GPS: revisited

GPS: revisited



A few months ago I posted a brief review of the Garmin Vista Cx mapping GPS. That is based on the initial impression of that unit. Now that I've had some time to test it in some hiking trips, I feel obliged to update that review, in case someone might be interested.

Conclusion: Buy the 60csx if you need a serious gps that won't let you hang out dry.

This is what the Gamin website didn't tell you: The antenna in the Vista Cx is a patch type, versus the quadhelix in the 60csx. The difference between them are nights and days. With the Vista Cx, when I tested it on a trail moderately covered by trees, it constantly loses signal, even when I hand it from my neck with the lanyard. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE to me. Yes it is compact, and feature one-hand operation, but without a solid lock to 4 satellite it can't maintain trail and altitude data. This totally negates the main purpose of having a hiking GPS -- track back. The vista CX also loses connection easily inside a building even if it's sitting close to a window. I haven't tested it in a deep canyon but I suspect it won't surprise me in how quick it loses signal.

In contrast, the 60csx constantly locks to 8 or more satellite(that's twice of what you need). It has a built-in high sensitivity sensor that provides solid connection even in dense foliage or deep canyon. I can use it in my office with fluorescent light on. In my test on the same trail, the 60csx maintains solid connection (with some satellite to spare) when the vista cx failed. Besides, the 60csx takes much shorter time for a signal lock.

The 60csx also has a larger screen. Yes it's a little bulky (compared to the Vista Cx) but it comes with a belt clip. I can even put it in my pocket or backpack without worrying about signal loss. Realizing the limit of the Vista Cx and other similar models, Garmin now comes out with a Vista HCX model. The H stands for high sensitivity. It's supposed to improve signal reception. But, again, what they doesn't tell you, it's still a patch antenna. It's an improvement over the old Vista Cx, but in no way can it stand up against the 60csx.

One of the reasons that kept me away from the 60csx in the first place is the reported battery life. Garmin's website says 18 hours for the 60csx and 32 hours for the Vista Cx on 2 AA alkaline batteries. This is INCORRECT. In my experience the two has about the same battery life. Obviously it's inflated for the Vista Cx.

Sometimes I miss the one-hand operation of the Vista Cx but the 60csx's dedicated buttons definitely are designed for a reason. It just takes a little getting used to.

What happened to my Vista Cx? It now belongs to a female photographer in California. She still likes it. So, I give you the update, you decide.