Opinion of Garmin 196

[senior]

Stumbled on a good deal on a Garmin 196.
Just looking for a opinions on it as a basic unit!
The one I have now is a Garmin Pilot, & I'm just not impressed.
Seems to take way to many steps to preform simple functions.

[Ray]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

I have a garmin 195 and I think that may be the color version, it is a great
GPS but I could never get the update to down load. I even called garmin and the rep said this is a diffcult GPS to update. For local flying mine was ok but some of the airports could not be found. I updated to the 296 and love it I didnt think I would like the color but it's wonderful. Look to see if you can find a 296 they are only a few more bucks and are easy to download uodates. Just my experience for what its worth.

[Pearson]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

Senior,

I used to use a Garmin Pilot each year to go to the Taylorcraft fly-in down in Columbia, CA. It was a 7 to 8 hour flight each way. I liked the Garmin Pilot because of it's simplicity and compact size.

In your posting, is sounds as if you don't care for the Pilot because you feel it is complicated to use. If that is the case, I doubt you will like the 196 or 296. They really aren't complicated to use, but they have so many more features, it requires more knowledge to get the full use.

The larger screen is one big advantage over the Pilot. Entering flight plans is very similar between the two. I think if you can get a good deal on a 196 you would later be glad you did.

PM me for more info!

[lfries]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

Just my two cents worth. I have a Lowrance 1000. B&W, nice big screent
and I think easy to use. Lowrance is out of the AIrcraft GPS business but supports them. Updates have been around $35.00. You might be able to get a used one more reasonably priced than the 196.

[senior]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

Thanks for the info.
I will go ahead with the purchase & yes another of the big plus-s is the bigger screen. Haveing to put on glass to see the little Pilot is a bit of a pain.
It is a good price so I'm sure I'll be pleased.

[jmvolpp]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

I use the 196 and am very happy with it. Attached are pix of the RAM mount that holds it.

Mike V.

[jim cooper]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

I had a garmin pilot and sold it. Hard to see in the air for me, much to complex for simple navagation (as mentioned before) with too many steps. I sold it. With the T-craft, and where I go, I'm back to a map and compass, which of course is how T-Crafts got around for many years. JC

[astjp2]

Re: Opinion of Garmin 196

I have the 196 and wish I had a color GPS. There is little difference in the line type for MOA's and Restristriced areas. I fly around a lot of military airspace and the color would be nicer. If you can get it for less than $400 then I would go for it. Tim