Need GPS Help - New Bushnell technology, or Lowrance Freedom map?

F

FirstFreedom

Moderator
Wanting to get extensive map detail on creeks, terrain, flora cover, etc., onto my GPS. Weighing my options....

I have a Lowrance I-Finder, and so option 1 is spend $100 to get a plug-in module called a Freedom Map like this:

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Mapping/FreedomMaps/default_usaex.asp

which is supposed to:

new FreedomMaps™ USA EX cards offer over 3,000 inland U.S. lakes with depth contours [...] Also featuring topographic contour lines, elevations, overlapping coverage of state borders, exclusive hunting databases (WMAs, WMUs, GMUs, public lands, etc.), searchable Points-of-Interest database, and more.
Click to expand...

The bold part is very interesting to me, so I'd like to know more about that.

Option 2 is to save my money and eventually spend $200-$500 to replace the Lowrance with an Onix product from Bushnell, which is evidently on the cutting edge - it downloads aerial photos and other map overlays from a source database from the Bushnell website:

http://www.bushnellgps.com/products/products.htm

this seems like the preferable (though more expensive) option as it seems infinitely & continuously upgradeable, on the map detail, unlike the Freedom map. Also has aerial photos, which is kinda neat and potentially more helpful than just topo, etc.

Whaddya think?
 
I have a Garmin 76CS and it does everything you could ask for in a GPS.
My buddy up here has a Garmin on his airplane and he uses it for navigation. He recommended Garmin, so that's what I bought. It's very user friendly too.
It comes with a map program and I bought a more detailed program for my local hunting area to load on it.

Martyn
 
Anyone have a specific opinion as to whether to:

-Spend $100 to upgrade the Lowrance, or

-Spend $200-$500 plus periodic fees to upgrade completely to better technology, with Bushnell's layering system including aerials?

I'm thinking upgrade the Lowrance. Cheaper on the front end, and more importantly, no ongoing download fees. I'm not real keen on recurring expenses.

I'm just about to order the freedom map, but wanted to check to see if anyone was high on the Onix yet at this point, at the last minute here.
 
I like the concept of the Bushnell but on that small a screen what type of detail are you going to be able to really see in different light conditions? I would definatly prefer to see either before I plunk any money down.
 
The screen on the Bushnell ONIX 200CR is large enough to see clearly especially if you get the 200CR -CR meaning color screen which is very clear. I bought mine at Costco which includes several extras (case, recharger, batteries,etc) The AA lithium batteries have a very long life and you can use rechargeable and alkilines too, I paid $249 but may be returning it if I can not figure out how to down load the sat. photos and topos. It was easy to do with my Magellan 500CE but the Bushnell direction must have been translated from Chinese by someone who never saw a GPS. Their website is also very unclear and their 800 number is always busty.
It sounds like a great product but I am having a lot of problems with it. Attitude here is 5400 ft but the unit shows 1800 ft.
Can anyone here help with my downloading problems before I return the unit???
 
Guys, I got the Lowrance Freedom Maps now, but haven't played with it. PM me if you want some info, or I may post again after testing....

The Onix sounds pretty nice, but again, don't want a recurring expense.
 
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