I think this will be a very useful device once I learn to use it. I find the learning curve is very steep and long. I've downloaded and printed out the owner's manual and looked at some of the videos on the Garmin site and on Youtube. They all help, but I feel like I'm trying to drink from a fire hose.
Bought this to map out trails on our property. Worked great once I figured it out. Not very intuitive to use and instructions (both included and on line) are only marginally helpful. Also videos on website aren't specific to the 65s, but are close with some key differences. Takes some trial and error, but very powerful tool. Still figuring some things out. Altimeter calibration seems to be needed every time batteries are changed and you need to know an elevation or a barometric pressure where you are to calibrate. Not always easy to do in field
I've had this for a few months now. The GPS itself seems quite accurate and locks on to satellites quickly. That's about all the positive things I can say about it. The phone/PC environment to upload/download/sync is byzantine and horrific. The lack of any file mgmt capabilities on the GPS itself is inexcusable. I have a 20 year old Delorme Earthmate which could manage waypoints and tracks far better than this current unit. It takes a PC, a phone, and the GPS to manage waypoints and, even then, I cannot do what my old GPS could do. Very disappointed.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, July 19, 2024
Thank you for your review and experience with the GPSMAP 65s. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
I bought this for hiking trails so the topo maps are good. Also wanted some lake maps for my fishing. Although lake vu on this device doesn't support all the lake vu features, it is good enough to get me where I want to go. Already had a striker (no map) but this combo does the job and I didn't have to buy a whole new system (echomap). So I'm happy.