Garmin Montana or alternative

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PearlyGates59
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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by PearlyGates59 »

Hi.

As a new advanced driver I'm keen to get working on the next level, however I don't have a dedicated GPS. I usually use my phone with an excellent app (Back Country Navigator Pro) which serves me very well. However I understand that club rules state I have to have a dedicated GPS.
I don't want to spend a fortune - just tick the box! Can anyone recommend a suitable alternative to the rather expensive Garmin? Thanks. Matt.
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scotchyl
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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by scotchyl »

Garmin is the way forward, aren't really other god devices which do the same thing but it can serve as a satnav aswell and is often more updateable than the inbuilt car units.

Any of the Montana but the higher number the better i.e. 680 rather than 650. Etc better functionality, screen. All use same software and imagery from garmin.

Monterra is next option up, I have it. Amazing resolution however it operates on android and whilst it has its benefits, it can be slow to load and sometimes has a hiccup mid trip.


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Zeebzog
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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by Zeebzog »

One big benefit of the Montana Garmin etc is that you can share way points whilst in the desert since they can connect to each other. Always good when you take over or relinquish the lead, no need to type and no errors.

Unfortunately you will also need to get a mount for it as an extra.

That all said, as something that I use every weekend, which so far has not had any issues I would definitely recommend.

I had a Monterra and returned it...I found it too unstable at the time, I am sure that the updates have improved it since I tried it.


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Re: Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by Ancient Mariner »

Montana is also rugged and waterproof - I use mine on my motorbike (when in UK and Europe) and can be used at sea (I've used it for independent speed checks) and hiking (just like a phone in a plastic bag can I suppose!) but also DesertDawg has posted loads of userguide stuff which is better than the Garmin guidance. I've also dropped it more than once (fell off dash as well) and no problems.

Second hand options come up on the forum now and again too.
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Georges
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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by Georges »

Montana for all the above :-)
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PearlyGates59
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Re: Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by PearlyGates59 »

Thanks all - useful to know! I guess I'll just have to take the plunge! My phone satnav hasn't let me down yet bit that said sharing waypoints between units is a plus and will save a lot of time! Right - Dubizzle here I come!

See you in the sand. Sorry I haven't been out much recently but family / visitors took priority!

Matt
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KarimAD
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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by KarimAD »

If I may ask: where s the best place to buy the Montana with the UAE maps? Or can I buy it in Europe with European maps and download the Middle eastern maps afterwards? Thanks vm.


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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by scotchyl »

Can buy anywhere and add road maps as you wish. It comes with basic road maps.


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Garmin Montana or alternative

Post by KarimAD »

Thanks vm!


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