Dual G5's vs Aspen Evolution E5 vs Dual GI 275

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Brendon

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brendon7358
Price breakdown

Aspen Evolution E5 (Dual screens) $5,895
Dual G5 $6,440
Dual GI 275 $7,989

None of those include install but I would assume install is a similar cost for them all.

Upgrading a IFR certified 6 pack cherokee 140, no autopilot. Has a 430W we will be keeping regardless.

Thoughts? Prose and cons of each?

Is an owner install allowed on these? This is my first airplane so not 100% sure on what is allowed and what is not.
 
First question, can you see yourself adding an autopilot in the future?

If for example you like the GFC 500, then you need the G5.

You’ll need an IFR certification and logbook signature, so no you can’t install it.
 
MooneyDriver78 said:
First question, can you see yourself adding an autopilot in the future?

If for example you like the GFC 500, then you need the G5.

You’ll need an IFR certification and logbook signature, so no you can’t install it.
Click to expand...
No probably not. It's a 1964 PA28-140 it wouldn't really be worth it to install autopilot. The electronic gauges are really just to make IFR flying safer/easier.
 
I think all three will do the job just fine. This may not matter to you, but the only operational qualm I have with Aspen is, they have not adopted the “pink needle/green needle” motif. It’s easy enough to look at the bottom of the screen and your GPS to confirm CDI source selection, but the pink/green motif adds a good visual. It also helps if you like adding bearing pointers to see different colors.
 
I just upgraded my old SR22 with a pair of GI-275s and a GTX-345.

I did a lot of training several years ago in a plane with G5s and I liked them, but the 275s are bigger, brighter, clearer and more capable. I sprung for the SynVis module and that's sorta cool....but mostly love being able to flip between pure HSI functionality and the moving map screen with wx and traffic, and adjustable range...and the integration with the GTX-345 for ADSB in makes that possible.
 
Those aspens have very limited capability before you pay for the unlocks. And you have to buy the unlock for each if you want them both to have the capability…..
 
midlifeflyer said:
but the only operational qualm I have with Aspen is, they have not adopted the “pink needle/green needle” motif.
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You're not alone. I'd find that annoying too. Even the ancient Sandel SN3308 HSI's used a green/magenta(pink?) motif.
 
The G5s have excellent battery backup compared to the others - 4 hours each.
 
The GI275s beat the G5's in almost every catetgory - resolution, brightness, clarity and functionality. Not a fan of Aspens myself but some are. But between the two - I would not put the older tech G5's in if the price point is that close.
 
Your numbers are for the stock purchase. Installation of the HSI is much more. That GI-275 combo near me will sit you back $15-20k all considered. The Aspen will probably be much more competitive price wise.

I installed an Aspen 2000 combo on my plane and got most unlocks included with a summer special. The Aspen was my choice because of thr STEC 55x I already had and price. Had thr AP been different, I could definitely see the GI-275.
 
Honestly…in a pa28-140 I’d go the cheapest route. I’d install the dual G5’s. You won’t notice the difference between it and the higher priced garmin units if they are not side by side. It’s like 1080p vs 4k. I was at Best Buy with those side by side and still I could barely tell a difference and my profession is will visual displays (flight simulation).

Last year I went thought this, the same equipment you’re looking for my bonanza. I decided on the Dual G5’s flush mounted and I absolutely love it. I’ll upgrade my AP to the GFC 500 one day but for now I really really enjoy my dual G5’s. Would I like the other options better??? Not sure, maybe, but I don’t know any better and my set up suits me just fine. Mine are coupled to a Century III and it flies great and shoots the approaches just fine. What’s bizarre is mine was installed early 2023 and I was all in at around $8k installed. I bought my dual G5 kit and GAD13 for about 1300 less than what you’re showing so prices have gone up a good bit! Good luck in your decision, it won’t be a wrong one no matter what!
 
My only comment is IFR kinda blows without an autopilot. Even if you don’t install an autopilot now, you should plan on doing it some day. So, plan accordingly
 
wheaties said:
The Aspen will probably be much more competitive price wise
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While that MAY be true if there’s no AP involved, I found it not to be the case when I bid out my panel upgrade. Both the Aspen and the dual 275s were within a few hundred bucks - and the 275s are nicer, I think.
 
Brendon said:
Price breakdown

Aspen Evolution E5 (Dual screens) $5,895
Dual G5 $6,440
Dual GI 275 $7,989

None of those include install but I would assume install is a similar cost for them all.

Upgrading a IFR certified 6 pack cherokee 140, no autopilot. Has a 430W we will be keeping regardless.

Thoughts? Prose and cons of each?

Is an owner install allowed on these? This is my first airplane so not 100% sure on what is allowed and what is not.
Click to expand...
Aircraft Spruce sells the basic Aspen and G5s over the counter. If you want the more advanced features of the Aspen or the GI275s you’ll need to go through a dealer.

I just went through this debate and chose the Aspen paired to a GNX375 and am elbows deep in the install. The Aspen had more bang for the buck in my calculations, I’ll never have an autopilot in a Piper Colt, and mounting the RSM for the Aspen seems easier than finding a spot in my fabric airplane for the magnetometer garmin uses.

Another consideration on the G5s, if you plan to join it with something the the GNX375 or GPS 125 you’ll need extra electronic boxes so they can talk to each other.
 
I just went through this same process and ended up deciding on the dual GI-275’s. My avionics guy did not recommend the aspen even though it does look to be very capable. The price difference was not that much for the 2 different Garmin products so I went with the newer units to future proof as much as I can. Also, with the dual GI-275’s, they can replace the entire 6 pack as primary instruments which will clean my panel up. I’m not ever going to do a Garmin autopilot because of the costs, but might do a trio unit if it ever becomes certified for my Beech Sierra. Here are the installed costs from my avionics guy:

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I’m in Panama City, Florida so the prices may be different in your area. I imagine that any of the 3 options will be awesome in an old plane like yours or mine though. Good luck.
 
Brendon said:
Price breakdown

Aspen Evolution E5 (Dual screens) $5,895
Dual G5 $6,440
Dual GI 275 $7,989

None of those include install but I would assume install is a similar cost for them all.

Upgrading a IFR certified 6 pack cherokee 140, no autopilot. Has a 430W we will be keeping regardless.

Thoughts? Prose and cons of each?

Is an owner install allowed on these? This is my first airplane so not 100% sure on what is allowed and what is not.
Click to expand...
Wow! I’ve been considering the same thing recently. Thanks for the thread.
 
Aspen has some super deals for Oshkosh, or at least did last year.
 
Check with Lafayette Avionics, they have a sale now and depending on what state you live in will ship without sales tax.

avionics-laf.com

Lafayette Avionics FAA Certified Garmin Avidyne Appareo Stratus ADS-B

Official Site of Lafayette Avionics Inc FAA Certified Repair Station KH2R952K Garmin Authorized Dealer G5 PFD HSI ADS-B ADSB 1090ES UAT GI 275 GTX335 GFC500 GMA342 GMA345 Avidyne IFD 550 545 540 440 Installation Install WAAS GPS SBAS Transponder Autopilot Audio Appareo STRATUS ESG ES PS...
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Garmin G5 HSI with GAD29B or GAD29D and GMU11 w/LPM
Garmin G5 HSI with GAD29B or GAD29D and GMU11 w/LPM


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Garmin G5 Certified Electronic Flight Instrument w/LPM
Garmin G5 Certified Electronic Flight Instrument w/LPM


$2,480.00
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Aspen E5 IFR Dual Electronic Flight Instrument
Aspen E5 IFR Dual Electronic Flight Instrument


$4,495.00
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$4,495.00
 
Hello All

Does anyone have any feedback on the Uavionix products please?
 
I was faced with the same choice, minus the GI-275 which didn't exist at the time. I went with the G5s to get dual redundancy, longer backup battery time, and future compatibility with a Garmin autopilot if needed to replace my legacy STEC autopilot. They are brilliant for IFR.
 
Putco said:
Does anyone have any feedback on the Uavionix products please?
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While they're approved for IFR operation, they are not yet approved for IFR navigation.
 
I would avoid the aspens. I have one as a backup. Doesn’t really impress me.

Also, 2 G5s or GI275s means you have a backup. A single Aspen is not.
 
Brendon said:
Price breakdown

Aspen Evolution E5 (Dual screens) $5,895
Dual G5 $6,440
Dual GI 275 $7,989

None of those include install but I would assume install is a similar cost for them all.

Upgrading a IFR certified 6 pack cherokee 140, no autopilot. Has a 430W we will be keeping regardless.

Thoughts? Prose and cons of each?

Is an owner install allowed on these? This is my first airplane so not 100% sure on what is allowed and what is not.
Click to expand...
And what are your autopilot desires or existing? That seems to be a big chunk missing from the picture. If you want a GFC500 the aspen is out IMHO.
 
I went with the two G 5s to eliminate my vacuum system in my Cessna 150
 
It's amazing how fast stuff seems to age...

I liked the Aspen when I first flew with it. That was 11 years ago!
I liked the G5 when I first flew with it. That was probably 5 years ago.

The Aspen was introduced in 2008, 16 years ago.
The G5 was introduced in 2017, 7 years ago.
The GI-275 was introduced in 2020, 4 years ago.

They do really seem to keep getting better and better. I flew with an Aspen a few months ago for the first time in years, and to be honest it felt a little old - a little lower resolution than the others and a slower refresh rate. It was noticeable. But, of course, I never noticed any of that when I first flew with it years ago.
 
RussR said:
It's amazing how fast stuff seems to age...

I liked the Aspen when I first flew with it. That was 11 years ago!
I liked the G5 when I first flew with it. That was probably 5 years ago.

The Aspen was introduced in 2008, 16 years ago.
The G5 was introduced in 2017, 7 years ago.
The GI-275 was introduced in 2020, 4 years ago.

They do really seem to keep getting better and better. I flew with an Aspen a few months ago for the first time in years, and to be honest it felt a little old - a little lower resolution than the others and a slower refresh rate. It was noticeable. But, of course, I never noticed any of that when I first flew with it years ago. great
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I had my aspen updated 2 years ago to the max unit. It's a lot better with a zillion pixels and faster refresh rate.It also plays really well with the Stec3100.
 
Putco said:
Hello All

Does anyone have any feedback on the Uavionix products please?
Click to expand...
asicer said:
While they're approved for IFR operation, they are not yet approved for IFR navigation.
Click to expand...
Nope, they just announced at sun n fun they are releasing full IFR autopilot and HSI addon modules for certified later this year. We upgraded our cherokee to eleminate the Vaccum system after it failed and for dual AV-30Cs and an AV-20 and couldnt be happier. Saved a LOAD of money. 9,419.96 was the final price for having the vaccum system removed, All 3 Avionics installed and magnetromer and OAT installed.
 
Rebel Lord said:
Nope, they just announced at sun n fun they are releasing full IFR autopilot and HSI addon modules for certified later this year.
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Uh, I don't know about your sense of time but to me "later this year" still qualifies as "not yet".

Also, they don't exactly have a good history of hitting their target dates.
 
Don't know what Brendon (the OP) ended up doing, but IMHO it also depends on how long you'll own the plane. If it's your "last plane", then get the most advanced you can, as you'll appreciate the extra years of not being obsolete.

In other words, get the G 275s.
 
I have a lovely Mooney 20S (Screaming Eagle) currently with a legacy Aspen, which I like, a troublesome sTec 30 which I don’t like, a Garmin 650, which is very capable. I’m going to replace my old autopilot with a Garmin 500. I had planned to install an Aspen 2000 pro max, but it won’t play well with the Garmin autopilot. So that leaves me wondering if these elderly eyes will find all the tiny print on the pair of 275s to be useful, or if I will be just as happy with the simpler, cheaper, older tech G5s. Will I be enough happier with the resale value of the 275s to be worth the extra $? The mechanic offers to cut a new panel to fit this wondermus stuff in, and lose the vacuum system. Voices of experience most appreciated!
 
Amelia said:
I have a lovely Mooney 20S (Screaming Eagle) currently with a legacy Aspen, which I like, a troublesome sTec 30 which I don’t like, a Garmin 650, which is very capable. I’m going to replace my old autopilot with a Garmin 500. I had planned to install an Aspen 2000 pro max, but it won’t play well with the Garmin autopilot. So that leaves me wondering if these elderly eyes will find all the tiny print on the pair of 275s to be useful, or if I will be just as happy with the simpler, cheaper, older tech G5s. Will I be enough happier with the resale value of the 275s to be worth the extra $? The mechanic offers to cut a new panel to fit this wondermus stuff in, and lose the vacuum system. Voices of experience most appreciated!
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I just put in a GFC500 to replace a KAP140A/S, put in a pair of GI275's, removed the vacuum system. If I didn't already have a JPI830 I would have opted for a third 275 for EIS. Yes, the screen packs a bunch of information in a small space but the much higher screen resolution and capabilities of the 275 are worth it unless you already had a pair of g5's installed. I am 61 and wear trifocals and have no issue resolving data on the 275's. My only issue is I am new to the layout on 'glass' and it took a while to accommodate my scan. If you are accustomed to the Aspen, it should be no problem. I would not opt for the older technology in the G5; I have flown behind G5's and they are much better than steam but the GI275 is superior in my experience.
 
I just put a pair of GI 275s in my old Gen1 SR22 and my old 57 year old eyes love them.
 
Amelia said:
I have a lovely Mooney 20S (Screaming Eagle) currently with a legacy Aspen, which I like, a troublesome sTec 30 which I don’t like, a Garmin 650, which is very capable. I’m going to replace my old autopilot with a Garmin 500. I had planned to install an Aspen 2000 pro max, but it won’t play well with the Garmin autopilot. So that leaves me wondering if these elderly eyes will find all the tiny print on the pair of 275s to be useful, or if I will be just as happy with the simpler, cheaper, older tech G5s. Will I be enough happier with the resale value of the 275s to be worth the extra $? The mechanic offers to cut a new panel to fit this wondermus stuff in, and lose the vacuum system. Voices of experience most appreciated!
Click to expand...

Why not an STEC-3100? Also, I’d do a G5 over the 275s, just to get rid of the vac system.
 
My mechanic and avionics guy don’t like the 3100 for some reason. They agree it is prone to troubles. .
 
TCABM said:
Why not an STEC-3100? Also, I’d do a G5 over the 275s, just to get rid of the vac system.
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?? You can get rid of the Vac with GI275's also. They are less expensive (G5's) but you do lose a lot of capability compared to a 275. If I already had G5's, and it was a long term A/C, I would opt for the 275's; short term A/C, definitely stick with the G5.
 
robin ardoin said:
?? You can get rid of the Vac with GI275's also. They are less expensive (G5's) but you do lose a lot of capability compared to a 275. If I already had G5's, and it was a long term A/C, I would opt for the 275's; short term A/C, definitely stick with the G5.
Click to expand...

Eh, six of one/half-dozen of the other for me, but here’s my thought process.

1. If I was the OP and wanted to get rid of the current aspen, then I’d likely do 3x GI-275s and a GFC500. That gives me primary AI, HSI, and EIS that plays well with the existing GTN. If OP has the existing Moritz guages AND no engine monitor, that’s a lot of bang for the buck.

2. If I’m keeping the current Aspen, the G5 AI gives me everything I need while saving a few hundo and maybe limiting downtime in the shop, assuming budget is a factor.

3. If budget isn’t a factor, I’m heading for a complete redo with dual screen PFD/MFD, electronic AI, and no vac system.
 
Thank you all! You’re persuasive. I’m leaning toward the pair of gi275s to go with a gfc500. I already have a jpi830, though if I had a 930 or possibly the Garmin EID, I could clean up the panel even more and bid the Moritz gauges goodbye. The beloved older Aspen may find its way to eBay.
 
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