Cx or HCx?

[gergak]

I'm looking to replace my Legend that I lost in Ecuador, and need to know if there is enough of a difference between the Cx and HCx to justify the price difference (1/2 the cost)? Does the "H" really get that much better reception?

[mtboy]

I don't know if there is a big difference. I say, go with the oregon!

The early series oregon models have a dimmer screen that I don't like in the sunshine. Other than that, I really prefer the touch screen interface over the traditional.

I am sure people in here have opinions on the subject.

Just don't get a magellan.

[Malcore]

I agree with mtboy that the best way to go for many reasons is the Oregon. But if your not wanting to spend that much then it is definitely worth getting the HCx. In my experience and testing the difference between Cx and HCx is the 'H' means 'high sensitivity', which is a misnomer. What it really is is more accurate when you have a good signal. Its only a little more sensitive in heavy cover then the Cx. The HCx seems to acquire satellites faster then the Cx but most times that doesn't matter. An example is when your accuracy is showing 19' - 20' on the Cx the HCx will be showing 9' - 10'. There are a few models (Venture, Summit, Legend, Vista) and even a couple new models of the old standby GPCMAP60CSx which is the best gps in deep tree cover. But the new models are even more expensive.
I think the best bang for the buck is the Vista HCx and thats the one I bought as a backup to my 60CSx.

Some internet prices I found.
Venture HC $115
Summit HC $175
Legend HCx $183
Vista HCx $209
GPSMAP60CSx $350
GPSMAP62 $295
GPSMAP62s $382
GPSMAP62st $482
Oregon 550t $511

Hope some of this helps.

[NorthWes]

Sage advice from Malcore. My five year old Vista does a great job, but is beginning to show signs of heavy use (as if it's got a connection loose sometimes - gee, ya think after 5 years of the kind of use I've put it through?). The Vista HCx at just over $200 is a quantum leap over what I'm using now (better antenna and wow would the memory card be nice!). Not sure I can justify nearly $600 for an Oregon... but then again I started caching using a Garmin 12 with serial cable (and looked up one of my old GPS tracks from 2004 I'd downloaded from it just last night).

[mtboy]

Wow, Oregon's are running $500? I think I paid $250 at REI on some crazy sale, and used store credit for most of that.

For $500, I would stick with the vista HCX.

[ladybugkids]

If you already have the Garmin Topo maps you can purchase a Garmin 450 (no t) for around $300 and load your own maps.

The 550t that was quoted is the top of the line Oregon with North American Topos already loaded and a built-in digital camera.

There is a very nice Garmin Oregon wiki here.

[tinman4x]

I recently lost my trusty 60Cx, guess what that means? Yep, you guessed it, Angelfire25 got a brand new 62s and I am once again a 60Cx owner. It's seems to be a pretty nice unit but the jury is still out, we'll know more in a week or so I'm sure.