Garmin GPS 72 Handheld GPS Navigator
Amazon.com Product Description
The Garmin GPS 72 is a solid, low-cost solution for land or marine navigation designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). This handheld GPS unit can provide position accuracy to less than three meters, while being rugged, water-resistant, and unsinkable–making it perfect for fishing outings, whether you are boating or hiking.
 Compass page. View larger. |
 Map page. View larger. |
 Displays points of interest. View larger. |
The GPS 72 packs GPS navigation into a waterproof, unsinkable device. View larger. |
The GPS 72 is a full-function GPS with a factory-loaded Marine Point Database that contains data for cities with a population of 200,000 or more worldwide, nautical navaids for North and South America, and tide stations for the United States. Using MapSource and the built-in 1 MB of internal memory, you can load and display a variety of points of interest. This unit features a permanent user data storage, 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbols that allow up to 50 reversible routes, and audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity to waypoint, and clock functions.
The GPS 72 also features course and speed filtering, an automatic track log with up to 10 savable tracks that let you retrace your path in both directions, and a trip computer that provides odometer, stopped time, moving and overall averages, total time, max speed, and more. And just to make sure your fishing trip is as successful as possible, the GPS 72 includes built-in celestial tables that tell you the best times for fishing in your area, as well as showing you sun and moon location calculations.
The GPS 72 is a 12-channel, handheld GPS receiver with a built-in quad helix antenna. It has nine keys located on the front of the unit that allow the user to quickly access all of the unit’s functions. The large 120 x 160 pixel, high-contrast FSTN, four-level gray monochrome backlit display and a large-numbers viewing option make it easy to view under variable lighting conditions. Powered by only two AA batteries, this unit will run for up to 16 hours.
Designed with the outdoor user in mind, this Garmin GPS unit weighs a light 7.5 ounces and measures a pocket-sized 2.7 x 1.2 x 6.2 inches (WxDxH). The GPS 72 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, meaning it can be submerged down to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, floats, and is rugged enough to endure the most trying use. The included wrist strap, owner’s manual, and quick reference guide, combined with Garmin’s friendly user interface, will allow you to navigate in no time. And beyond the features and functionality, the GPS 72 provides that most critical of benefits–peace of mind. With the GPS 72 you will always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And since you will always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do–explore the outdoors.
What’s in the Box
GPS 72, Database: Marine Point Database (Americas), Wrist strap, Owner’s manual, Quick start guide
Product Description
The GPS 72 is a low-cost solution for land or marine navigation designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The GPS 72 can provide position accuracy to less than three meters when receiving WAAS corrections. This rugged, waterproof, unsinkable GPS receiver offers a large, 4-level grayscale screen. It’s designed as the next generation in basic, entry-level Garmin GPS.
Buy Garmin GPS 72 Handheld GPS Navigator at Amazon
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July 28th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good for the price.
Today I booted it up from storage and it still
remembers my 2003 way point at Interlaken
Switzerland.
July 28th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simple GPS, good value for money for casual, no bells or whistles
Simple GPS, good value for money for casual, no bells or whistles. WAAS has issue in software needs to be updated to version 2.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
The Garmin GPS 72 is the lowest priced model that has all the basic (non-mapping) features I was looking for. It is waterproof and floats. It has WAAS capability, which means it is accurate to about 10 feet. Where I live I haven’t been able to use WAAS, but it still accurate to about 16-20 feet. Close enough. It has a quadrifilar antenna, which is supposed to work better under dense forests. It also means the unit works better when you hold it vertically instead of horizontally. The display is 120X160 pixels, which wouldn’t be that great for a unit with mapping capability, is sharp and clear enough to use even while driving (though try to keep your eyes on the road). While it doesn’t have a built in base map, it does have the locations of cities worldwide with a population of more than 200,000. For hiking, geocaching and finding your way back to your car, it’s more than adequate. It has some cool features, like the estimated time you will arrive at your destination and it allows you to customize what information gets displayed on the screen. It looks and feels solid and professional (a little stripped down, but this is supposed to be a base model).
Yes, it would be nice if it had mapping capability, could connect to an external antenna, included a pc cable and had an electronic compass, but all this really isn’t necesssary. It will tell you want direction for are going, but you have to be moving. If you stand in the same spot and turn around, it won’t update your direction. Is that important? I carry a compass in addition to my gps. You’re always supposed to have back up navigation, anyway. Battery life is around 12-15 hours if you use it continuously, but it saves all your information even you take the batteries out. The size is bigger than an e-trex, but it still fits in a jacket pocket. The buttons were all on the front and easy to use. It would be nice if it were a little smaller, but for the price, it was what I needed, no more and no less. Remember, if you want a GPS unit mainly for driving, pay the extra money and get one with mapping capability.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
happy husband
I bought this for my husband. He hasn’t put it down since he opened it and can’t wait to get out in the boat. It was exactly what he was looking for.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:34 am
This is a great GPS, probably the best I’ve ever used. I started with GPS in 1997 with the Garmin GPS 38, and three years later purchased an eTrex. I was satisfied with that, but when I heard about the added features of the 72, I went ahead and bought it to replace the eTrex. It is far more powerful than the eTrex and easier to use. The 72 makes excellent use of its dedicated zoom and menu keys. These alone make this unit quicker and easier to operate than some entry-level units. The display is of higher resolution which makes things like track lines more precise–a real problem on the eTrex, on which the track appeared as a thick black line that didn’t show many meanders or fine movements. Many of the software features that the GPS 38 had, but the eTrex didn’t, are included here, such as the ability to measure distance between waypoints, pan on the map page, and time-stamp marked points. The receiver in the 72 is very hot and sometimes gets you a fix within seconds. The software is apparently upgradeable and the receiver is WAAS-enabled, so it’s ready for the next generation of navigation. Like most GPS units it’s completely waterproof and it’s worked for me under very unfavorable conditions. The third GPS I’ve owned and probably the last one I’ll ever need to buy. Another job well done by Garmin.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:20 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
great stuff
My boyfriend and I just started with geocaching and this is a great thing to move around with it and help you find your treasure….
July 29th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Have used the GPS72 now for 4 months. It has been a pleasure to use. The Garmin operating system is is easy to follow and the prompts make it unnecessary to carry the manual to use all of the features. So far it is waterproof as advertised as it lives in my canoes and while not fully submerged is subject to splash and spray every time it is out. Approximately 66 hours of use to data and am totally happy.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:13 am
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok, but wouldn’t recommend this one to anyone else
I got this mainly for boating and fishing. I wanted cheap and didn’t have my heart set on a lot of features.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:28 am
3.0 out of 5 stars
Useful Handheld GPS
The gps offers an simple interface and features for the price. Somewhat difficult to cache points and replay the cache.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great piece of equipment
I purchased this GPS to use in the field on paleontological digs. I have found it to be easy to use and accurate.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
GARMIN GPS REVIEW BY GENE GUTHAN
This is the third gps I have owned since 1990, the first cost north of 700 dollars. It was great but nothing compared to this new Garmin 72.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
JMP
SEEMS LIKE A GOOD VALUE WILL SEE AS I USE FOR BOATING.
DELIVERY ON TIME AND PRICE WAS FAIR IF I HAD TO DO OVER WOULD HAVE SPENT A LITTLE MORE AND PURCHASED THE GPS…
July 29th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good no frills GPS
I am very happy with this GPS for my needs. Keep in mind it has no maps and no provision for an external antenna.