[SCRBen]

Do you boys in the US have the same choice of 2 major brands of sat nav as we do in the U.K.? Any preferences.....?

I’ve had a Garmin for nigh on 10 years now, and it’s not without issue. Having said that, I’m well familiar with it’s quirks now, and am quite comfortable with using Basecamp to plan my trips - which will be useful for the upcoming ‘Big Trip’ (TM). I’m sure they’re much better now as well, and the Garmin’s are certainly cheaper. In fact, my mind was made up to just get another Garmin, until I happened across this U.K. comparison of the latest Garmin v TomTom, which the latter won conclusively, 10 - 4:

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesoci...armin-review-which-is-best-motorcycle-sat-nav

And no, I don’t just want to use my phone!! :smile2:
Ben

 

[Dread]

Garmin, but it is better here off road map-wise than the Tom-Tom. I had a Tomtom before and really liked it, but now I roll with Garmin because it is easier to interface with other users. Both have their quirks, both have a lot of good.

 

[Dread]

Also let me add if I were only riding roads Tomtom would totally be in mix. I really liked the one I had 10 years ago.

 

[Schu]

I have a Garmin, but prefer my phone........

 

[flatrack]

I prefer reading glasses and a paper road map.

 

[jobirobi]

What is this, 2007? Get a really solid phone mount, and a hands-free maps/navigation app man!

 

[Schu]

I prefer reading glasses and a paper road map.

Ha ha. I think I still have the maps I used to ride from Michigan to Florida back in 1978. It rained everyday on the way back to Michigan. You could hardly tell the front of the map from the back of the map, and it was nearly in pieces. And imagine riding all that way without a phone!

 

[flatrack]

I usually just go with bad directions scrawled on the back of a napkin.

 

[Dread]

What is this, 2007? Get a really solid phone mount, and a hands-free maps/navigation app man!

Haha, this is so true. My last trip I had my Garmin and my phone on my bars, pretty much only used my phone. But I do still use a gps in the backcountry.

 

[SCRBen]

Y’ll forgot sextant - maybe I’ll just get one of those!!
Ben

 

[Skidbladnr]

Phone using Google maps with an earbud in one ear. Once while walking downtown had a guy stop me and ask if I knew the quickest way to the county lockup. Told him I didn't know but if I had to guess ... Punch a cop?

 

[Schu]

Y’ll forgot sextant - maybe I’ll just get one of those!!
Ben

Your maps seem to be done in a completely different format than ours.
Cart paths versus grid patterns. It would be interesting to know who's GPS talks less with the verbal directions.

 

[jobirobi]

Your maps seem to be done in a completely different format than ours.
Cart paths versus grid patterns. It would be interesting to know who's GPS talks less with the verbal directions.

¿Por qué no los dos?

Pictured: my neck of the woods

 

[SCRBen]

Cart paths versus grid patterns......

Exactly, and also bear in mind I’ll be going through 4 different countries (excluding mine) in the week, with a couple of different languages (and hybrids of those, what with Belgian and Dutch), four different sets of road signs and rules, not to mention they all drive on the wrong side of the road smile2, and a dedicated navigation device starts to make more sense. Add to that I can plan parts of the route beforehand, to ensure we hit the good curves, and they also have features like finding the curvy roads for you.....
Ben

 

[bmw111]

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 64s and a RAM mount. The thing is bulletproof old-style navigation but can do more than Google Maps. And it uses large, glove-proof buttons with positive feedback. Don't have to stop and take off your gloves or wear fancy schmancy "e-gloves" in order to use it while riding. Waterproof, charge lasts for days, runs off cheap and available everywhere AA batteries.

Sure, for putting down to a new restaurant or a couple-hour ride on the weekend the phones are fine but I suggest the real deal.

 

[eddie]

I usually just go with bad directions scrawled on the back of a napkin.

I like your thinking!
Although I must confess to having gone high tech with laminated maps and a grease pencil.

 

[SCRBen]

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 64s and a RAM mount. The thing is bulletproof old-style navigation but can do more than Google Maps. And it uses large, glove-proof buttons with positive feedback. Don't have to stop and take off your gloves or wear fancy schmancy "e-gloves" in order to use it while riding. Waterproof, charge lasts for days, runs off cheap and available everywhere AA batteries.

Sure, for putting down to a new restaurant or a couple-hour ride on the weekend the phones are fine but I suggest the real deal.

Agreed - already ordered a Garmin, ignoring the ‘comedians’ on here!! :grin2:
Ben

 

[Dread]

Agreed - already ordered a Garmin, ignoring the ‘comedians’ on here!! :grin2:
Ben

Whaaaaa . . . You ignored the sage advice offered over the internets?!?! Next thing you know you will be telling us you believe in vaccinations and science ‘n stuff . . .

 

[SCRBen]

Agreed - already ordered a Garmin, ignoring the ‘comedians’ on here!! :grin2:
Ben

Whaaaaa . . . You ignored the sage advice offered over the internets?!?! Next thing you know you will be telling us you believe in vaccinations and science ‘n stuff . . .

I only agree with online advice when it’s what I want to hear. What.....is that not right?!
Ben

 

[bmw111]

Agreed - already ordered a Garmin, ignoring the ‘comedians’ on here!! :grin2:
Ben

:grin2:

Let us know what you get and if it performs as expected on your tour.