
$499.95
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 754436
Specification | Description |
| Position accuracy | WAAS-enabled 3 meters |
| Routes | 50 |
| Waypoints (total) | 500 |
| Memory | 56 megabytes |
| PC Compatible | Yes |
| Compass | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes |
| Color screen | Yes |
| Quad helix antenna | High sensitivity |
| Compact antenna | No |
| Display size | (diagonal) 2.2 inches |
| Screen Pixels | 176 x 220 |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
| Battery life at 70 degrees | 16 hours |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches |
| Weight | (with batteries) 10.3 ounces |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 10 customers
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
After much research and great consideration toward the Oregon 400t the 530HCx is just outstanding. the GPS with the WAAS function provides great accuracy and the GPS reception is amazing. I received signal in deep canyons, under tree cover, I felt great confidence with this unit.
The uses so far, has been snowmobiling in Idaho, group of 10 of us, 3 with Rinos and we were able to keep track of the group through the buddy function, the icon appearing on each of screens. The other powerful function was the use of the 5 watt radio, we were able to split up based on skill or the type of riding we all enjoy and were able to stay on verbal communication and know each others location. Two members of the group got stuck and not only communicated verbal for help but showed their position on all our screens.
I lead a Boy Scout group and all the Patrol leaders carry these units and they perform. The fact that they sunlight readable screens, they blow away the Oregon it isn't even a fair fight, also the battery smashes the battery on the Oregon as well. I am so happy I did not pay 600.00 plus for a GPS unit that has a faction of battery life and poor outdoor readability. Also with the Boy Scouts is the use of Geocaching, and the 24k pre-loaded maps of the Western States makes this a great tool. the importance of teaching compass and map is essential and is a foundation skill, but knowing how to use GPS and to keep track of Patrols that don't hike at the same pace is simply unbeatable. Every Boy Scout Troop should have at least 2 of these powerful Radio/GPS units.
Another nice feature is the weather radio alerts, very handy when backpacking the Sierras.
The only compliant is that it is a tad bulky because of the lithium battery, but that is easily overlooked given the features and the longevity.
This is a must have for the true outdoorsman.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
My review is actually of the previous version, the Rino 530. I live in central Oregon and use this unit for snow shoeing and trail riding on my horse. I'm not technically savvy or challenged, some where in between. I've used the unit for a year and a half. I found it fairly easy to set up and to navigate the menus to get the information that I wanted. I love it. As best I can tell it is accurate and I have had no problem picking up satellites. I've only used the radio once and haven't used the find feature but I sure like the idea of the radio being there.My sole complaint would be the belt carrier neck lanyard and as best I can tell they haven't fixed this on the new units. The belt clip screws on with a thumb screw on the back. It is a very small screw and does not hold the weight of the unit well and will and did, for me, break. I was horseback riding 12 miles from home and did not know the darn thing had busted and my unit was on the ground. Some one else spotted it, thank goodness. As for the neck lanyard, it's secure enough but the unit is a bit big to have hanging around your neck. I recommend that you buy the canvas carrying case. Oh, yeah, I really hate the carry case that comes with it. It's stiff plastic with holes for the buttons that are impossible to line up with the buttons.Okay, one other thing. Suddenly, after 14 months of using it, it wouldn't turn on. Nothing. Tried every thing. Finally contacted Garmin. It was out of warranty,[$]t. Well, I really do love the unit, so okay. Well, they replaced the unit and did not charge me a penny. Just wish they'd made a mistake and sent me one of the new units (wink). I was really impressed and think that says a lot about the company.So, if you want an all in one unit, radio, gps, I don't think you can do better. Just make sure you don't trust that darn belt clip.
Pros
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
I love the combo of GPS/2-way radio. I've only tested the radio about 2 miles across mountains and in the city, both were very clear. The GPS with WAAS is spot on and makes for confident hiking. I love the geocaching features in the GPS's these days, and the Rino is no exception. Not a unit to put in your pocket, but with all the features, I prefer to have it on my belt, or shoulder strap anyways where it's always handy.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
I have owned eight different Garmin models (Still use 5 of them) All were awesome,but this is without a doubt the best of the best. With one unit you can replace your GPS, radio, altimeter, compass, and most weather instruments. Only neg comment is that it is a little bigger than the RINO 100 series. But the extra size does give a much better screen. I was a little concerened about the Li-ion battery running out while in the field with no recharge available, but it seems to run forever, and the optional AA battery pack addresses this problem.
Service and delivery comments:
Haven't had any problems yet, but my past experiences with Garmin and REI have been excellent.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
It was everything as advertised except for the radio. the range using the 5 watt mode was still less than a mile unless you are in a line of sight situation i.e. a lake.
Pros
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
All features work well. Sometimes it freezes up and we have to pull a battery to re-set.
Other than that, they work great and we love them. They're a little heavy compared to radios only, but they're worth it.
Pros
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
Hey! This is a great improvement on an already great product. The RINO line is great but the previous model of the 530 had some bugs, but this on is about as cool as can be! Adding the sd slot will add not only lots of capability but will make it much simpler for those not tech savvy to upload map sets
Pros
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Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
I have used this geocaching, on my motorcycle for turn by turn with City Navigator. The walkie-talkie feature is really cool. Wish I had the money to have several of these.
My brother has one and being able to locate each other is awesome.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
I purchased the GPS a year ago, and absolutely love it. It is extremely easy to read and use, but still has many features that make it top of the line. The large color display is easy to read in low light, and direct sunlight. It ever changes the color scheme at night to make it easier for you to read, while not ruining you night vision. The battery life is great, I used it all day, everyday for a week long trip, and it never died. It has too many great features to list, but one I am particularly fond of is this track back feature. It leaves little dots on the screen where you have been, kinda like bread crumbs, so you can easily find your way back the way you came. Now you may say you dont need this, but on a recent trip to Big Bend State Ranch, where there are not trails, my crew and I had to hike back to camp well into the night after a 20+ mile day. Since there are no trails, and at night many terrain features look the same, it would have been extremely difficult to navigate to camp, but we just followed the GPS bread crumbs right back to camp. Amazing product. I would definitely recommend it. The radio could be a little better, but the GPS portion of it defiantly makes it worth the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS/Two-Way Radio:
I bought this so I could keep track of where I'm at when I'm in the desert on my motorcycle or quads but it also works great when I'm out mountain biking. I was going to buy a new bike computer too but this keeps track of everything that I want to track, including my speed. I also purchased the handlebar mounting kit to go with the 530HCx. Overall, I am very happy with this investment.
Displaying reviews 1-10
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