GPS units

[Wahine]

I need to get a GPS unit for a mtn biking stage race that I plan to do in 2013. I have read through the information on the race website and they recommend the Garmin Oregon 450 above others. So I went to REI.com and there are 2 models the Oregon 450 (http://www.rei.com/product/798879/garmin-oregon-450-gps) and the Oregon 450t (http://www.rei.com/product/798880/garmin-oregon-450t-gps).

Does anyone have any experience with these? Do you understand what the difference is between the 2 models? Is it worth another $67 to get the 450t?

TIA for any input you can give.

[Wahine]

Nevermind.

I think that I have found my answer after spending way too much time reading reviews.:o

[TrekDianna]

The short answer is that the t has the topographic maps. When are you doing the race? I have a 450 and I am in Corvallis...I could get it to you this weekend if you want to try it out.

[Wahine]

I am racing in May 2013. So the race is a way off. Are you headed my way this weekend? Any chance you're doing the Trek Dirt Series? I am actually attending. If you're heading this way for that it could work out well.

[TrekDianna]

I wish I could do the dirt series, I really wanted to last weekend in Bend, but I got married (domestic partnered) on Friday night and heading out on Saturday morning probably would not have been a good thing. I was going to be in the Portland area, but if you are doing the dirt series, you won't be around. I can get it to you later. I have a different one I use all the time so you could try this one out. Otherwise, I think you can return anything at all at REI. They've taken back things just because I didn't like them.

[Wahine]

Thanks for the info. Yup, I'm pretty booked up this weekend.

Congratulations on your marriage! I say that with the best of intentions, as in it should be considered marriage, regardless of what they choose to call it legally.

Please don't go out of your way. I am pretty sure that I'm going to get the Oregon 450, I'm just not sure the 450t is worth it. I may just go to REI and return it if it doesn't work for me. But really, the race organization recommends the Garmin Oregon so...

Any chance you'd like to sell yours?

[TrekDianna]

Thanks for the marriage wishes. Mine is pretty beat up. It's been used geocaching quite heavily - dropped and bounced more times than I could count. It's not as reliable as it should be anymore. It's a good unit though. They are less expensive than they used to be. If you get the 450, there are sites you can download the maps for free - open source, not theft.

Have fun at the dirt series. I am jealous.

[Wahine]

Thanks!