Is the Lowrance Baja viable for large offroad GPS?

OneEffinName · 06-03-2011, 11:22 AM

So I have been a garmin user for 20 years. I ride 95% offroad and currently use a GPS 60CSx. I am very familiar with the GPS and Mapsource, creating my own IMG maps, etc. I have multiple sources of IMG maps for Canada and the US. The *only* thing I dont like is that there is no large screen (e.g. 5") waterproof Garmin GPS that does a decent job of topo.

I purchased a Zumo 660, loaded on my topo maps, and it was crap. I have tried a large screen android tablet - but no luck with a waterproof rugged case. The Oregon is OK, but really not a big enough screen.

So, in comes the Lowrance Elite 5M Baja. Waterproof, Big screen, built for offroaders. Expensive too. But...

Can I convert my Garmin IMG maps and load them into the device?
Will the conversion be OK?
Does it do a good job of displaying topo?

Any garmin users have experience with this unit?

OneEffinName · 06-03-2011, 11:56 AM

damn. I just read about the new Garmin Montana announced last month.

4" screen
does topo
does street routable maps
5MP camera
dual battery system
waterproof
comes with a hot blonde

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbzt2ttRh8M

Damn close to what I want...

DRTBYK · 06-10-2011, 06:37 PM

As you say the zumo 660 wasn't for you but I'm curious about your comment:

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneEffinName

. . .loaded on my topo maps, and it was crap.

What was it that was "crap"?

OneEffinName · 06-11-2011, 10:26 PM

Its display of the contour lines was using too large of lines, so it cluttered the map.

It did not display coloured areas the same as in MapSource or as on my GPS Map60csx

Its clutter filtering was either too much (meaning no terrain) or not enough (too cluttered).

I found the tracks and waypoints way more of a pain to manage, as it is primarily a road GPS.

I purchased one from best buy, took it home and tried it out. I didn't likeit for topo, so I returned it. Perhaps you might to try the same and see if it will work for you.

DRTBYK · 06-12-2011, 07:09 AM

Good points. I'm a long time zumo user and made the same assessments some time ago regarding Topo use. Since I rarely do trail riding on my HP2, topo's have not been a priority for on-GPS maps. I do occasionally use them in planning my dirt rides.

Maybe the Garmin Montana will be a better fit. Good luck in your search.

By the way, do some more searching, there was someone here who did/does use a Baja 5 off-road.

Cheers,

treeskier · 11-26-2012, 11:23 AM

what did you end up going with?

I am on the fence between Garmin Montana and Lowrance Elite Baja

mcnut · 11-26-2012, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeskier

what did you end up going with?

I am on the fence between Garmin Montana and Lowrance Elite Baja

What maps covering Baja or Central America are available for the Lowrance, and does it require an external antenna?

Bruce

Philo99 · 02-08-2013, 08:45 PM

Lowrance now has topo maps for the 5M Baja, Just coming available this month. Since I am totally fed up with Garmin's utter lack of motivation to produce a true adventure bike GPS I am going to make the leap this week to the Lowrance. They also have a micro card for fishing hot spots. Sweet!

Philo

06-03-2011, 11:22 AM	#1
OneEffinName ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2010 Location: VanIsle, BC Oddometer: 186	Is the Lowrance Baja viable for large offroad GPS? So I have been a garmin user for 20 years. I ride 95% offroad and currently use a GPS 60CSx. I am very familiar with the GPS and Mapsource, creating my own IMG maps, etc. I have multiple sources of IMG maps for Canada and the US. The only thing I dont like is that there is no large screen (e.g. 5") waterproof Garmin GPS that does a decent job of topo. I purchased a Zumo 660, loaded on my topo maps, and it was crap. I have tried a large screen android tablet - but no luck with a waterproof rugged case. The Oregon is OK, but really not a big enough screen. So, in comes the Lowrance Elite 5M Baja. Waterproof, Big screen, built for offroaders. Expensive too. But... Can I convert my Garmin IMG maps and load them into the device? Will the conversion be OK? Does it do a good job of displaying topo? Any garmin users have experience with this unit?

06-12-2011, 07:09 AM	#5
DRTBYK Long Haul Adventurer Joined: Mar 2003 Location: North Central Washington (state) Oddometer: 3,178	Good points. I'm a long time zumo user and made the same assessments some time ago regarding Topo use. Since I rarely do trail riding on my HP2, topo's have not been a priority for on-GPS maps. I do occasionally use them in planning my dirt rides. Maybe the Garmin Montana will be a better fit. Good luck in your search. By the way, do some more searching, there was someone here who did/does use a Baja 5 off-road. Cheers, __________________ Cheers, Dan

02-08-2013, 08:45 PM	#8
Philo99 n00b Joined: May 2009 Location: Sunny San Diego Oddometer: 9	Lowrance listens. Garmin doesn't! Lowrance now has topo maps for the 5M Baja, Just coming available this month. Since I am totally fed up with Garmin's utter lack of motivation to produce a true adventure bike GPS I am going to make the leap this week to the Lowrance. They also have a micro card for fishing hot spots. Sweet! Philo

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06-03-2011, 11:56 AM	#2
OneEffinName ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2010 Location: VanIsle, BC Oddometer: 186	damn. I just read about the new Garmin Montana announced last month. 4" screen does topo does street routable maps 5MP camera dual battery system waterproof comes with a hot blonde http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbzt2ttRh8M Damn close to what I want...

06-11-2011, 10:26 PM	#4
OneEffinName ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2010 Location: VanIsle, BC Oddometer: 186	Its display of the contour lines was using too large of lines, so it cluttered the map. It did not display coloured areas the same as in MapSource or as on my GPS Map60csx Its clutter filtering was either too much (meaning no terrain) or not enough (too cluttered). I found the tracks and waypoints way more of a pain to manage, as it is primarily a road GPS. I purchased one from best buy, took it home and tried it out. I didn't likeit for topo, so I returned it. Perhaps you might to try the same and see if it will work for you.

11-26-2012, 11:23 AM	#6
treeskier n00b Joined: Jun 2009 Oddometer: 2	what did you end up going with? I am on the fence between Garmin Montana and Lowrance Elite Baja