Garmin & Magellan GPS Reviews: 

Any model GPS in our REVIEW section will work with the Baja GPS Guidebook.  If you do not see your GPS listed here, please email us with your make/model.

Older Models:  The Magellan SporTrack, Meridian, Garmin 12's, II's & III's  models are some of the easiest to learn while the Magellan Explorist model was a bit more complicated with a 'computer file' type system that required some tech. set-up before using.  As a GPS beginner, older model GPS's will get you off to a great start.  In the last 5 years, GPS technology has exploded; if you decide to purchase an older model, you will end up purchasing a newer model sooner than you think.  Navigating off-road is almost as addicting as riding.

These GPS models do NOT have the ability to connect to a computer and are NOT recommended.  There is no option for transferring or storing your data other than in the GPS itself.  These can be used with the Baja GPS Guidebook, but you will never have the option to upload our routes; they would have to be entered manually, edited manually, and once all the routes, tracklogs, and waypoints were full, there is no option to store your work and add more to the GPS.

Magellan Explorist 210:

If you are looking for a great GPS at a really great price, this is the GPS for you.  At $150 or better (if you shop), you have covered all the bases listed above with 22 MB of memory!  This is a basic GPS with no color and uses AA batteries (you can hardwire this model too).  The only downfall with the 210 is that set-up is a little technical and unlike other GPS's.  Once you understand this process, the rest is easy.

The 400 is just like the 210 but allows for and SD card and decreases internal memory to 16Mb for an extra $50.

Magellan Explorist 600:

If price isn�t in your way, this GPS adds some flavor to the basic 210.  Also, don�t be fooled by the Explorist XL at a higher price for more memory, it doesn�t have the bells and whistles of the 600.  This is a color unit with an altimeter, barometer, 16MB of memory, and is SD card compatible for unlimited storage.  The screen size is awesome and it uses the Li-ion batteries and can still be hardwired to your bike (if you have a digital camera, you already have a spare battery).  Like the 210, the only draw-back to this unit is that set-up is a little technical and unlike other GPS's.  Once you understand this process, the rest is easy.

Magellan Triton 300:

If you are looking for a good basic GPS, the Triton 300 is less than $150 and offers everything you need with 10MB of storage.  If you are not planning to upload multiple maps, this is plenty of storage for a great price. 

Magellan Triton 400:

Get all you are looking for in this unit with unlimited storage (SD card).  For $200 or less, you have all the requirements and the ability to storage mass data and/or upload multiple map options.

Magellan Triton 500:

Another $50 from the Triton 400 gives you the same GPS with an electronic compass and barometer.

Magellan Triton 1500:

Magellan offers the 1500 with some new features unlike the rest.  If you take the Triton 500, which has all the options for routes, tracks, & waypoints like the 400 and includes the electronic compass and barometer, ADD a powerful LED flashlight and a voice recorder to the unit!  I like the 3-in-1 idea decreasing the number of items to pack.  Now you can mark a waypoint and record its details so you can remember later at less than $400.

Garmin Review:

Garmin's name stands out for a reason.  They are the number one in GPS sales currently.  Garmins are higher in price and the customer service is slow, but these GPS's have continued to evolve with easier to learn layouts.  Quality is a reputation Garmin has earned while consistently providing us with cutting edge technology before any other brand.  While they currently stand as "top dog", that doesn't necessarily mean Garmin is the only GPS to purchase, so read all the reviews carefully for the right GPS for you.

Garmin Map 60:

This is a great basic GPS for those getting started or wanting simply to use the Baja GPS Guidebook and use the GPS for additional information marked along your trip.  It offers all the basic requirements we suggest in a GPS.  The things that stand out for this GPS is that the battery power lasts much longer than typical GPS's, so if you do not plan to hardwire, this can alleviate carrying more extra batteries for longer trips.  By comparison to other basic GPS's recommended here, the 76S is it's competitor, but for all kinds of different preference reasons:  The Map 60 offers auto-routing for street navigation, holds 20 more routes, geocashing, color screen, it can use the 9pin serial cable/but comes with a USB cable, whereas the 76S does not and it's about $16 cheaper.  The 76S offers an electronic compass, altimeter, it floats, gives tide tables, and has a slightly larger black & white screen whereas the 60 does not.  You be the judge of what features seem more important to you & make sure to see the comparison chart for more information. 

Garmin Map 60 Cx or CSx:

The only difference between these two units is that the CSx is $50 more and offers an Electronic compass/Thermometer/Altimeter that does not come with the Cx model.  The screen sizes are good, but in bright sunlight, the only color screen worthy is 'Ruby', which isn't near as good as black and white.  By comparison, I prefer the 76 series for a few reasons: the screen size is slightly bigger and more importantly, the 76 offers a bigger SD card for less money with a waterproof casing UNLIKE the 60 series!  Shhhh, but really.... there's no reason to purchase the 60 series GPS over the 76 series.  One thing to know about these GPS is that they are capable of downloading tracklogs to the SD card (any model with an "X") increasing the number of tracks you can save on the GPS.  You cannot; however, upload tracklogs from the SD card (download them to software and upload from software).

76CSx & 76Cx:

These are very popular purchases.  Besides using these GPS for off-road, you can use it for street navigation in your car as well with auto routing.  Just like the 60 Cx/CSx comparison, the only difference between these two units is that the CSx is $50 more and offers an Electronic compass/Thermometer/Altimeter that does not come with the Cx model.  The screen sizes are good, but 'Ruby' red is the best contrast you'll get for bright sunlight; it's also the only option you get with a color screen.  The 76 series GPS software operates exactly like the 60 series GPS with almost all the same features between the Cx's and CSx's EXCEPT the 76 series GPS's except the 76's have a bigger screen size, the buttons are easier to operate on the 76's face (60 series has a wide joystick harder to operate on the fly), offers a bigger SD card with the purchase of the unit, and the 76's are less expensive.  If you are trying to figure out whether to get a 76 Cx/CSx or 60 Cx/CSx, hands down.... get the 76.  One thing to know about these GPS is that they are capable of downloading tracklogs to the SD card (any model with an "X") increasing the number of tracks you can save on the GPS.  You cannot, however, upload tracklogs from the SD card (download them to software and upload from software).

Garmin Map S:

I love this unit and I'll tell ya why:  It's the ultimate Baja GPS!  It's inexpensive and still offers a lot of GPS for the buck including the electronic compass and altimeter, but no thermometer.  The screen size is even slightly bigger than the 76 Cx/CSx's and it's a black n' white unit which rocks over color screens in bright light (Baja).  If you are navigating by compass, the actual size of the compass on the 76S is bigger on the screen than other GPS's.  The guidebook is best navigated by the compass screen, so glancing for navigation is quick and SAFE with the 76S.  The buttons are big and easy to operate while on the fly.  There is 24Mb of internal memory and it can be upgraded on-line for more track points up to 10,000!  It will still only store 10 logs, but you can upload/download all data.  This unit does not offer an SD card, but with 24Mb of internal memory, you can still upload maps like the "Baja Navigator" for use (one p/time).  This GPS is the ultimate Baja GPS for those that don't just follow a route, but use waypoints, routes, tracklogs.  Drawbacks:  It comes with a 9pin serial data cable for connection to your computer.  If you have a 9pin on your computer, great, if you only have USB, you will need to purchase the converter cable.  Check the accessories section for the 76S if you need this.  Another issue is that this unit doesn't have the new 'high sensitivity receiver'; however, I've been using non-high sensitivity receivers for years and the only difference I seem to make out is logging on takes longer in a car or inside near windows (neither will work away from a window when inside).  The only other draw-back on the 76S is the screen speed (between pages) is slightly slower than the newer units.

Garmin Rino 520 & 530 Hcx:

Just like dirt bikes, there just isn't the perfect GPS with everything you want all in one unit.  Dang, if the Rino didn't blast us with some of the coolest features ever while wrapping it up in an unfortunate package.  The Rino is a love/hate relationship.  If you want the cool features you must suffer the small screen and fumble with the operational buttons on the 'side' of the unit that are hard to use on the fly plus the joystick ick.  If this is tolerable, wow, the Rino rocks the house with features well above and beyond the other GPS basics:  FRS & GMRS 2-way radio communication from 2 FRS miles to 13 GMRS unobstructed miles.  In testing this unit, we found it to be very impressive range; we were able to talk relatively clearly in mountainous areas too.  Beyond the communication radio, the Rino also allows you to send your partner it's location for tracking - you can see your buddy right on your map screen, moving or stopped, so you can track is position.  The unit can transmit GPS waypoints between them for aid in rescue or lost n' found, and has a schedule and alarm clock.  Set the alarm for 6am, shut off the GPS, and it will automatically turn on and sound the alarm at 6am sharp for the days ride without depleting your batteries.  Along with all these features, you can tune into NOAA weather station for up-to-date weather in your area.  NOW, as for the differences between the 520 and 530, they are exactly the same GPS except the 530 offers the electronic compass and altimeter for an extra $25.  One thing to know about these GPS is that they are capable of downloading tracklogs to the SD card (any model with an "X") increasing the number of tracks you can save on the GPS.  You cannot, however, upload tracklogs from the SD card (download them to software and upload from software).

Garmin Colorado Series GPS:

All features between the CO 300 and 400 are the same EXCEPT: The Colorado 300 comes with 384Mb of memory and no basemap.  With the Colorado 400, you've got choices for a basemap: topo US (t), inland lakes (i), or BlueChart� g2 coastal charts (c) and comes with 120Mb of memory.  It's your choice for whatever base map is best for you (the topo US is popular).  A general special feature of the Colorado Series GPS is that they will take up to a 4Gb SD Card of any brand; that's the most of any other GPS (2Gb).  You can have maps both in the Internal Memory and on the Data Card in the case of the Colorado only. When you transfer maps from Mapsource you have the option to choose where those maps go � to the internal memory or on the data card. If you want maps on both internal and external memory then you will have to make 2 data transfers from Mapsource.

I was much more impressed with the Colorado series GPS at second glance.  I was leery of some features that turned out to be easier to use than I thought on the fly:  the 'rock n roller wheel' as they call it scared me like the joystick for off-road until I used it.  It rolls smoothly like a dial in either direction with a click/stop for each section so the wheel doesn't just glide over what you want; it's tougher to operate on the moto than in the hand, but doable once you get used to the feel through your glove.  There is a joystick, per say, that is larger and protrudes from inside the wheel.  When you press it, it clicks individually so you won't find the GPS sensitivity of an actual joystick toggling right when you hit it down.  All the buttons are on the face of the GPS for ease and the screen size is huge for the overall small size of the GPS; overall it's an acceptable screen size.  I'm very impressed with the color.  Most do not understand the true difference between 120 vs. 400 pixels... but, you can see it here!  Also, they use a patterned background (several patterns to choose from) that are dark while the compass is bright white with a gray rim.  The contrast is awesome and easy to see although it is still more difficult in bright light glare than 4 level gray screens.  The software is very different than other GPS's yet still makes sense once you get used to it.  The topo map is impressive and I was surprised to see much detail in my tiny ski town area here in Winter Park, Colorado.  A few tech. things to know about the Colorado 400 (t, i or c) is that they offer 120Mb of memory allowing you to upload segments of other maps from your PC.  The 300 is the exact same as the 400 series GPS except it offers 384Mb of memory and no internal map.  You can purchase the topo (t), inland (i), or BlueChart� g2 coastal charts (c) with 384Mb of memory and no internal map and purchase the maps you wish separately for more flexibility.  If you plan to use the "Baja Navigator Map" and the topo, there is sufficient memory in the 400t to upload the Baja Navigator.   

*We offer a Garmin & Magellan: GPS Comparison Chart with more detailed information than anywhere, even on Garmin's and Magellan's sites.  See our recommendations for GPS's and browse the GPS units we offer on our site at discount.  We only sell what we'd use and we aim to please on price.

After Purchasing a GPS: Don't forget to UPDATE your GPS at least each 6 months.

Instructions on how to Update your GPS