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So I've finally saved up the cash and I'm ready to buy a unit. I could use a little advice.

Initially I was looking at one of the Garmin Etrex units. I like the features they have and they seem to be pretty light and functional. Everything I hear is that Garmin is really the way to go over the other brands.

Now my brother and a hunting buddy are telling me I should really consider one of the Rino units. They don't have one yet, but when they do they are thinking it might be nice if we all have these units to keep track of where each other are.

I've had some trouble figuring out if the Rino units have all of the same features, or which ones they don't.

For instance - do the Rino units have the hunting and fishing tables? Do they have the sunrise and sunset times? Any other features from the Etrex units that are/aren't available in the Rino units? And does anyone know how much time I can expect on a set of batteries.

Due to finances, I'm probably looking at the 120 right now. Any help/advice would sure be appreciated.

Seems like there was an earlier thread about these units, and everyone tended to like them - but I don't remember seeing the answers to these particular questions.

I can't speak for the Rhinos and if you're set on that type don't let me dissuade you. OTOH, if what you want is a good reliable unit at a basic unit price, I believe the Garmin GPS 72 is a hard one to beat. It's bigger than the eTrexs but it still fits handily in a pocket. It isn't heavy, is light enough to float, and it has a screen larger than the small units which makes it easier to read, a feature you might like especially if you are at an age where your vision is changing and/or you plan to use it with a moving over-road vehicle.

We've got the Rhino 530's and dig 'em....but I used the 120 model for a week or so this season. They work well, and I recommend them. I don't know if they have the fishing tables, or sunset/rise. I swapped batt's out regularly, think I only used each set for a day...though they didn't go dead.

You can do the waypoint thing, talk to your pals, see where everyone's at, etc....

I just purchased a Garmin eTrex legend. I have not been able to try it in the field, but after playing with it a couple of days I think that I will really enjoy it. Seems to be real easy to use and I am very pleased with the unit.

I have Garmin 130's and love them as soon as I figured out to not encrypt the transmit (couldn't hear my other hunting partner).

Anyway the point compass function on the GPS kicks butt.

Spot

I've been using Garmins heavily since early 1997. GPS-28, GPS-48 (iirc), GPS-II+, eMap, GPS-III+, GPS-IV, etrex, and currently the 60CS. I really like the features, processing speed and large color display of the 60CS. I'm considering the rhino-530 with the integrated radio, but the display is just a little smaller than my 60cs. Waiting to see what the next Rhino looks like... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks everyone. I sure appreciate the input.

I was looking for something to primarily take on backpacking trips where we do a little fishing in a wilderness area a couple of times a year and shortcuts are always welcome. I figured to use it for hunting too, but my hunting trips aren't pack trips. They are all from the comfort of a camp reached by vehicle.

I liked the etrex initially due to being small, light weight, and using "regular" type batteries I could pack along.

It is more my brother and friend who are influencing me towards the rino models. I'll have to admit we've had more than one experience of splitting up in the woods which leads several hours later to a discussion on the radio that goes something like "where are you?" followed by "listen for this" accompanied by sometimes a whistle or the sound of someone whacking a tree with a dead limb.

With that in mind, some of their desire to go the way of the rino makes sense.