krobinson103

Looking to update my aging (but functional) vista hcx and the options for a similar device seem to be the edge touring model or the etrex 30. Both offer similar features. Don't want connectivity or segments or messages on my gps so the 805 and 1000 are not needed. Equally don't care about workout stats. Just want averages and elevation. If you had to choose between those two models which would win? I favor the Etrex for its longer battery life and aa battery option.

mibike

With that choice I would go with the etrex. I don't like touch screens I think a non touch screen is easier to read in bright sun and buttons are easier to use while riding. Also touch screens don't work as well in the rain or with gloves on. I also don't like built in batteries they are OK for short rides but on longer rides they will go dead. Garmin lists the battery life on the edge touring at 17 hr in the adds and 15 hr in the manual and that is best case if you are riding after dark and need to use backlight etc. it will be less. I know riders who use a external battery pack or a dyno hub to keep it charging while they ride, however in the manual it says to dry around and under the weather cap so I don't think it would be a good idea to charge it in the rain. So I wouldn't want to do a 300k or longer If you are doing shorter rides the battery life might be OK. I have an etrex 20 and it is OK.

There are only two things I don't like about the etrex. The click stick is hard to push straight in while riding it wants to push to the side and move the cursor instep of entering. At least with the one I have the click sitck will push side easier than on mt old vista. It works good if you are stopped. The other thing I don't like is that you can't disable off route recalculation. If you go off route to stop at a store or miss a turn etc it will recalculate and send you on a different route. I always put a track as well as a route in it that way if it changes the route I can see it's different.

If I were you I would look at the GPSMAP 62 or 64 with the 62 I would go with the s or above the plain 62 won't take a sd card. They have a button layout I think would be easier to use then the click stick while riding and you can disable off route recalculation. I plan to order a 64s next week, my wife wanted me to wait so that it's not on my credit card until next month.

krobinson103

I don't usually use the routing function. Just track back on a gpx trail. Then I'll have it display the line on the map. My Vista doesn't beep loud enough to get my attention so I just have to glance at it now and then. I have used the function a few times to get home from places I've never been to. Seems to work pretty well. I prefer the stick and buttons to a touch screen - especially when it rains or is cold.

mibike

If you'r not using routes anyway then my biggest complaint with the etrex is not a problem for you. The click stick instead of buttons isn't as big of a problem. In that case I would go with the etrex 20 or 30 unless I got a good deal on the GPSMAP 62 or 64. The 20 is the same as the 30 but without Wireless communication, compass and altimeter. If you are not using any of them you can save $90 to $100 going with the 20.

My etrex 20 beep gets my attention most of the time but I can miss it in traffic or strong wind. I will glance at it now and then. More often in traffic or wind then when there are no cars or wind. I played around with the different tones and found the ones that are easiest for me to hear.