The ULTIMATE Motorcycle GPS - A True Garmin Alternative - PLUS Rain/Glove Test and more
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- In this video we explore what I would consider not just an alternative to using a Garmin device but actually a better option, in my view. This applies to not only motorcycles but also boating, offroading, etc...
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0:00 Intro
0:55 The Industry
2:37 The Problem With Smartphones
4:20 The Device
6:00 The Specs
7:44 Charging Benefits
9:26 Different Models
10:32 Rain Test
11:37 Glove Test
12:35 Pricing and Final Thoughts
Thank for watching! - Навчання та стиль
I have used your set-up now for a full riding season on the single track, ATV, Forest Service and logging roads in Washington State and Northern Idaho. It works well so thanks for the video. I have had 2 nagging problems though. 1) on a hot summer day the Kyocera will overheat and shut itself down (Only happens when you are on a backroad out in the middle of nowhere:) 2) I can't read the screen at all in direct sunlight. I thought the problem was that I purchased a refurbished phone so I bought a new one, but it works about the same. I now use My Maps to plan my routes on the internet and download them to MapsMe. I now use both phones at the same time, with the second phone running OsmAnd software to . Often backtracking is required as the backwoods road maps of Idaho (regardless of their source) are extremely inaccurate. It makes riding out in nowhere so much better when you aren't afraid of getting lost.
I would go for the Pro. It has SD card slot. It was a must for every phone I've used. Witnessed too many people losing stuff in the clouds.
Been using the Samsung Rugby 2 since 2014. Original battery, zero charging problems. It did get a cracked screen while getting out of a forklift a couple years ago. Hit the step then must have landed on a diamond🤭 It had far more violent tumbles before.
Finally found 2 used ones that were in very good shape. They came with batteries and new charger/chords.
Rugby 2 are slightly larger than the garmin eTrex. Fast enough for google and make wonderful music players.
Have a 650 Montana and just had problems. Went back to using an eTrex20. Small+Simple=😊
Yeah I've always had issues with the small Garmin stuff to be quite honest. They're larger aviation in boating devices have always been pretty stable and reliable though... And yeah I would love to have included a Samsung product in this video but they're not making any more rugged phones as far as I know right now. It's a shame. Good to hear the rugby has treated you as well as it has.
Sweet man! I might have to pick one of those up in the future
Thanks for the info on Kyocera... What nav software would pair with that to match Garmin or Tomtom for Motorcycle riding application?
Came across your videos looking at the Garmin XT as I need a device on my bike. I once used to put my iPhone up there, but then I got told about the shaking and issues with that.
I’m thinking about selling my iPhone and buy a cheap rugged phone. The one you talk about here isnt available in Norway. Would it be the same with a Samsung x cover? The X cover 5 for example? I too want a do it all device. Camera, gps, cellphone, music..
JetBlue 737? Do tell! ;-) Jus funnin' with ya. Nice vid man.
Thank’s for the video. How is the screen in direkt sunlight (sun coming in from behind you, over your shoulder)? How is the visibility? My Zumo 595 is crap in light conditions 🙃
Great product review but you mention it would be great if Garmin provided a software UI that works with this phone. What mapping app would you recommend to a Garmin user? Most of my maps are created in Garmin Basecamp
What software could I use for Mexico, and would it have topographic views? Thanks for the info
What gps app do you use on your phone? I like the trip planner on Garmin
I notice you keep ignoring the huge "White Elephant" in the room, (cell service) when I ride dualsport/adventure I spent most of my time outside of cell service areas. When I need gas, or a campsite, food, hotel or anything else outside of my preloaded maps the cell phone is useless and I have to keep relying on buddy's GPS's, (this isn't much help when riding alone) this is a big deal and a deal breaker for me that's why I ordered a zumo XT this week, I will still have my phone with GPS apps as a backup........
No I addressed it fairly well I thought. Modern, non-apple (!!!), Smartphones do not require cell service to utilize their GPS sensors. That's the whole point. The key though is to download your offline maps. That's something that people seem to really have an issue with and I haven't quite understood why yet. It's very simple with most applications I've used. Even Google maps gives you the option and it's extremely simple and quick to do. Once the offline maps are downloaded you can put your phone on airplane mode and it will still work just fine. I've been doing it for over 10 years. Again this is an important note though and maybe I should have made this clearer in the video, this does not apply to Apple products. Only Android smartphones!!!! Check out the video after this one to see what we use.
@@downstateradv I think you missed my point, a little background I rode a little over 30K last year using my Samsung 8+ to navigate including the TAT, MABDR, NEBDR, SEAT, SCAR, KAT and a dozen more smaller routes, most of it in airplane mode,,, So I have some real world experience with this... The problem is with cell phones even with downloaded maps it doesn't give you real world locations to gas , campgrounds, etc., should you ride off your downloaded map area your screwed... Another thing I would bring up is to do with downloading maps, you can only download about a 20 square mile area at a time and it's really slow, takes hours and hours, uses tons of storage, also doesn't give locations for gas, etc. ..... I suggest that you download the MABDR track it's free (1080 miles) then down load all the maps for that area it covers and you will understand what I'm talking about... The whole idea of my riding is to be where there is no cell service....
I hear you but I would still disagree on a lot of your points. You can download much more than 20 miles in every app I've ever used and it's far from slow. The only thing I would agree on is points of interest but any other dedicated GPS unit like the zumo that I reviewed is the exact same thing. Without cell service none of them will give you those points of interest. The ones that are on the zumo are quite limited and not kept up to date. That's the only thing though that I would agree with you on are points of interest. There are still a couple on the zumo and that's something I should have touched on more.
@@advridertim which navigation apps did you try? I use Sygic and it shows gas stations, hotels and restaurants while offline. It doesn’t do camping spots even while online. OsmAnd did show gas and camping areas offline. The apps I use downloaded maps by state, not 20 mile chunks. Google maps does download in smaller chunks, I’m not sure how large they are though.
I love my tablets…in boats and my plane. But one issue that seems to be a major thing with newer iPads and iPhones is rapid overheating. I have had occasions in all these vehicles where the tablet just shuts down because it gets too hot. That’s not a big deal in my boat or on my motorcycle, but in my plane, it seems to happen at the worst possible moment, I have mitigated this somewhat by creating air cooling streams to help cool the tablet down. Also never ever leave it in a tablet case or anything that prevents air circulation and heat transfer away from the device.
Hi DowndtatesADV - thanks for sharing with us the more practical way using our smartphone for motorcycle gps. I need some advise on which app you use on your smartphone so that I can transfer my old garmin gps tracks/waypoints to use on my next motorcycle dual-sport adventure. Thanks and looking forward with your professional advise.
Thanks again,
Gery
Good luck, you wont be getting an answer, because there is no way you can do that. This review is completely biased.
I figure most parts of the country has cell service so this is certainly a viable alternative. It's when one is out in remote mountains or deep canyons where a phone would come up short. There are getting to be fewer and fewer reasons to own a true GPS, but lack of cell service brings such units back into the fray.
Apps like Osmand offer online maps. And you can download them for states and your area. Something like this would give you the option to run offline maps with the GPS function on the phone.
Correct me if I'm wrong@@DevDog67, but most phones don't have GPS, don't they use cell tower signals to determine position. With no cell signal your location displayed on the phone either goes away or freezes.
But does it have anything beyond basic GPS? When you are in heavy cloud cover, deep canyons, thick forests, etc you will want all of that extra GNSS satellite coverage that Garmin devices have or it will be pretty inaccurate
I have used GPS without data on an iPhone before.
Google maps allows downloads of offline maps bigger than 20 miles, but still not by state or country the certain mapping apps can.
One should check the specific phone, even if is an Android phone, for what GPS radios it uses. Even then it can depend on that companies specific implementation of Android.
I think the problem with GPS is that none of the big electronics companies has gotten into making them, not there inherent functionality. Perhaps the issue is that there is more money to be made on the device you stare at all day than the one to help you "get away".
Anyone know if the newer phone is compatible with Xfinity mobile? I have had a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra for under a year, the cameras have only worked for about 3 months of that. All 6 cameras have been replaced, and failed a month later. Needless to say, for $1400, I am extremely frustrated and looking for something else.
I missed one thing, what maps/nav app/software do you actually recommend to have on that smartphone? I'm looking for some replacement for g maps to have this "adventure" mode. I know garmin has that as well as tomtom, but is there sth similair you can have on android?
So to be quite honest, I often find myself using g maps as a standard. Additionally, I use locus for pure off-road. Just make sure with g maps and really any other that you download ALL the sections you think you'll need and the go another 100 miles in every direction haha.
Ride safe.
Thank you for the great videos!
I was leaning toward the Garmin, but this seems like a good option. I only need it if I get lost on trails 😄
So with this and an App (I like Gaia) I don’t need a cell service contract, is that correct? I don’t want to pay for another line every month. Thank you!
Correct. Just make sure you have ALL the maps downloaded and I always suggest to have another software loaded as well for a backup.
Great video I’ve been looking at getting the zumo xt but it doesn’t seem to be very rugged for my ride of on and off road which makes the Kyocera a better option but is there any way to search for routes without a service plan or internet? I dont always know where I’m going but like to always be able to find a way back home and a normal gps can do that without internet.
Usually wifi is your best bet and only bet if you don't want to pay for service. You'd be shocked how many off the beaten path places have wifi.
And remember, depending on your cell plan, you could always just tether the Kyocera, to your actual cell phone, and presto, your Kyocera has Wi-Fi-to-Internet (assuming your cell phone has internet at that time).
GPS’s tend to have better signal and don’t need internet.
That aside, there are water and dust proof GPS’s.
That aside as well, I’m a truck driver and a dedicated GPS is a MUST that cannot be replaced by a phone or an APP.
Good luck having a phone telling you which roads have X weight limit, x height limit, X axle load limit, Radar warnings and a huge ETC.
Very biased information.
BlackView makes a rugged phone... waterproof and shockproof. Most of the time you can Hotspot from your phone to another... but garmin requires no prethought.. no data required, no predownloading maps...
I watched both videos and have been considering both devices. Great points made. You may not have forgotten, but you didn't mention the app and maps you use. I've been trying several free apps, but haven't found the one I want to use. The only one I've found that allows track creation for free is A-GPS Tracker. We do nearly all off-road.
Thanks. I like locus maps for off-road. Playing with a couple others as well. For on road I'm really just a fan of google maps. Does everything I need well and poi/traffic is all integrated and realtime. Good to go.
@@downstateradv thanks for the reply. I've heard the same response from others as well.
Buying a hundreds of dollar cellphone and asking for an app for free. See the mistake?
@@downstateradv I've read folks swearing by Gaia?
But I have a smart phone already, havent even opened my new one I am getting for my birthday on Saturday. What about my accounts? What about my cell phone plan, do I need another cell plan? I am up against it...also...powering it???
do you need a phone contract to use the mapping ap? I'm not giving up my iPhone, but I want something to use on the bike for routing directions without jeopardizing my iPhone.
No need for a contract. You can use them without contract. It's basically just a handheld computer at that point.
Seems like it could be a good option for a lot of people. That or some android tablets. I’ve used a phone to navigate for years but I’ve also been in several situations where a phone left me guessing. I personally love the Zumo xt and feel it fits my needs but I definitely appreciate this option too.
Yea check my review on the xt. I liked it overall. Good machine. Some things I'm not a fan of but far from junk. Still just didn't offer enough spare change benefits over my current waterproof android devices to justify the switch though.
Curious what situations left you unable to navigate with android devices? Were they non waterproof?
@@downstateradv I’ve seen that video too. The issues weren’t water related or hardware failures. Which is why I don’t hate those options. I’ve had app failures a couple times, service issues, and even downloaded maps not load properly leaving me in the middle of nowhere guessing the way out. Nothing life threatening just annoying.
Dedicated gps systems even though not perfect either give me much better dependability in my personal experience. Even if not using to physically navigate i still have the maps to use for my needs. In the end neither side is a perfect choice. Like you mention technology is always changing.
Very interesting. Curious what applications you are using? Just for my own knowledge. Not to sound like a pompous asshole here lol but I've never had an offline map fail to load (but have heard this happens) and I'm wondering if we're using the same platform/applications. It was something I've been meaning to look into with some of the comments that I've been getting and people messaging.
@@downstateradv No worries. I don’t own stock in these tech companies so no offense can be taken haha. I’ve used several over the years but off the top of my head I’ve had failures with maps.me, iOverlander, Google maps, and rever. I still use some of these so not knocking them but more or less I like having all my options. I carry an inreach now too so there is always that for mapping if need be. I believe it was Bret Tkacs that recommended sort of using a mix. Phones are great but dedicated gps can be too.
Okay good stuff. I've actually had issues with rever myself and never used it again. Google however has never given me a problem for offline maps and I would suggest you also try locus maps. Really good stuff out of them and quite a stable platform.
Is it important to get an unlocked phone if I’m only using it for navigation
Forgive me for being random, but I have a pretty different view of Garmin. They have the general aviation market cornered. They are incredible in that market. Yes, pilots use tablets for reference materials and for vfr navigation but for critical navigation or navigation that requires certification, Garmin is far and away the greatest gps I have ever used. Great video!
No worries and I agree with your sentiment. Perhaps I was not quite clear enough in the video but there is no doubt Garmin owns the certified markets. Plain and simple. And I too have not had many issues with certified aviation equipment. Good stuff. Pricey as hell though haha.
Ride safe
So, I get a new Galaxy 10 Saturday, so I can keep my 8 for this purpose, power it with my Quad Lock, download Gaia, and save anywhere between 200-500 bucks!?
Yessir! Only issue you could run into is heat on a very sunny day.
Clicked on the link in the description for Amazon. These units get mixed reviews from actual users. 3.4 out of 5. Concerning.
Thanks for the info! Sounds like a great alternative.
But picture this, Riding a road in Northern Wisconsin using phone to nav, oops! no service! do I turn here? or go straight? Phone locked...#$@&! Back up Garmin to the rescue! Happened to us more than once. Bought our cabin in the U.P in 1993 and cell service sill the same! Poor at best...I'm not sure about how the Polaris Ride command works? (GPS based?) but many of the snowmobilers and ATVers up there use them. Pretty cool btw! Thanks again!
As long as you're not on an iPhone all of the aforementioned problems you just mentioned would never be an issue. You simply download the maps for offline use. In fact when I'm using the Kyocera or any other smartphone on my bike I often just turn service off anyway so that the phone runs smoother. Do you work for Garmin? 🤣
@@downstateradv But...what if you dont know for sure where you are going?
What about voyerger pro
Can you see the screen in bright sun?
I’m not too tech savvy. Do you need to subscribe to a major carrier like Verizon or AT&T? Does it actually have GPS fir use when not in cell phone range? Thanks
Yeah you can go either way. You can either put it on a data plan and be able to take calls and get internet wirelessly or you can just use it as a standalone device because the GPS works just fine without service. And if you need to download maps you just hop on Wi-Fi somewhere and you're good to go. It's basically just a small rugged computer with GPS built in if that makes sense.
@@downstateradv thanks. I went to link which took me to Amazon which was covers and other things
Just buy the proper model for whatever Network you intend to put it on. For example Verizon and Sprint both use CDMA networks. Just make sure you specify it for whatever is best in your area. In our area Verizon is by far the best. And yes as I stated earlier the phone does have its own GPS chip inside. It does not rely on cell networks for location
I assume this would link to a Garmin inreach via bluetooth?
I don't use an inreach personally but I'd imagine the compatibility is there.
Perhaps you mentioned this in your vid and I missed it: What is your preferred way to mount this particular phone on your motorcycle?
I use the tackform mount and love them.
@@downstateradv Thanks for the swift replay. MG
If you look in the description there's also another mount that I listed there which offers very secure mounting AND wireless charging. Check out that link.
add "Headunit Reloaded" and you can host wireless android auto between your moto-android device and your actual phone
Cheaper to replace a gps unit than (most) cell phones in case of accident.
Loved your Garmin video. But I must admit I was stunned by your suggestion to use a Kyocera Dura Force. I've had two and they are total DOGS. Worse phones I ever had. Software is horrible. Reception is horrible. They love to lock up. I wouldn't trust a Kyocera to order pizza. Now I'm wondering about your Garmin review.
Haha to clarify I'm only talking about using a dura force OFFLINE as a dedicated gps. Ie- use all downloaded maps and no service connected. There are better options now but the specs alone at the time of filming blew the doors off the xt and was half the price. Also more dust and waterproof
@@downstateradv thanks. I'll have to investigate that. I still have the useless lump. Lol. Thanks for the reply.
the worst thing about a rugged phone is the brightness, its not enough for a sunny state, as well as the screen reflections. something that you don’t have to deal with on an standard gps with matte screen
yeah THIS is a deal breaker to me in AZ
2 trips on my klr 650 and my s20 ultra camera stopped working. I'm getting a gps unit
Yea the higher end smartphones NES are simply not made for that type of abuse. This one is. It's a very different animal.
Ride safe.
Feels like a cutco sales pitch
I can see that being an alternative for cheaper then say a garmin zumo xt. BUT the rain test was not good on it. the glove test you just touched a couple times and called it phenomenal! Im older and my eye sight is not 20/20 any more So I appreciate a larger screen like the Garmin has. It also has a lot of feature that you will use and is setup to be used easy. you are not going to be going down the road looking at that little screen and trying to find the nearest gas station etc. And if the phone is not a dedicated phone then you wont receiver massages on it or phone calls. Can you make this work for cheaper then a dedicated gps? sure. But i think you are missing bigger issues. and to me is screen size and be able to navigate through the screens on the fly. On a smart phone say you are in maps and decide to goto something else you have to go back to your home screen and find the other app you want. The Garmin zumo XT for instance is setup to be just a press away from what you need. I used my smart phone for a bit on my bike in a quad lock and even in google maps which was not setup very user friendly to routing trips etc, the screen was just to small and i have a samsung 22s ultra. Not downing your theory here. And is a ok get me by cheap theory but the garming gps (say the zumo xt )just blow away a smart phone for what it is designed to do. To each their own i guess.
The Kyocera might be tough, but you have all the normal limitations of a phone. Small screen, difficulty in sunlight, and deciding what app to use. Waze, Google maps, others always fall short of Garmin's ability to find curves, and accept GPX files from alternate desktop design apps. Might be great for some, but a dedicated GPS wins out.
I will use my old LG phone as a phone and my old Montana 600 until I need to update my phone. This phone will replace both of them
I cannot seem to see the replies to the comments below, anyone else have that issue?
Sorry to say this but your review is completely biased towards this mobile phone. Been riding since 13 years, used paper maps, mobile phones and now settled with dedicated GPS(Garmin Zumo 395LM). There is no other device currently that can beat a dedicated GPS unit when it comes to long distance travelling. Am not sure how you liked the wireless charging base from RAM, that device failed due to heating issues. Nevertheless, by the looks it sounds like you never used other Zumo devices apart from XT and explored their features. Good Luck..
I think it's safe to say I have a bit more time behind these devices than you might think. I back up my opinions with facts and experience. That's all I can say. I'm not paid by anybody and judging by the responses plenty of people agree. You're welcome to your opinion though. Ride safe.
I am with DownstaterADV on this perspective of Mobile Phone for NAV. I have used a Garmin 395 for years, and have used this and my iPhone side-by-side on the MABDR and NEBDR (phone as primary nav). The phone did everything the Garmin did, except talk to me via routes. I probably just have to find a different off-road app for that. I routinely use G Maps and Rever and have not needed Garmin.
Might be a great nav alternative to a gps unit, but you failed to address how it’s going to provide location data when not in range of cell towers. For many locations in the states and Canada, this then, is not a solution.
I apologize, You do make the point it does not require cell service, however I got bored watching long before you made that point. My next concern is maps. If it requires you to use Google maps, I would not like it. Many roads I travel are not shown, it has no tracking, no topography, just not a good map for adventure riding compared to Garmin maps. How do you address that? Thanks.
The only thing I can say about a dedicated GPS is that smartphones don’t do well in certain parts of the country. In those places, a dedicated GPS is vital. I’ve been in several states which my phone had zero service and tried to find a destination without success. The GPS has much less issues with connecting to satellites in these areas as per my experience.
As long as I've had offline maps downloaded I've never had an issue. One caveat to that which I maybe did not mention quite enough in the video is that iPhones use the substandard GPS system that requires cell tower triangulation. Without service iPhones do quite poorly. I always use android.
@@downstateradv and that may be the answer….I am an iPhone user!
Amazon Reviews say it all.
I've been in so many places with no cell phone service. You're all crazy.
Smartphone - no. Exactly as said, to leave it always on your bike, as dedicated navigation - is a fail. If you leave it in garage for 2 weeks, then decide to take a ride, phone battery is dead. And while with Garmin, just jump on the bike and ride, it just comes on, as you start the bike. Though with dead phone you need to take time while it starts to charge, while it boots up and starts your navigation... Just a useless hasle.
Nah. These things are dead slow. Just use a second hand iPhone X or similar with a waterproof case
You must live on the east coast or only ride on major freeways. Out west if you depend on a phone for a GPS you will get lost in a hurry because we don't have anything remotely close to 100% cell phone coverage. Your review is pointless for anything West of the Mississippi.
I guess you didn't watch the video.
You don't use cell service. These have dedicated GPS sensors and a hard drive. Most people don't even have them activated on a network for that matter. You download the maps and territories you plan to be in and they are available offline. Just like a Garmin.
Maybe consider watching the whole thing.
Ride safe.
Oh, my gosh! Get to the point!
how many commercials can you fit in a commercial.
Dude, way too much yappin and over explaining. Couldn't take it any more, too long to get to the point, over obvious yappin, had to bail on you...
so use an extra old phone. got it