Etrex vista hcx vs hcx

Unless the Cx is a lot less money, I would get the HCx. I just downloaded and installed the new firmware today and haven't tested my Vista HCx out with it yet, but the previous firmware I downloaded helped the Trip Odometer issue, something that is important to some, not so much for others. Get the HCX! Their latest firmware update, just made available this week, appears to go a long way toward correcting it. None of the other "Find" options have this delay.

If I get impatient and click it again, it eventually processes that extra click as if I were already in the "Recent Finds" window and had selected the first item on the list. Very irritating. This works if the unit is at full battery strength 4 bars.

If it's less than full strength, there is a noticeable delay: the map screen pops up, but it is completely blank. Even with this annoyances, I personally would go for the HCx for two reasons: the high-sensitivity chip is the only one that works in our car with tinted windows. Others aren't able to get a strong enough signal, and we had had to resort to using a repeating antenna and were always getting snagged in its wires. I don't expect the compass to be accurate enough for true navigation, just want it to give me a general direction and in this capacity it has always worked perfectly when used properly knowing it's limitations.

I have the Vista HCx and use the compass. I shopped around a lot and when I purchased it, the difference in price wasn't so much to make me get the Legend HCx. I hear this talk about a electric compass and I'm wondering if we're talking about the same that I experience with my new vista HCx.

When am approaching a cache I watch the black triangle on my topo map and it points me in the right direction since the arrow on the map is always pointing in the direction am pointing the device. I don't see the need to look at the "rotating compass ring" as described in the manual. It's not that am not experienced with a comapss. Before getting my unit last month I found all the things I was looking for in the woods old homestead foundations with a simple compass and map.

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Paste as plain text instead. I will inevitably be going on hikes where accurate distance data will be useful I upgraded my 60C for a Vista HCx, and for the money difference, couldnt be happier.

I like the smaller form factor, and I ordered the etrex case from Amazon and it appears that they are stocking the new cases that fit the HCx, so all in all I am a happy customer although I havnet been caching with it yet.

For me the difference was size. It is easier to look inconspicuous with it and will fit in your pocket. The 60CSx is much larger but more rugged and better antenna if you are in the woods alot. I ended up going with the Vista HCx because of size. Thanks for your thoughts people. It's positive to hear you are happy so far with your HCx also. I believe I will be going with the HCx as well.

I just have to hope hope hope HOPE that the odometer issue will, in fact, be fixed with an update soon. I guess ultimatly it doesn't affect the primary function of the device Can anyone tell me how do these two units compare in terms of performance? Is there really a difference in terms of processing hardware between the two units, or is it just me? Completely different hardware.

The two chips seem to be similiar in performance, but few side-by-side comparrisons have been performed, and none that I've seen discussed refresh rate. I suggest you check the settings to make sure the power saving mode is turned off on both units, and that the level of detail shown is comparable on both models apples to apples.

Glenn, you're talking about the GPS chipset, and about that I do know that both models have different electronics. I'm talking about the other hardware that makes the device But accordingly to what you said, one would expect that the Vista HCx would be faster than the 60 CSx. I suppose that in the end it's just my impression and this isn't really an issue.

Nevertheless as soon as I get the opportunity I'll do a side by side comparison in order to clear this out. I know it's been a month, but no one answered this question. For those who may care, the answer is that neither the 60CSx nor the Vista HCx will record barometric data while powered down. I didn't need it, but it's a shame for those who did that Garmin dropped the feature in newer models.

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Paste as plain text instead. Only 75 emoji are allowed. Display as a link instead. Clear editor. Upload or insert images from URL. All Activity Home Geocaching and Followers 5. Reply to this topic Start new topic. Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2. Recommended Posts. Posted July 16, edited. I have an old eTrex Vista and want to upgrade, but can't decide.

Any thoughts? Link to comment. Posted July 16, Rhialto Posted July 16, Edited July 16, by Rhialto. You can run a side by side comparison at Garmin for features. In terms of functionality, I don't think that there are any material differences.

Posted July 17, Rhialto Posted July 17, GeoBobC Posted July 17, Posted July 18, edited. Of course it's nice on the 30 not to have to deal with file size limitations. The 30 is faster, smaller, and has some nice bells and whistles love the alarm clock for bikepacking. My main complaint with the 30 is that the unit's odometer cannot be reset. Also the trip odometer cannot be reset without resetting other trip data as well. With the Vista I had become accustomed running 2 odometers Not a huge deal but for biking long distances I really liked having 2 independently resettable odometers.

I like the alarm clock too. Do they have a elevation profile feature? I'm a pathetic gear head, known for buying WAY too many unnecessary gadgets. But I'm sticking with my Vista HCx. I just don't see enough reasons for upgrading this time around. Not because the 30 isn't great, just that the HCx is almost perfect!

At least this is the reason I consider upgrading from an etrex legend hcx, because I would like to have the flexibility to transfer tracks from any computer or even cell phones with USB OTG without the need of a special transfer software.

Are there special restrictions?