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GPS City Q&A » Outdoor GPS » How does the eTrex 30 compare to the GPSMAP 62s?

Outdoor GPS (2 replies)

Item

Original Question

How does the eTrex 30 compare to the GPSMAP 62s?

› Garmin eTrex 30

Author

Reply

brian
Cape Town

Original question asked on Sep 8, 2011, 8:27am

Hey,

Am really stuck deciding between the eTrex 30 and the GPSMAP 62s. As far as the specs go they're almost identical from what I can tell. The 62s has a slightly larger screen and the better antenna. The eTrex is more compact (I prefer the design and pocketability), has better battery life, supports custom maps & GLONASS and will have the latest software (i.e. they should have fixed the bugs people complain about in the 62s).

What is not clear is whether the underlying hardware - chipsets et al. - are the same or not? Given that the 62s is a 4yr old model would the newer hardware in the eTrex 30 not be better and possibly make up for the difference in antennas? I'm also a little worried about the "squeak" that seems quite prevalent in the 62s. Being based in South Africa it will not be easy for me to return the unit and get it replaced.

So what do I do? Is the 62s worth the extra money even though it's an "older" model? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Note: I will be using this mainly for geocaching/hiking.

Cheers,
Brian

GPS City
Calgary, AB

Reply #1 on Sep 9, 2011, 10:01am

We have not gotten a unit to play with so we can not accurately comment on the performance and use of the new Etrex series. Based on spec having glonass will help with reception in some areas. Glonass is not as good as GPS but will supplement the GPS network.

The 62S has a better antenna that will work a lot better in tree coverage compared to an etrex. We would recommend the GPSMap 62S for hiking, geocaching and most other activities. That may change when we get a chance to play with the new eTrex.

You have some mis-information in your post. The 62S is a relatively new unit and has only been around since summer 2010 so it just passed a year old. You mentioned that you heard it was four years old. Also Garmin updates their units regularly when customers give them feedback about the units performance.

The Montana or Oregon are good units because data entry will be easier because of the touch screen. But like all touch screens you lose a little bit of sunlight readability. 62S will be the better of them all in my opinion

Pixate
Calgary

Reply #2 on Mar 5, 2012, 8:09am

Having used both for geocaching and hiking I prefer the 62 series. The interface is probably what tipped me though. In terms of performance they are remarkably similar despite the antenna difference. Both have a less than desirable computer interface. It's not intuitive and frustrating to get geocaches onto either unit as geocaches and not waypoints. I ended up using GSAK for it.

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