Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Review

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx updated the now ancient  Garmin 60CS with two important upgrades. First, the 60CSx includes the new SiRFSTARIII chipset, which has been getting rave reviews for its fast acquisition time and awesome coverage under canopy, in urban canyons and even indoors! Second, the 60CSx no longer utilizes the built in memory for MapSource maps, but loads them to a microSD card slot instead (the unit comes with a 64 MB card). This means you have unlimited map storage capability, plus you can use some of the newer MapSource software like City Select Mexico.

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is a favorite of geocachers, and is great for hikers and bikers. It is the current Cadillac of outdoor GPS receivers and is my personal favorite in the backcountry.

One other point before we go on to other reviews -- the 60CSx is identical to the 60Cx, except that this unit, the 60CSx, adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Before we hear what others have to say, here’s a snippet from Amazon's Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx review:

“The venerable Garmin 60CS just got a whole lot better. The 7.5-ounce GPSMap 60CSx now features an insanely accurate, high-sensitivity GPS receiver by SiRF that tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons. Plus, you get a bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 64 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Add all that to the 60CSx's integrated barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and you've got a unit that is ready to take you anywhere on land or sea.

The GPSMap 60CSx features the powerful SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy in all conditions. You also get an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. You can use the 60CSx's memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots...."

More Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx reviews

• Over 200 readers have submitted Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx reviews to Amazon.com.
• Satisfied users have also posted Garmin 60CSx reviews at GPSNow.
• GPSInformation.net, one of my favorite web sites, has posted their Garmin 60CSx review.
• Patrick Roeder has posted a detailed review of the Garmin 60CSx.
• Scott from GPS Lodge has posted his own Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx review.
• BMC Software CEO cops to using the Garmin 60CSx in this mini-review.
• Consumers have posted their own Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx reviews at CNet.
• GPS Maniac has posted a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx review.
• Survival AZ reviews the Garmin 60CSx.
• LetsGoMobile has also posted a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx review.

I’ll be posting more reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some other...

Garmin GPSMap 60CSx resoruces

• Here’s a link to a PDF version of the Garmin 60CSx owners manual.
• Want to see how the 60CSx stacks up against other units? Use this handy Garmin handheld GPS comparison tool.
• This is such a popular unit that there is a message forum devoted to the GPSMap 60CSx and 60Cx.
• Here is a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx FAQ page.

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• Find the low price on the Garmin 60CSx at GPS Now.com. Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
• Check the current GPSMAP 60CSx price at Amazon.
• Buy the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Expandable Color Hand Held GPS Receiver at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250.
• Check out the deal on a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx GPS at REI.com.
• Get the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx for an amazing price at eBay.

From the official Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx web page:

The GPSMAP 60Cx is a refreshing upgrade of the GPSMAP 60C, one of our most popular models for outdoor and marine use. This unit features a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory and a waterproof, rugged housing. The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment. Users can load map data and transfer routes and waypoints through the unit’s fast USB connection. In addition, this unit features a new, highly sensitive GPS receiver that acquires satellites faster and lets users track their location in challenging conditions, such as heavy foliage or deep canyons.

Considered the mainstay among serious outdoor enthusiasts, the GPSMAP 60Cx and GPSMAP 60CSx offer a large color TFT display and turn-by-turn routing capability. Each unit comes with a blank 64 MB microSD card. Owners of these new x-series handhelds  can also purchase new microSD cards that are pre-loaded with MapSource® Topo and inland lake maps, BlueChart® marine cartography, and City Navigator™ street maps.  

GPSMAP 60Cx Features:

• New high-sensitivity WAAS-capable  GPS receiver by SiRF
• Built-in quad-helix receiving antenna with remote antenna capability
• Unit dimensions: 2.4” W x 6.1” H x 1.3” D
• Display: 1.5” W x 2.2” H, 2.6”-diagonal, 256-color, transflective TFT (160 x 240 pixels)
• Weight: 7.5 ounces with batteries (not included)
• microSD card slot allows for storage of optional MapSource detail (64 MB microSD included)
• LED backlit display and keypad
• Battery life: up to 18 hours using two AA alkaline batteries
• Includes a built-in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities, including highways, exits, and tide data (U.S. only)
• Internal memory is preloaded with a marine point database
• 1,000 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 50 reversible routes
• Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more
• Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity waypoint, and clock
• Large-numbers option for easy viewing; dual-position display mode
• Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more
• Navigation instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port.
• 10,000-point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions
• Built-in celestial tables for sun and moon calculations and the best times to fish and hunt
• Compatible with most MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. TOPO 24K, U.S. TOPO, and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots
• Water resistant: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards

Recommended accessories:

• Garmin TOPO U.S. 2008
• Eneloop rechargeable batteries
• invisibleSHIELD screen protector
• SanDisk 2 GB MicroSD card

Related posts:

• Handheld GPS buyers guide
• GPS for hikers
• GPS for geocachers
• GPS for cyclists

Comments

[J]

I also purchased the Topo US 2008 software. Many of this units buzzers and bells are only usable with the purchase of additional software which is a little expensive. If you have not purchased yet or unless you can get a really good discount, or are only interested in using the GPS in the outdoors you may want to look at competitors models. Garmin charges for their software and locks it city versions to only one GPS unit. If you then lose/break/or get stolen your GPS unit, have computer problems etc. you are kind of screwed and will have to not only replace your GPS but buy a new copy of the software you already own. Garmin does not do this locking crap to its Topo US 2008 version.

This unit shines in the chip set and antenna area. The processing time is really good when compared to older units and the antenna seems to always be able to get a lock on satellites. The screen is colorful and clear. The unit is pretty user friendly.

Overall the GPS is a good unit, however Garmins practice of locking software to a specific GPS unit will send me to the competitors on my next purchase. Magellen's new units are using the same chip set and antenna as this unit so I would expect them to have all the good attributes that this unit has without having to deal with Garmin's software issues. Magellen's new GPS series are also compatible with National Geographic Topo as well as Magellen's own Map Send. I would look hard at those models if still in the market.

[Rich Owings]

J,

Thanks for taking the time to write this up. I've got a Triton 1500 and am starting to put together a review. Stay tuned!

[Nicholas F Davis]

very usefull !

[Chris - New Zealand]

Am very impressed with it but have a little problem someone may be able to help with.
I was trying the Measure Distance feature on the map and have ended up with a circle on the map screen I can't get rid of. It is centred on my house and goes out to a fishing spot at sea, the two points I was measuring between. Anyway, the manual is uninformative and after 20 minutes of playing, I can't eliminate the circle overlaying the map.

Anyone know how to fix this?

[Rich Owings]

Chris, the "measure distance" item on the menu should have changed to "stop measuring." Pressing enter when highlighting that should do it.

[60csx]

Thanks for writeing this. I have also the Garmin GPSMap 60csx and I`am very happy with it. Regards

[Chris - New Zealand]

Thanks Rich but no, tried that several times and some variations, and the circle's still there. Annoying.
If I lived in the US, I'd be on the phone to Garmin themselves. Shame they haven't got a more comprehensive manual available online.

[ary]

Garmin 60csx is very good. I have 2 unit, one Garmin 60csx dan Triton 2000. I love garmin 60csx because is very stable firmware dan very good dan easy to use. Triton 2000 is nice look but very bad in firmware, not easy to use.

[Adam S]

Hi,

Would the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx be the best hand held for mapping walking and biking trails and uploading them to Google Earth?

Im new to this and live in Ireland

Thanks for your help

Adam

[Rich Owings]

Adam,

That's a tough question. Any decent unit with a high-sensitivity receiver should be good. Newer models like the Triton and Colorado might have export issues re: Google Earth. You'll need Google Earth Pro to export directly, though I think there are other options for a round about method using the free version of GE. I think the 60CSx or 60Cx would be a great choice.

[Adam]

Hi Rich,

Many thanks for your help and reply. I ordered the 60CSx the other day and now I cant wait to get it and start trying it out!

Adam

[dunc]

Adam, I use the 60csx for mapping hiking and biking trails and uploading them to google earth.
The process is:

1. generate "tracks" in the 60csx by walking the trail.

2. download them to your computer using the latest version of the mapsource software and a usb cable (provided with the unit).

3. make sure you have google earth installed, then upload to google earth via the "View in google earth" option in mapsource. Easy! :)

[Adam]

Hi Rich,

Many thanks for that info! you made it sound simple and easy understand!

I also want to Geotag photos and stuff, will I need to purchase a PC intrfce cable?

The uGPS arrived today and I mut say, even in my limited knowledge, its an impressive unit!

Adam

[Rich Owings]

Um, I think that was dunc you were thanking! The 60CSx comes with a USB interface cable, so no, you shouldn't have to buy one.

[Adam]

Sorry about that Dunc! Thanks so much for your help!

And thank you Rich for spotting my error and thanks for the info.

Apologies again Dunc.

Adam

[Eric]

I currently have an eTrex Legend with MapSource Topo Version 3.02. Can this be used on the Garmin 60CSx I'm considering? Thanks!

[Rich Owings]

Eric,

Yes, MapSource Topo is unlocked and can be used on any compatible mapping receiver.

[Eric]

Will the 60csx display the shaded relef maps that I believe are part of the Topo2008 cd or do you need the Colorado to take advantage of this feature?
Thanks.

[Rich Owings]

No, you'll need the Colorado for this.

[Kevin Mikkelsen]

Thanks for providing me with the info necessary to research all the electronic GPS units on the market. You made it an enjoyable experience by sharing your efforts with me. I now have a 60CXS on its way and can't wait to get out in the outdoors to use it. If anyone has questions that need to be answered, I'll send them your way!

Kevin in Utah

[Jest]

Hello!
I have problem transfering and opening routes on my GPS map60CSX and Pc. I hope you can help me.
I created route using two waypoints in Mapsource and then sent it to my GPSMap60csx. Now I want to see this route on the map, but it shows me only direct line from start to end point, although in have routable map on my device. If I chose Navigate, there is no problem and route normaly follow the road.. The same thing happened if I send this route back to PC. I must recalculate the route to see it properly.
I owned GPS for about a year, but never met this problem before. I updated my device software a few days ago to version 3.60. I dont believe that this update causes the problem....
I would be grateful, if anybody have any answer or advice......
and, forgive me my english language....
Thanks

[Rich Owings]

Do you have follow road selected under routing options?

[Jest]

Of course, I checked hundred times. I'm trying to create and send route again... On my GPS I create route between two poits. I select option Map, and it shows be straigt line between this two points. (if I select option Navigate, everything is OK, route following road).?? Now I send this route to Mapsource, I got straith line again....select recalcuate, everything is OK. Now I send this route back to GPS, and there is the same problem.....???!!

[BB]

I am a Pilot in the Army and have never owned a GPS. I need a HandHeld that will get good reception and can be used to retreat to friendly terriroty around the world in emergency situations(Iraq and Afgan.), as well as funtionality for present positon and moving map in the cockpit.Turn By Turn Directions in the car would be nice as well. I was considering the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. Would this suit my needs? Also, How can I get different maps and areas for the world (Iraq and Afgan.) through software on this american sold device. Thank for your time.
(please e-mail response if its not to much trouble)

[Rich Owings]

BB,

It sounds like the 60CSx would meet your needs. You could go with an eTrex model and get greater battery life, but would also get a smaller screen.

This site has maps of Iraq and Afghanistan. No idea how good they are...
http://www.global-map.net/

[BigSpike]

I bought a 60csx as a replacement for my Meridian Platinum and love it except for one thing, it wanders. When I am stopped, I can watch the curser move back and forth, around and around with the location changing by as much as 50 meters. It does not sit still. How is the accuracy of my location supposed to be 3m if it won't stay still. Garmin says this is because of thier "ultra sensative chipset". I say that's a bunch of hooey. When I upload tracks to my PC, I have to edit out the segments it tracks around near the geocaches and other POIs. It also does this in traffic when I am stopped at a light.

Does anyone have a cure or workaround for this?

[Rich Owings]

BigSpike,

A degree of wandering is normal, but...Assuming a good satellite fix on a normal day, 50 meters is certainly excessive.

Have you installed the latest firmware via WebUpdater, which will also give you the latest GPS chipset firmware? And do you have any trouble with initial satellite lock being slow?

[John Didisheim]

GPSMAP 60CSx

What is meant by "area of a track"? Cf. manual page p.29.

Thanks for the info!

John

[Rich Owings]

John,

This feature allows you to walk the perimeter of an area and measure the acreage, square footage, etc.

[Jonathan]

Is the Garmin GPSmap 60CSX micro SDHC compatible? Also will it suport a 4gb card?

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Rich Owings]

Jim,

The official word from a Garmin support search...

At this time, the 2 GB cards are the largest microSD (Secure Digital) cards that can be used for the X-series GPS units. However, the X-series GPS units are not compatible with the San Disk Ultra II cards and therefore we do not recommend using the Ultra II micro SD cards with any of the X-series units.

The unofficial word is that you can use a 4GD micro-SDHC card, but you will only have access to 2 GB of memory...

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=184618

[Ted]

I just bought this unit on 6-15-08. The position wanders all around the waypoint. I mean all over the place. If it is left setting still it will wander all around the way point by more the 100 feet at 20 feet scale. What up with that. IS there a fix for this?? The unit is updated.

[Rich Owings]

Ted,

Several things may be at play. You say the unit is updated, but do you have the latest unit firmware AND chipset firmware? You can get the latter via Web Updater.

High sensitivity units have more position drift. Make sure you aren't in battery saver mode. This can make a big difference. Enabling WAAS may help in open locations. You might try calibrating your compass too. Holding the unit vertically may help as well.

[Ted]

The unit is drifting. Yes, I used web updater and downloaded the new versions. Unit is in normal mode. I calulated the compass. Waas is on. The only thing that helped was to set the unit on North up. But It still is drafting. My Magellan explorist 210 didn't do this at all. when this tracking all over the place, How can you use the back track feature with the unit drafting like this. I hope I didnt spend alot of money for a unit when the magellan 210 was more accurate.

[Rich Owings]

Unless you are near a large rock face or something else that would block signals, 100' seems out of the ordinary. If that extreme number was a one time event, it could just be a bad satellite constellation that day. Again, high-sensitivity receivers are more susceptible to drift, but should give more accurate readings overall. Do you still have the 210? If so, I'd carry them both and compare tracklogs a couple of times. If none of this rings true, I'd call Garmin support and ask them about it.

[Brian]

Hello. I own a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx. I created a Route with appox. 10 points on my PC with MapSource software. However, when I transfer the Route to the GPS via USB, it appears but only in stright "as the crow flys" segments from point to point. This is useless on a trail under canopy when you need to follow the trail, NOT stright lines. I have the Follow Roads option UNSELECTED, thinking this will stay off forcing it to follow roads. All software is updated. How can I make it follow the trail (Route I created in MapSourse on PC)???? Thanks, and great forum!

-Brian

[Rich Owings]

Brian,

You can't do this with Garmin US Topo. The 24K National Park maps will, but there is limited coverage.

[joec99]

I need to purchase a handheld GPS unit for hiking and fishing. I live along the coast and want to compile coordinate info for my fishing hot spots. That said, I also spend a great deal of time hiking in the mountains under heavy canopy. I also would like the unit to interface with my pc AND oh, did I mention that I don't want to break the bank (under $300). I also own Delorme's Topo USA 7.0 software and might want to import that data. Which units should I be looking at??? Any help is appreciated!

[Rich Owings]

joec99,

As far as Garmin goes, you might want to look at the Legend HCx or Venture HC, but remember that maps will cost extra. Since you already have DeLorme Topo USA and, I'm assuming you are used to it, you might want to consider the DeLorme PN-20.

[Marco]

I left the batteries out of my 60CSx and now the time/date is off. How do you adjust it back? I've seen on mapsource where you can adjust your PC clock based on the receiver, but not the other way around.

Marco

[Rich Owings]

Marco,

I had this problem once but can't recall how I resolved it. You need to get updated satellite almanac data into the unit. Here are some options to try, in order of severity:

1. If you haven't been able to lock onto satellites, leave the GPS on under open sky for a full 30 minutes. Do this after any of the following steps you try as well.

2. From the Satellite screen, choose Menu > New Location

3. Update your firmware.

4. Do a hard reset...
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?s=fe87d28b1b524ab5a02a7921c0b2aa3b&showtopic=72160&st=300&p=1070558&#entry1070558

5. Call Garmin.

Hope this helps. I'd love to hear back about what works.