Garmin Rino 655t vs 650

[skandlus]

I will be purchasing a pair of Rinos soon and need input on these models... there are 3 differences I can see:

1. 655 is $100 more
2. 655 comes with a (preloaded??) 100k map
3. 655 has a 5mp camera

I have had and used the Garmin series for several yrs but let one of the kids use it and now its lost... when I did use it, I downloaded the free AZ topo map from gpsfile depot and it worked great. Only prob I remember was I couldn't get the whole state on the unit and if I wanted to change the map I would lose my waypoints. I have an elk hunt in NM and deer in AZ and would like to keep all my waypoints using the best/most detailed maps available.

also, are these rinos like the typical radios that only work if your within site of the other guy?

 

[squirrelduster]

I've been looking at them also.
The camera and the preloaded topo map is the only difference I can see between the two.
I have 2 150's now and they work pretty well. The range is better than most consumer grade radios and they only have 1 watt. I think the 5 watt should work pretty well.

 

[HuntnID]

I have the 655T. Having the preloaded topo map is pretty nice but if I were to do it all over again, I would get the 650 and buy the HuntingGPSMaps.com SD card. I ended up buynig one for my 655T and now I don't use the preloaded map at all.

The radios work pretty well. You don't have to be line of sight but the same side of the mountain is almost a requirement. I was approximately 4 miles away from my brother who also has one. We were on the same side of the mountain, separated by several ridges and I was able to hear him fine.

In short, buy it...I'm glad I did. I really enjoy using mine.

 

[skandlus]

I decided on the 650s, ordered 4 of them & used them is weekend. Since everyone has a cellfone w/cam & I wanted 24k:1 maps, there was no need for spending the extra $100/each. I used the free topos from gpsfiledepot. I went to buy the huntingmaps sd but they were sold out at sportsmans. Whoever designed the chargerplug was definately a company man cuz that plug is stupid.

 

[MNhunter86]

I decided on the 650s, ordered 4 of them & used them is weekend. Since everyone has a cellfone w/cam & I wanted 24k:1 maps, there was no need for spending the extra $100/each. I used the free topos from gpsfiledepot. I went to buy the huntingmaps sd but they were sold out at sportsmans. Whoever designed the chargerplug was definately a company man cuz that plug is stupid.

So I'm in the market for a new GPS and I really like the look and features of this unit, I'm just skeptical of the touch screen in the cold or with gloves on. Also can you give a review on how well the radio works range wise? If I pick one up I'm sure I can talk my hunting buddies into getting them if its a decent unit after they try it out.

Thanks in advance as I know this is kind of an old thread but I figured it would give you guys time to use and abuse your equipment to give it a real world test.

 

[FULLFAN]

The touch screen is a no go while wearing gloves. I have the onx hunt chip in mine. But when I downloaded the birds eye view, there was to much clutter when it was zoomed in close. So I removed the chip and just went w the birds eye. The radio works well, if the crew I hunt with is on the same side of the mountain as I am we can talk 5 miles.

But if they are on the other side, they have to be less than a mile. I did talk to a one guy that was 19 miles which was line of sight tho.

Battery life appears to be good. A 100% charge will last me in the neighborhood of 24 hours of using the gps and radio.

Overall I am happy with mine, and would not hesitate to buy it again.