Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Review

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx updated the now ancient Garmin 60CS with two important improvements. First, the 60CSx includes the 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 removable microSD card instead (the unit comes with a 64 MB card). This means you have nearly unlimited map storage capability.

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is a favorite of geocachers, and is great for hikers and bikers. There are newer, flashier units, but the 60CSx is tried and true, and is perhaps the most accurate handheld GPS on the market; I always use mine as a comparison whenever I am testing new devices for accuracy.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

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.

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..."

More Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin 60CSx reviews have been posted at GPSNow,.
• Hundreds of readers have submitted Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx reviews to Amazon.com.
• 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.
• The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog tests the 60CSx.
• Mapomatic compares the 60CSx to the newer Colorado 300.
• A video review of the Garmin 60CSX:

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.

Compare prices on the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx at these merchants:

• Find the low price on the Garmin 60CSx at GPS Now.com, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). 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, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases.
• Get the Garmin 60CSx for an amazing price at eBay.

From the official Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx web page:

The GPSMAP 60CSx is a refreshing upgrade of the GPSMAP 60CS, 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. 

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

[Rich Owings]

You're right and they're wrong. They sound pretty disreputable to me.

[Linda Ross]

My Handheld won't turn on either.
Tried the reset button, new batteries etc.

Garmin wants min. $100+ for repairs. This unit is only a year old!

[Rich Owings]

Linda,

If it's less than a year, it should still be under warranty. If it's just over a year, call back and talk to someone else in support. They have some flexibility.

[Nathan Harrison]

Your site is great. I live and work overseas and my hobbies are traveling (Africa, Asia & Middle East). I would like a GPS that provides me with directions (walking or diving) turn by turn from addresses, landmarks or locations; reference maps for remote locations while touring or hiking and the ability to look up local businesses like restaurants, gas stations, hotels or hospitals. International capabilities and service area is a must. Do you recommend the Garmin 60Csx or the Oregon series? Maybe a completely different brand? Thanks.

[Rich Owings]

Will you be on foot or in car more? I definitely would go with a Garmin due to extensive international maps for them, many of which are free. Here are two posts on that:

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/international-m.html

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html

[bob ryan]

i am looking to purchase a handheld gps for my son a fairly new hiker. I would like to have a unit that if he goes off trail it would lead him back on and if necessary back to his starting point. under 300.

[Rich Owings]

How old is your son? Can he read maps?

Just about any handheld GPS will do what you want, but I would suggest a newer Garmin model. Some are easier to use than others. Some in your price range can accommodate maps, but they need to be loaded from the computer.

[Mark McCarthy]

Hi Rich,
I'm looking to buy my first gps, and need some help. I need a gps unit that will allow me to get a topo map of our area and mark spots on that map so I can return to those areas. Also looking to have the same unit to be able to have road maps for traveling. Which unit amd which software would you recommend? Thanks, Mark

[Rich Owings]

It's hard to get a unit to do both well. There are always compromises to be made. How will you be using the topo maps (on foot, 4WD, etc.)?

[Fred Kinley]

I bought a Garmin 60CSX in July 07. The rocker key no longer works. Does the unit need to be sent back to the factory for repair or is there another solution? I am in New Zealand.

[Rich Owings]

I think it will have to go back. Here's a positive experience someone had...

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=167502

[Humberto]

Hello
I have a GPS60CSx that suddenly don´t turn on.
What can I do to restart the GPS? PLease, I need som help about it
Thanks a lot

[Rich Owings]

Unless the batteries are dead, I know of no way to revive it. Call Garmin.

[Playful]

Thanks for the review, I bought the unit based on that.

It took me days to figure out how to use multiple maps on the 60CSX etc
Hoping to save others time, I made a page with tips to save time on the 60csx and upload multiple maps.
http://asiteaboutnothing.net/g_60csx.html

Hope it helps someone.

Smiles,

:)

[Rich Owings]

Great post. Thanks for sharing.