radardetector-guides.net

What’s the Best GPS for UTV Trail Riding? Top 10 Revealed 2021 –

UTVs can be both useful and fun in equal measures. However, whether you’re riding a trail, taking an unexpected turn, getting around in new places, or hunting, having a reliable GPS reader is certainly wiser than relying on an extraordinary geo-locational skill. Most of the GPS devices on this list are focused on UTV use, therefore, they won’t work the same as conventional, address-based ones. Rather, these devices work using latitude and longitude coordinates.

That being said, they are not necessarily meant for off-roading only, and thanks for the portability of today’s technology, multifunction is ever present. Moreover, these devices come with handy features such as social media connectivity, smart tracking, messaging, and recognizing other devices. With that in mind, let’s shed some light over the best GPS for UTV trail riding.

Preview Product Price
Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver $319.99 Buy on Amazon
Trail Tech 912-301 Voyager Stealth Black Moto-GPS Computer Buy on Amazon
Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera (US Topographic Maps) $319.99 Buy on Amazon
Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass, Enhanced Memory and Resolution,… $289.99 Buy on Amazon
Garmin Montana 680t, Touchscreen Hiking Handheld, GPS/GLONASS and Preloaded TOPO Maps, 8 Megapixel… $499.99 Buy on Amazon
Magellan TRX7 CS Trail & Street Navigator with RAM Windshield Mount Buy on Amazon
Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Cycling Computer with Original Garmin Silicone Case and Wearable4U Power Pack… Buy on Amazon
Garmin Edge 520 Plus, Gps Cycling/Bike Computer for Competing and Navigation $308.05 Buy on Amazon
Garmin eTrex 20x, Handheld GPS Navigator, Enhanced Memory and Resolution, 2.2-inch Color Display,… Buy on Amazon
Magellan TR5 Street and GPS Navigator (TN5771SGLUC) Buy on Amazon

Image source: Pixabay

To have the right tool for UTV trailing, you need to have in mind certain specifics, such as the display size, the battery life, the amount of detailing in topographical information, and the option to download, customize, and navigate the used maps proficiently. All of these aspects boil down to how efficient a GPS can be. As so much more than the GPS on a smartphone, the best GPS for UTV trail riding is capable of working offline and has more than just roads and vague landmarks. As useful as these devices are for outdoor adventures, they are also useful in an urban setting.

Most of the listed items come with built-in compasses and altitude, temperature, and speed sensors. Some extra functions include Wi-Fi connection, landmark accessing, photo and video cameras, touchscreen, and wear and tear resilience. The best choice for you depends on the kind of trailing you’re into, but some features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, are all-around tools.

Unlike old-timer machines, simultaneous satellite systems and antennas are used to pinpoint very precise locations, up to 3-5 meters and during movement. Allied with built-in electrical compasses, it is easier than ever to find north, be it the true one or a designated direction, and in the very unlikely case one of them fails, there’s surely backup readily available. When in the wilderness, you can’t be too sure, right?

Like mentioned before, if you want to save your phone for actual calls, pictures, and emergency messaging, it’s safer to have a dedicated GPS for your UTV trailing as they are sturdier, more compact, and more responsive than phones. However, if you are not planning to use it with some consistency and have a shockproof, waterproof casing for your phone, it might be all the same to just download the off-road maps for your normal GPS service.

Trying to achieve a realistic standard in this quest for the best GPS for UTV trail riding, we’ve balanced features and affordability. We also detailed a pros & cons list for each item, with options that are unique or remarkable to each device. Following is the affordability rating, going from $, $$, or $$$, followed by a link for the product. Hopefully, these handpicked items will add up to your personal research and help you with your journeys!

Overall Price Range

From $ to $$$, the investment in a serious GPS tracker can be considered low if the benefits are taken into consideration. Costing roughly the same as a smartphone, some of them actually reproduce functions also found on those, such as backup cameras, one-touch navigational systems, use of backup memory cards, and social media sharing and messaging options. There’s also 3D or 2D monitors with different levels of colors, textures, and pinpoint time response and accuracy, mostly based on having access to internet signal (ANT) or to the Russian GLONASS satellite constellation.

Best GPS for UTV Trail Riding – What We Reviewed

  • Garmin GPSMAP 64st
  • Trail Tech 912-301 Voyager Stealth Black Moto-GPS Computer
  • Garmin Oregon 650t Handheld GPS Navigator
  • Garmin eTrex 30x 010-01508-10 Handheld Navigator
  • Garmin Montana 680t
  • Magellan TRX7 CS Trail & Street Navigator
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Cycling Computer
  • Garmin Edge 520 Plus, GPS Cycling/Bike Computer for Competing and Navigation
  • Garmin eTrex 20x
  • Magellan TR5 Trail and Street GPS Navigator

With all that in mind, let’s follow up with these 10 best GPS for UTV trail riding, compared side by side:

Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver

  • Sunlight Readable 2.6 inches color display. Display size : 1.43 x 2.15 inches and 2.6 inch diag (6.6 centimeter). Battery life : 16 hours. Water rating IPX7
  • Expanded Internal Memory 8GB.Display resolution 160 x 240 pixels. Interface: high speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
  • DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries (best with Polaroid AA batteries), or the optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be charged while inside the device.Weight 8.1 ounce (230 grams) with batteries

This features a medium 2.6″ screen, 250k pre-loaded caches, TOPO US 100K, 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription, and a 2.6″ display. The rechargeable battery holds up to a respectable 16 hours of life. It comes with a stock 8 GB memory and 160 x 240 resolution. Works with 2 AA packs, too. It’s one of the most praised devices on the current market and a strong contender for best GPS for UTV trail riding.

  • Works with external memory card
  • Downloadable, updated content
  • Work-able with several tracking and recording functions for geocaching
  • Able to pair with phones, heart rate monitors, and other external accessories
  • The battery can be recharged without being taken out
  • The software is deemed to be slow at times
  • Downloading content can be rather slow
  • Screen lacks detail
  • Battery can go down in less than 12 hours

Trail Tech 912-301 Voyager Stealth Black Moto-GPS Computer

  • Fits: Suzuki RMZ 250/450 08-12, DRZ400/KLX400 00-11 radiator screw sensor
  • The one and only GPS designed and manufactured for off-road; whether you ride motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles or 4 wheel drives, Voyager is your unit
  • Back-lit 240 x 400 WQVGA LCD screen displays: GPS speed, distance, compass, altitude, ambient and engine temperature, maps, customizable user screens

Built for off-road usage and having a sideways screen, this rugged one was meant to be mounted and can withstand a motorcycle engine’s temperature and vibration without getting scrambled or losing signal. It also tracks its temperature. It has a 400 x 240, 2.7″ LCD display and a joystick-based interface that yells “retro,” and can be considered classy or outdated, depending on your taste.

  • Rugged
  • Waterproof microSD card
  • Automatic, smart data logging records stop automatically
  • Multiple temperature, altitude, performance, and speed reading options
  • Joystick navigation as opposed to touchscreen
  • No access to GLONASS or devices
  • Not meant for road use
  • The interface can be tricky to learn

With a slightly bigger 3″ screen, pre-loaded TOPO U.S. 100K, and 3D location sharing capabilities, this is a very strong contender for group rides as it’s possible to track and message with other nearby devices, making it also a great option for work uses, such as patrolling or hunting.

  • Intuitive system after a learning curve
  • The touchscreen is responsive and readable
  • Great for laying out trail routes
  • Not meant for road use
  • The interface can be tricky to learn

With a 2.2″ display capable of reproducing up to 65k colors in a 240 x 320 resolution, this handheld GPS is a good call if you’re looking for functionality and customization options, as it comes ready to access your own files but is not really well adapted for instant use right out of the box. If that’s not an issue for you, it certainly figures among the best GPS for UTV trail riding.

  • Portable
  • Good resolution
  • Good battery life
  • Plug-n-play with any computer device
  • Smaller display
  • The screen can be oversensitive and prone to scratches
  • Doesn’t come with pre-loaded maps

With a 4″, richly color-textured and responsive touchscreen, this model may be bulkier but it surely pays off when it comes to the extra functions, such as an 8-megapixel camera that automatically tags geo-locations. With multiple and simultaneous location systems, the result is a fast, accurate signal response that altogether provides a seamless experience for the user.

  • 250k pre-loaded geocaches and TOPO US 100K
  • 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Subscription
  • GLONASS support
  • 8-megapixel inbuilt camera
  • Big touchscreen
  • Fast signal acquiring (20-30 seconds in canyons or trickier locations)
  • Not up-to-date with the current cellphone interface speed
  • The battery can die quickly if the screen is kept on continuously and pictures are taken

This 7″ display unit comes with an HD, 5-megapixel camera capable of recording video, and a water and dust resistant housing. It works both for city and off-road use, making it a viable option but not exactly cheap.

  • Touchscreen
  • HD camera with video recording option
  • Big screen
  • Waterproof
  • Over 100K pre-loaded maps
  • 16 GB memory with microSD card entrance
  • Social media sharing and tagging with one touch through Wi-Fi
  • City-ready
  • Pricey
  • Short battery life (8 hours)

Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Cycling Computer with Original Garmin Silicone Case and Wearable4U Power Pack Bundle (Device Only, Black)

  • IN THE BOX: 1 x Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Bike Computer (Device Only or Performer Bundle, depending on your choice), 1 x USB charging cable, 1 x Standard mount, 1 x Flush Out-Front mount, 1 x Tether, 1 x Garmin Silicone Case for Edge 1030, 1 x Wearable4U Power Pack that contains Wearable4U Power Bank 2200 mAh, Wearable4U Wall and Car USB Charging adapters. Also, the Performer Bundle version includes Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensors and Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor
  • GARMIN EDGE 1030 – it is ultimate GPS bike computer with navigation and connected features. Ride longer and stronger while staying connected with the Edge 1030 GPS cycling computer. It features Trendline popularity routing, which uses billions of miles of rider data to show you the best on- and off-road routes. Whether you’re a competitor, commuter or an adventure-seeker, we’ve found a better ride for you.
  • ADVANCED NAVIGATION WITH GARMIN CYCLE MAP: Edge 1030 bike computer is preloaded with the Garmin Cycle Map and includes turn-by-turn navigation and new navigation alerts that notify you of upcoming sharp turns. While you ride, get information about elevation data, see points of interest and search for addresses. Round-trip routing will even generate a route for you. Simply tell Edge 1030 a distance and a starting direction, and it will give you a choice of up to 3 routes.

As the name states, this device was meant to be used on a bike but also works on a UTV which creates a more versatile and maybe daily use for the purchase. The processor on this GPS is remarkably fast and is perhaps the best GPS for UTV trail riding.

  • Big and sturdy
  • Sharp turn alert
  • Pre-routing system for up to 3 stops and round trips
  • Internal or external group and personal messaging
  • Portable recharger
  • Popularity based routes
  • Can be mounted on a bike
  • Wi-Fi connection, microSD slot
  • Long battery life (20 hours + 24 extra with an external charger)
  • Does not work properly with iPhones
  • Can be hard to pair up with other devices
  • Bulkier and heavier, which would not make a difference on a UTV

Garmin Edge 520 Plus, Gps Cycling/Bike Computer for Competing and Navigation

  • Advanced GPS bike computer for competing and navigation
  • Features advanced navigation, including new rider alerts and the pre loaded Garmin cycle map with turn by turn directions on and off road
  • Preloaded Strava Live Segments let you compete second by second with your previous best or another rider’s PR; see real time results right on your screen

As another cheaper and more affordable biking GPS, the 520 Plus is a good, small option if a big screen is not a must. With its simple user interface and a respectable battery life, the 520 is a practical but not necessarily fancy tool.

  • Very portable and light
  • Wi-Fi messaging and smartphone connectivity
  • iPhone pairing can be tricky
  • Sports tracking for accurate speed and position location
  • Small screen
  • No touchscreen

It may be small but it packs a punch. The eTrex 20x comes with GLONASS recognition and it’s known for being extremely resistant to wear and tear; this is a great option if you’re looking for the best GPS for UTV trail riding but not really interested in side functions.

  • GLONASS access
  • Waterproof
  • Very affordable
  • Small screen
  • Heavily dependent on downloading software, which can take a long time

This intuitive, 5″ screen buddy comes with over 6.6 million interested points pre-loaded and over 115k off-road trail maps and it’s a good call for shorter trips. The price of having a big display is a rather short battery life, so this device is ideal for little adventures but not necessarily for long hours in the wilderness.

  • Huge, detailed display
  • Lots of pre-loaded data
  • Intuitive touchscreen with fast response

Image source: Pixabay

As hard as it was, it’s clear, before nothing else, that Garmin has an edge on the current market, offering several models. As much as their downloadable software has created certain controversy among heavy users of these best GPS for UTV trail riding, it’s still regarded as the top company for the moment. The best bang for the buck goes for their model Garmin eTrex 20, with access to GLONASS and waterproof features for just $150.

The first place goes to the Garmin 1030. It may be meant for cycling but is so versatile, well-built, and has a long-lasting battery life (over 40 hours!) that it’s impossible not to list it – however, it costs almost 3 times as much as the cheaper models, which can be considered anything but entry-level. The 2nd and 3rd places go respectively to the Garmin 64st, as it reaches a good price-feature balance, and to the Magellan TR7X for its additional features that could be considered unnecessary for more practical drivers. Safe travels with your future best GPS for UTV trail riding!

Last update on 2021-03-19 at 09:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Matthew