretch my budget. What's your take on the 196 vs 295? Price for these two right now is about the same.

    The 396 is the dream handheld, but even if I can spring for that unit, the XM weather function requires a subscription and for $49/mo. I probably won't subscribe to it. I wish they had a per flight, per hour service....hehe. Anyway, here in So Cal....I feel terrain avoidance is more critical for my type of flying as weather here is generally on the mild side when I go up.
     
  4. Moondog

    Moondog Karting

    Nov 4, 2003
    136
    North Carolina
    #4 Moondog, Sep 14, 2005
    I purchased a 296 a few months ago. I love it. Had Lowrance 100 and 500 prior to this. The Garmin is so much a better unit in all aspect, especially in regards to user operation / intuitivness. I am considering selling this unit to upgrade to the new 396 with XM-weather.
     
  5. LNR

    LNR Karting

    Apr 28, 2005
    128
    Chino, CA
    Full Name:
    Lyndon
    #5 LNR, Sep 15, 2005
    please PM me a price if you decide to sell your Garmin 296. What accessories do you have with it (auto kit)?
     
  6. Moondog

    Moondog Karting

    Nov 4, 2003
    136
    North Carolina
    #6 Moondog, Sep 19, 2005
    LNR, You have mail
     
  7. JDERO

    JDERO Rookie

    Oct 11, 2005
    2
    #7 JDERO, Oct 11, 2005
    Hello, new to the board. I fly a Commander 114. I have been looking at the 396 but also have been looking at the Flight Cheetah. The Cheetah is around $4300.00 Blue tooth and appears to do so much more than any other hand held. Does anyone have any knowledge or hands on with the Flight Cheetah?

    Thanks

    Jeff
    N4851W
     
  8. imported_mjc123

    imported_mjc123 Rookie

    Dec 25, 2005
    22
    #8 imported_mjc123, Dec 25, 2005
    I just got a 396 and have not yet hd a chance to use it in the air. Works well running around my backyard though.
     
  9. Dr C

    Dr C Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2002
    480
    Kansas City
    Full Name:
    Ed
    #9 Dr C, Jan 2, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    We just purchased a 396 and mounted it below the panel on our Piper Archer 180. Great unit. We're using it to backup and supplement our panel mount, IFR certified, Garmin 430. Nice combination. The detail on the weather info is a real nice compliment to the 430.

    I'll probably be selling my Garmin 295 now that I don't have any use for it.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  10. MY355

    MY355 Formula Junior

    Feb 4, 2004
    258
    NYC and AZ
    #10 MY355, May 3, 2006
    Im VERY new at the use of it .I have the DVD but will learn it .

    I do yolk mount it whenever solo as E/R back-up guages
    (makes me feel a little more confident) besides I feel better about spending the 2k for all the misc plus 296.

    MY355
     

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