a lil GPS help - Recomendations for GPS - water and snow

[RobH]

I havnt jumped into the GPS game yet, does anyone have recomendations on a GPS good for watersports and Mountain ski resorts ? Something that can record altitude and map out mountain runs at the resorts as well as record a day kitesurfing your favorite lake ?
Someone is looking for that Christmas list, she must not think I need any more boards

[steveb]

Rob, the garmin forerunners work very well, we've had one for a number of years now and have been very happy with it.

[BBAddict]

Rob,
I have been looking at and considering the same thing. I don't think there is a truly waterproof GPS for water kiting among the standard GPS options. Water resistant, yes--water proof to a kiting crash, no.
Battery life in a GPS during snowboarding (any cold weather activity) is drastically reduced, unless the unit is kept warm. Keeping the unit close to the body obviously helps.
I haven't made a decision yet, but I'm leaning toward the Garmin Forerunner 405, which is a watch GPS. This means it will stay warmer because it's against your skin. It doesn't have all the display functions of a handheld GPS, but it does collect locations and is downloadable to allow you to see what you've done--and it will point you back to home if you get lost in the backcountry. I don't see myself wanting to carry a big handheld unit a lot of the time and I know the Forerunners have a loyal following. The first 405 units had some issues, but the newer ones have had good reviews.
Seth

[Craig Bergh]

Hello,

I recommend the LOCOSYS GT31 GPS.

You will need an Aquapac with any GPS.

The LOCOSYS has an internal slot for an SD card. A new file is written every time it is turned on. The files are date and time coded. You can record an entire year (or two) on a single card.

This GPS is the only unit accepted by International GPS Speed Sailing Events.

My goal in 2009 is to promote GPS Speed Kiting, as well as GPS Speed Windsurfing. I will teach you how to calculate speed, and how to make satellite maps of your sessions. I have attached a satellite image of a sailing session in Hatteras as an example. It is cool to show your buddies where you were sailing or kiting.

I want all LAKAWA readers to know I will assist you in your GPS efforts. I have been asked to be the Timekeeper for Kiting in the USA. I know we have some really talented kiters in our area. For snow kiting you will want the yellow elastic armband. These unit have very large internal batteries (16 hours in warm temps, so there should be plenty of juice for cold weather use).

I am the USA outlet for LOCOSYS GPS, and have factory fresh GT31 GPS units in stock.

http://www.midwestspeedquest.com/page31/page31.html

I prefer to sell as a kit, with everything set up and ready to go. There are many setting to be entered prior to use, and it is easier to have it set up.

There is a 14 day approval period. If you do not like it, send it back, no questions asked.

I am having a Promotion now through Christmas: For every kit sold, I am willing to donate $35 to LAKAWA.

The GT31 is $160 (the bluetooth version BGT31 is $175), the new Aquapac 212 PVC free Large Armband Case is $45, the Sandisk 2 gig SD card is $30, shipping by US Priority Mail is $8.

Total is $243 delivered.

Thank you everyone.

Craig Bergh

[RobH]

Thanks for the responses, Craig what is the price for the locosys ?

[Craig Bergh]

Hello Rob,

The GT31 is $160 (the bluetooth version BGT31 is $175), the new Aquapac 212 PVC free Large Armband Case is $45, the Sandisk 2 gig SD card is $30, shipping by US Priority Mail is $8.

Total is $243.

From this amount, I will donate $35 to LAKAWA for all GPS kits sold through the LAKAWA Web Site through Dec 31, 2008.

Please let me know if I may provide further information.

Thank you everyone.

Craig Bergh
The Midwest Speed Quest
133 Lake Avenue
Worthington, MN 56187

Cell 1-507-360-4801