Handheld GPS Navigation - Garmin 76CSX Review

This superb Handheld GPS Navigation Unit boasts a highly sensitive GPS receiver by SiRF. It is primarily aimed towards mariners and boaters, however it will track your position in canyons and under dense cover too. It has an integral electric compass and barometric altimeter Weighing in at a slight 7.6 ounces. It is ready to take you wherever you wish to go, on land or water.

Handheld GPS Navigation - Garmin 76CSX Review - Our Opinion:

The 133 reviews found on this product were generally very positive. 112 customers gave the product 4* or 5 * ratings, infact 78 of them gave it the maximum of 5*. The remaining customer reviews were nine 3*, three 2*, and nine 1* ratings.

The overall consensus of opinion is that this is a great unit on land or water, it is accurate easy to use and loved by many. The negatives were for mixed reasons, but it has to be said that for that any negative points made were counter-balanced by so many positives on the same subject.

There is now a new model available, the Garmin GPSMAP 78SC 2.6 inch, Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter, it is more expensive but already has only the maximum of 5* ratings.

Handheld GPS Navigation - Garmin 76CSX Review of Features:

The 76CSx's 2.6 inch LED Backlit display is in TFT color, and is easy to interpret in all kinds of weathers thanks to the bright sunlight readable screen, so you should be able to read the maps and trip information with ease.

The on board trip computer provides you with an odometer, moving average, stop time, overall average, max speed, total time, and more. The rapid processor provides you with auto routing, audio alerts, and turn by turn directions.

Another great feature on the 76CSx is the 10,000 point automatic track log. This includes 20 saved tracks with 500 points to each. It allows you to retrace your route in both directions.

The barometric altimeter features automatic pressure trend recording, and will give you data on current elevation, maximum and minimum elevation, ascent and descent rates, averages and totals of ascents and descents. The on board electronic compass provides you with accurate headings while standing still.

The Garmin 76CSX also features a removable microSD card, this allows you to use it for detailed mapping memory. If you choose to use the optional MapSource software you can store it on the inclusive micro SD card. You could also opt to purchase pre-programmed SD cards from Garmin that include information such as topographic maps, nautical charts, and city streets. The unit already has a preloaded Americas autoroute basemap, this will give info on automatic routing capabilities, to include highways and exits. There is also a preloaded marine point database and tide data.

The lightweight and case is up to the task too, it is rugged and water resistant. It is up to the required IEC standards, and can therefore be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, so an accidental drop in a stream will not harm it. Another great feature that is well liked amongst mariners is that fact that this great piece of kit actually floats on the water! Even the SD card slot is situated within the waterproof battery compartment.

Other features of the Garmin 76CSX include a good battery life, up to 20 hours when using two AA Alkaline batteries. There are hunting and fishing timetables, and sun and moon info too. There are also audible alarms for anchor drag, off course, arrival, clock, and proximity waypoint.

So if you are looking for a Handheld GPS Navigation unit, and having read the Garmin76CSX review, you will more than likely compare this to others on the market and make the best choice for your circumstances.