want a good used, handheld GPS under $500

spiderweb

spiderweb

Final Approach
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Feb 22, 2005
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Ben
What is your recommendation and where should I get it?
 
Ben:

I've upgraded to a Garmin 396. If you want my old 296, let me know. Was about to put it on e-bay.

Dave
 
ebay search avaition gps - the selections are overwhelming and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for avaition stuff... in fact I see my Garmin GPS90 for ... YIKES! $80!!! wow - just like my stock portfolio! :-(
 
garmin 195 is always a fine choice, Ben.

Have you considered a good, new, GPS under $500.00? LIke maybe, a Lowrance Airmap 500? $349.00 at Pilotmall.com. For that matter, you can get the Airmap 1000 for $499.00- both are hum-dinger values.
 
Ken Ibold said:
I think you should buy an Apollo Precedus. In fact, I'll sell you mine for $100. Money back guarantee.
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What dat?
 
Dave Siciliano said:
Ben:

I've upgraded to a Garmin 396. If you want my old 296, let me know. Was about to put it on e-bay.

Dave
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I wouldn't want you to have to let that go for under $500! Thanks, though!
 
gkainz said:
ebay search avaition gps - the selections are overwhelming and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for avaition stuff... in fact I see my Garmin GPS90 for ... YIKES! $80!!! wow - just like my stock portfolio! :-(
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Can you put a flight plan into that, and are you selling on ebay?
 
SCCutler said:
garmin 195 is always a fine choice, Ben.

Have you considered a good, new, GPS under $500.00? LIke maybe, a Lowrance Airmap 500? $349.00 at Pilotmall.com. For that matter, you can get the Airmap 1000 for $499.00- both are hum-dinger values.
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Really! I don't know much about them. What is the Airmap 500 capable of?
 
You can put a flight plan into it (btw, it's not my GPS90 on ebay) ... the GPS90 is pretty old (even by my standards now) and it's no longer supported by Garmin with downloadable databases - the current database is too large for this antique. I don't think it would be the handheld of choice if flying IFR.

There are a number of Garmin GPSMAP295 Colors with a buy it now for $550-$699 - I realize that's over what you stated as your desired price, but if you play the auction, one could get one for less than the buy it now price.
 
wangmyers said:
I wouldn't want you to have to let that go for under $500! Thanks, though!
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Geesh Ben!

Glad you said that. I thought they were selling around there, but checked the web and see they are about double that. Thanks for the heads up. Probably will put it on E-bay.

Dave
 
SCCutler said:
garmin 195 is always a fine choice, Ben.

Have you considered a good, new, GPS under $500.00? LIke maybe, a Lowrance Airmap 500? $349.00 at Pilotmall.com. For that matter, you can get the Airmap 1000 for $499.00- both are hum-dinger values.
Click to expand...
I just bought an Airmap 500 for $321 at Avionics West. Don't ask me what it all does, though. It comes with a thick manual and does a thousand things, but all I know so far is direct to. Well, I can see when the satellites line up.

It also comes with a yoke mount that you can install in two seconds, and a car mount. Nice, big, easy-to-read screen.
 
Hey Ben,

I have a color Garmin 295 mounted in my Cherokee. It is great, i think it is a little over $500, but it is a great handheld.
 
Ben For your price range the Lowrance Airmap 500 is and Awesome selection. For the price its a no brainer. Ron Levy flys with one. Go to Sportys web site they have a great comparison sheet.
 
Toby said:
I just bought an Airmap 500 for $321 at Avionics West. Don't ask me what it all does, though. It comes with a thick manual and does a thousand things, but all I know so far is direct to. Well, I can see when the satellites line up.

It also comes with a yoke mount that you can install in two seconds, and a car mount. Nice, big, easy-to-read screen.
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Toby:

Long cross country trips are great to learn all 'bout how to use stuff!! (Hint, hint!). Most of mine are four hours or more of yawns after I'm at altitude. Engage Tom (Tom Cruise that is), and you'd be amazed at how much you can learn tinkerin with things and takin an occasional look at the manual. :hairraise:
 
Dave Siciliano said:
Toby:

Long cross country trips are great to learn all 'bout how to use stuff!! (Hint, hint!). Most of mine are four ho urs or more of yawns after I'm at altitude. Engage Tom (Tom Cruise that is), and you'd be amazed at how much you can learn tinkerin with things and takin an occasional look at the manual. :hairraise:
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Ah, it may be a good time to learn how to use the Loran, too. :)

All of my flights have been so short that I've been too busy to play with all the toys.
 
gkainz said:
You can put a flight plan into it (btw, it's not my GPS90 on ebay) ... the GPS90 is pretty old (even by my standards now) and it's no longer supported by Garmin with downloadable databases - the current database is too large for this antique. I don't think it would be the handheld of choice if flying IFR.

There are a number of Garmin GPSMAP295 Colors with a buy it now for $550-$699 - I realize that's over what you stated as your desired price, but if you play the auction, one could get one for less than the buy it now price.
Click to expand...

That is not a bad price at all. I may even get a back up one at that price.
 
Thanks for all of your advice, guys. I might go with the Lowrance Airmap 500
 
wangmyers said:
What dat?
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Google it and you'll find some old catalog pages still up. It was a top of the line $1000 handheld about 9 years ago. The first handheld with approach overlays, extended runway centerline, road map underneath the aviation stuff. Screen is vertical, as it should be. I can send complete details if you're interested.

There is a downloadable simulator here: http://www.gpsforvfr.com/download.htm
 
Dave: what is your impression about going from the 296 to the 396? is the difference only the XM capabilities? is it worth the extra $$? do you use the full or 'light' subscription?
 
mmilano said:
Dave: what is your impression about going from the 296 to the 396? is the difference only the XM capabilities? is it worth the extra $$? do you use the full or 'light' subscription?
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Hey Mike:

I've played with the 396 on two flights now. So, this isn't well researched.

Of course, the weather features are great! Not just Nexrad, but winds aloft, Metars, echo tops, lightning, freesing levels, airmets and sigments, surface analysis charts and all. In addition, TFR which weren't on the 296 and XM radio if you want it. Terrain is like the 296. TIS is you want it and flight plans can be entered.

For me, it's very well worth it. I used to do a thorough weather analysis before leaving the ground, then try to let Flight Watch keep me updated in route. I couldn't visualize what was going on ahead and was behind new system development. Now, while enroute, I can see data 5 to 15 minutes after release. I change altitudes based on winds aloft on the 396; change altitudes for cloud tops if icing is an issue or know where to go if it becomes one.

If one goes on long trips, has some flexibility as to altitude (such as in a turbocharged plane) and can really benefit from this extra info, it's great. On may trips I've taken in the past, the weather changed materially while I was enroute. Could be a complete crap shoot as to what would be going on as I arrived at my destination. Now, even though the weather still changes as much, I am much better prepared and can make plans to continue on, divert or pull up based on almost real time information.


I really do enjoy flying with this box.

Best,

Dave
 
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Well, the GPS in the rental has been fixed, so now I am wondering: is there anyone with a good used Armap 500?
 
Apollo Precedus

I have one, No antenna and no charger... I'd prob. need a battery too

Anyone have any idea where I could get that stuff?
 
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