Who uses a handheld GPS unit?

I'm thinking on spending a bit of money this year on a satellite text and GPS combo from SPOT.

Hope this isn't a hijack ; more of an enthusiastic diversion i hope   I started down the SPOT route about 2 years ago, since it was the only product I'd heard about.  Stumbled onto the DeLorme InReach, which i ended up getting.  Much, much, much better than the SPOT IMO, for several reasons:
  a) connects easily to smart phone so you can actually type meaningful messages (not just arrow keys and enter button) (lots of other smart phone features like mapping, status, routes, etc)
  b) has 2-way text messaging (not a SPOT option) that really works well
  c) gives you a simple screen to see/set whats actually going on, including the time of your last successful update (with SPOT you have no idea what's gone out)
  d) subscription has very nice options, including monthly options (10 months is cheaper than a one-year commitment)

--Bog
 

I'm thinking on spending a bit of money this year on a satellite text and GPS combo from SPOT.

Hope this isn't a hijack ; more of an enthusiastic diversion i hope   I started down the SPOT route about 2 years ago, since it was the only product I'd heard about.  Stumbled onto the DeLorme InReach, which i ended up getting.  Much, much, much better than the SPOT IMO, for several reasons:
  a) connects easily to smart phone so you can actually type meaningful messages (not just arrow keys and enter button) (lots of other smart phone features like mapping, status, routes, etc)
  b) has 2-way text messaging (not a SPOT option) that really works well
  c) gives you a simple screen to see/set whats actually going on, including the time of your last successful update (with SPOT you have no idea what's gone out)
  d) subscription has very nice options, including monthly options (10 months is cheaper than a one-year commitment)

--Bog

Not my thread, jack away.

No, what I was referring to was a comment made at the sportsman's show, to effect that SPOT would have a similar device out in a few months - bi-directional texting, would have its own texting number so would send and receive with non-satellite sms, and a navigation GPS as well.

Now, until it is released, who knows what it may or may not do, or cost. But Imma look at it and compare function and cost to the Inreach.

I use a Garmin GPSMAP 78. It's waterproof and it floats. I have the Blue Chart for coastal waters and it is pretty good but expensive. I don't use it too much anymore because I rarely ocean fish. The Garmin topo maps aren't great.

I'm sorry to hear you don't get out in the salt very much these days, and hope it's by choice.  I was looking at the GPSMAP whatever-number-it-is and it looks impressive on paper.  And yeah, the Blue Chart maps are costly.

I hadn't heard much bad about Garmin's topo maps, but it seems a lot of folks find and load non-Garmin topo maps, so I guess I should read between the lines.

Thanks for the information.

The Garmin topo maps aren't super accurate with regard to trails, otherwise they are fine. I am fishing less salt because I am learning how to fish the Columbia. I spent over 10 years on the salt, kayak fishing but river fishing is new to me and there is a lot to learn. I did need my GPS last year in heavy fog at B10 but otherwise it has had little use. As it stands now, GPS devices are primarily navigational tools, PLB's are worse case scenario signaling devices and VHS are communication devices. There are VHS/GPS combo devices and some PLB's have communication functionality, but I still carry 3 devices on the salt and B10, GPS, PLB and VHS. Each device serves a distinct purpose and each can save your life. I use the same GPS and PLB in the back country but switch out the maps. The free Garmin Basecamp software is good for managing way points and tracks. To prolong the life of any electronic device, stowing it in a dry bag for surf launches and landings and maintaining the rubber seals will help protect your investment.

Well, good - it's by choice.

I have GPS with the fish finder and in my VHF, and I carry a compass.  A handheld GPS in the PFD is a bit of overkill, but it's still a good idea - and I can use it for other activities.

I appreciate the additional information.  Thanks!

I'm thinking on spending a bit of money this year on a satellite text and GPS combo from SPOT.

Hope this isn't a hijack ; more of an enthusiastic diversion i hope   I started down the SPOT route about 2 years ago, since it was the only product I'd heard about.  Stumbled onto the DeLorme InReach, which i ended up getting.  Much, much, much better than the SPOT IMO, for several reasons:
  a) connects easily to smart phone so you can actually type meaningful messages (not just arrow keys and enter button) (lots of other smart phone features like mapping, status, routes, etc)
  b) has 2-way text messaging (not a SPOT option) that really works well
  c) gives you a simple screen to see/set whats actually going on, including the time of your last successful update (with SPOT you have no idea what's gone out)
  d) subscription has very nice options, including monthly options (10 months is cheaper than a one-year commitment)

--Bog

There is no DeLorme.  Garmin bought DeLorme months ago.  Good luck with warranty coverage - it ended.

There, that's the payback for the hijack!   

Well that would certainly address the problem of choosing between the Delorme and the SPOT units.