Our Verdict
The Garmin GPSMAP 66st is really a suped-up rendition of different models offered inside the generally very good quality GPSMAP arrangement — effectively acquiring our Editors’ Choice honor. The GPSMAP 66st uses a high-powered, quad-helix antenna, and includes an astounding 16 GB of memory (not counting the additional microSD cards you’ll increase quadruple the storage.).
This unit can map thousands of waypoints, provide satellite imagery, and update you on the weather, either on the device or linked to your phone. While the essential functions were intuitive, a number of the more advanced features — just like the Bluetooth connectivity — were complicated to setup. But if you recognize your way around GPS units, and are trying to find a highly capable device for logging tons of knowledge, this could be your top choice.
Garmin GPSMAP 66st GPS
GPS Rugged Multi-satellite Handheld with Sensors and Topo Maps, 3″ Color Display
- Premium GPS handheld with Birdseye Satellite Imagery membership and TOPO maps
- Enormous, 3″ daylight intelligible shading show for simple review. Show size – 1.5 W x 2.5 H inch (3.8 x 6.3 cm); 3 inch diag (7.6 cm)
- Numerous Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) backing to follow your movements in more testing conditions than GPS alone in addition to a three-pivot compass and barometric altimeter
- Admittance to Birdseye Satellite Imagery with direct-to-gadget downloads and no yearly membership and preloaded TOPO U.S. also, Canada maps
- Extended remote availability underpins Active Weather for modern estimates and energized climate radar and Geocaching Live for versatile matching up and refreshes
Performance Comparison Products Table
In the field, we found the Garmin GPSMAP 66st to measure up to its reputation. When mapping old mountain biking trails in Southwestern Utah, we were ready to leave and simply devour the trail again, instead of being forever lost among the ocean of junipers.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | MasTrack Hardwired Real Time GPS Vehicle TrackerAmazon Choice
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 | TKSTAR GPS Tracker,GPS Tracker for VehiclesBest Offer
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 | AES RGT90 GPS Tracker GPRS Mini Portable VehicleBest Deal
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Ease of Use
The GPSMAP 66st was one of the simplest units to use straight from the get-go that we tested. All the buttons are large and have easy to read labels on all. Unlike a number of the opposite units, the 66st buttons are pretty straightforward and there are enough of them for every to possess a definite function during a particular setting.
While some folks may prefer a touchscreen, we actually liked the large buttons on this unit, especially in the cold. The Garmin GPSMAP 66st functionality works great no matter the conditions, whether it’s freezing or wet. The buttons are large enough to push with gloves on, and there is no touch screen to urge wet and inoperable. Like most of Garmin‘s handheld units, it’s rated to IPX7 water resistance, which suggests it’s good to travel for rainstorms or snow, just not full immersion.
As the functions get more in-depth, the controls do get more complicated, but that’s to be expected. some of the blending with different gadgets and applications took huge loads of to and fro enlistment and matching, which was an issue, however just a one-time bother.
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Display Quality
With the transflective TFT display on a three-inch screen, the Garmin 66st model is basically readable, even in sunlight, which is basically nice on snow or on a bright, sunny day.
The 240 x 400-pixel display is good when viewing photos or satellite imagery on the germander speedwell function, but otherwise, we’d be hard-pressed to inform much of a difference otherwise. Unlike the touchscreens, the Garmin GPSMAP 66st doesn’t rotate from a portrait view, but it wouldn’t really add up to on this unit.
Speed
Like most of the button-operated GPS units we tested, the Garmin 66st isn’t quite as responsive in function as a number of the touch-screen units we tested, but it wasn’t slow enough to be noticeable or create any issues from the slight lag.
It did actually draw maps quite fast, fast enough for the maps to be redrawn almost as fast as a pan across the map, counting on the size . It can also undergo tons of knowledge quickly, and it doesn’t take much time loaded new big route files or germander speedwell satellite images.
Weight and Size
At eight ounces, the 66st is one of the heaviest units within the review. On one hand, eight ounces isn’t that much. On the opposite hand, it’s half a pound, which looks like tons when considering something that’s the dimensions of your cellphone.
It fits into most jacket pockets, but it’s large enough that hiking with it during a pants pocket is annoying. this is often definitely not the unit for the ultra lighters out there, but rather a significant tool for tons of data gathering.
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Versatility
The Garmin GPSMAP 66st may be a highly versatile and accurate GPS unit. It’s exact, simple to utilize, and appears to be very bombproof. The battery pack is only two AA’s, which, although not rechargeable, are easily found around the world. Lithium batteries make this thing cold-resistant too, and with the large buttons, it works great for ski touring or other wet and cold activities.
We expect this thing might be utilized in any given situation where the simplest thing about the Garmin 66st Model is that the way Garmin paired accuracy, ease-of-use, and a heaping helping of memory. For professionals who got to use tons of knowledge on a GPS unit, but do not have the allow a Trimble, this is often an honest option. With the 64GB microSD cards now available, the Garmin 66st GPS model could carry up to 80GB, which is much quiet we expect we could ever use within the lifetime of a unit, without deleting anything. handheld GPS is acceptable.
Provided you’re willing to distribute for a high-end GPS unit, this thing will go anywhere. Skiing, backpacking, fieldwork, you name it. It is often put in expedition mode to save lots of battery life on long trips; and maybe soaked, knocked, dropped, and therefore the thing keeps kicking. With the military-built specifications, this thing is rugged, and if you add a lithium battery pack the GPSMAP 66st will work in nearly any environment.
Value
The GPSMAP 66st is one of the foremost expensive units in our review. the sole feature that might have made this costlier may be a touch screen. If you are doing need the functionality of the Garmin 66st Model, then it’s worthwhile needless to say. If you propose downloading your own maps anyway, you’ll knock off a number of the value and just get the 66s model, for what looks like a reasonable bargain considering the potential of this line.
Conclusion
Garmin GPSMAP 66st GPS Model
For a very capable, really durable GPS unit, the GPSMAP 66st GPS model is a superb choice. It holds more data than anyone but a very dedicated field researcher on an extended trip could use, can hook up with smartphones and wifi, and may view the planet via maps or satellite imaging. The GPSMAP 66st isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for: a burly, accurate, featured unit; ok to earn the Editors’ Choice Award.
