Garmin GPS 12

 

The Bottom Line

This small unit fits the weekend angler's pocket book and yet is as accurate as the big ones.

 

Pros

• Comparatively inexpensive
• 12 satellite uplink for accuracy
• 500 waypoint memory

Cons

• Weak plastic console mount
• Battery life is only enough for one fishing trip
• Waypoint input is cumbersome

Description

• A small, light weight, hand held GPS unit
• Uses up to 12 satellites for accurate readings
• Provides either compass heading or runway path

Guide Review - Garmin GPS 12

Finding Your Way

Garmin has put a lot of product in a small package. The GPS 12 is arguably the most popular hand held GPS unit. It comes with a nice array of add on options, including a small plastic console mount and a cigarette lighter power cord to save you on batteries. I prefer the roadway guidance to the compass heading mode, but it has both if you prefer one over the other. With 500 waypoints in its memory, you can store a ton of fishing spots. The waypoint input is like all of the handhelds - more than cumbersome. But that can be overlooked if you study the owner's manual and practice. Battery life is advertised as 12 hours. I can get 12 hours, but only with the most expensive batteries - the unit takes four AA batteries. I end up buying four new ones every trip just to make sure I can get home. The cigarette lighter cord option fixes the battery problem, but in rough water, I find the plastic console mount is not strong enough to hold the unit. So, I end up using it as a true handheld, and consequently need the batteries. I find this GPS to be an excellent value and a very accurate unit. I have never seen it be off by more than about ten feet, and often puts me exactly on the spot.


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