Garmin Edge, but which one?

Roostoids

Hi.

I'm looking at getting a Garmin Edge, primarily for mapping purposes.

I'm not overly bothered about avg speed, max speed, amount climbed etc,. but I would like something that allows me to download other peoples routes, and see which direction to take in places I don't really know, such as Swinley Forest or the Surrey Hills. There's loads of trails there but they're not marked so a sat nav would help alot.

Can you assist with reccomendations, with a bias towards the mapping side of things. I want to be able to download other peoples routes, and be able to clearly see the directions to take on those routes when I get there.

Thanks very much.

paulmarsh1

I was going to buy a Garmin at first till I tried "Endomondo"
Gave fairly good results for me using GPS.
I'm currently using on Android Sony Mobile version, there are a few other user routes too.

http://www.endomondo.com

Roostoids

Thanks Paul, yeah I do have Endomondo, just not sure how great it is for navigation as never used it for that.

How long does your phone battery last using that though? I have Galaxy S2 from Samsung, it'd certainly be a cheaper way to navigate!

hobbo31

I have the Edge 705, had no problems with it, have you looked at the memory-map adventurergps a lot cheaper

paulmarsh1

Battery life isn't an issue, I have downloaded a couple of routes and have to say it's pretty accurate.

Briggo

If you want an Edge and decent mapping its a no brainer .. the 800, I love mine had a 605 before, the 800 is leaps and bounds better just by having the true OS mapping, the openstreetmaps are ok but not as good.

However if it is purely for navigational purposes then as mentioned something like the Memorymap satmap is a choice as it has a larger screen.

Endomondo was mentioned but that's purely statistical data recording via GPS signals isnt it?

Roostoids

Thanks for the replies folks.

It is purely for navigating that I want it, but since endomondo was mentioned I've had a play and you can navigate on it.

It's obviously not as clear as a dedicated mapping system, but when you're in the middle of nowhere and have a choice of left or right, it's clear enough to see which way you should go.

Plus its as good as free, few quid for the purchase version and free for the basic.

Only started thinking about it as I'm getting tired of the local traisl, feel like i've conquered them and want a change of scenery, and the nearest stuff, like Swinley forest, isn't marked out at all.