Garmin GPSMAP 66st First Impressions

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  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 116

  • @aspeguitars4071
    @aspeguitars4071 6 років тому +11

    This is one of the most useful reviews I found so far, thanks! The comments from some other viewers about battery life however is worrying.

    • @skipper0_925
      @skipper0_925 4 роки тому

      My Garmin 66s with a new Garmin rechargeable battery pack only lasts 10 hours. Setup is a major pain and not user friendly. I am also a Ham radio operator and used to working with code plugs and setting up radios, including DMR. I have three GPS on my yacht, one on my motorcycle and one in each of my cars, all really good at their job. Unfortunately this is not the case here. The unit has bricked itself a number of times which could really be an issue for someone if it happened when they needed a position fix, if they don't know how to rectify it.

  • @annemia2953
    @annemia2953 4 роки тому +4

    Good video, I have the 66st, so far it has been excellent with no issues.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому +1

      It’s a solid GPS.

  • @davidcudlip6587
    @davidcudlip6587 Рік тому

    I use my 66st while grouse hunting in the North Woods-Maine,Michigan, and Minnesota. Having downloadable topo and satellite mapping helps me know what's up ahead . I also have a Garmin alpha 10 dog tracking unit that can mark waypoints of where I park my vehicle and where my dog is by direction and yardage. This is paired up with a Garmin Instnict Solar watch so I can just check my watch to find my dog's position and my vehicle. Feel like a poster-boy for the Garmin Corporation.

  • @RutMoe
    @RutMoe 5 років тому +8

    I have the 66st. This review is spot on. Well done review.

  • @marlacolarusso4180
    @marlacolarusso4180 3 роки тому

    I have had the unit for over a year and the review is accurate. Now I need to learn to use it!

  • @huntinglife5202
    @huntinglife5202 5 років тому

    I’ve had the 64s for about 5 years now. Phone connection was no probs. Maps cost me $15 on eBay I’m like you I think I’ve got 10 more years to go before an upgrade. I also have my 701 foretrex which I love. Great info brother.

  • @HPLARSSON
    @HPLARSSON 2 роки тому +1

    Just a fine unit. I upgraded also from an old etrex

  • @marctremblay5864
    @marctremblay5864 4 роки тому

    I just bought it today and it was quick and easy to setup with my phone

  • @49Roadmaster
    @49Roadmaster 4 роки тому +1

    Great video, and very well explained and honest. A sign of someone who knows what they are talking about.
    I am finding purchasing of a handheld is very confusing. Even when I am on the Garmin site. All the different series and the letter designations with the assumption that the reader knows all of the acronyms they are blurting out is frustrating. Was looking to buy a unit for an transcontinental adventure motorcycle trip across the US and Canada and looking on Garmin's 64 or 66 series, but all the letter designations are confusing. S, SX, ST,... now the 66 comes in an "i" version, but the descriptors on the Garmin site are hard to navigate.

  • @jeg569
    @jeg569 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks for the video, I have a 66s in the UK with the O.S map bundle. The Garmin rechargeables are pretty bad, better off with the Energizer recharge. I had the same problem setting up the bluetooth, I think I managed by accident.

  • @motonawaz
    @motonawaz 5 років тому +6

    Thanks for the detail overview of 66st! Can you please make a video of how do topo maps work or how to use them! Thanks again

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  5 років тому +2

      I'll put it on my list! Thanks for watching.

  • @sartainja
    @sartainja 2 роки тому

    Thank you for honest feedback on this device. Too bad that the Bluetooth does not work.

  • @joehastings1
    @joehastings1 5 місяців тому

    You're absolutely right about the imagery, 8/12/24 and apparently still outdated sat imagery.

  • @donaldpudas3533
    @donaldpudas3533 2 роки тому

    Can I add coordinates to it? There are wilderness areas here in NM with not tails but there are coordinates to find certain points of interest. Thank you.

  • @jerrodlopes186
    @jerrodlopes186 3 роки тому

    Quite helpful in my decision of which model to go with. Thanks.

  • @GodofFallout1
    @GodofFallout1 3 роки тому

    Very good concise review. Most reviews on these devices are 30+min long

  • @flashfuss
    @flashfuss 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much for all the info 🙂

  • @HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors
    @HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors 6 років тому +1

    I had the extrex first, then a couple of years ago, I bought the 64ST, I love it. I have used it from back packing, hunting, scouting, motorcycle rides, jeep trails etc.
    Sounds like this might well be a great upgrade. I like the features and the bigger screen, The smaller screen is still readable even when put on the handle bars, but the bigger screen might be bigger for older eyes, and I am not getting any younger. Thanks for sharing and have a blessed week my friend.
    Dale

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  6 років тому

      The screen is certainly one of the compelling differences of the Garmin GPSMAP 66st due to its size and higher resolution.

  • @davidroot4945
    @davidroot4945 5 років тому +1

    Thanks for the review. I just bought a 66ST and have been disappointed with the connectivity as well. I wanted to connect it to my iPad for aviation purposes. I was going to get the Bad Elf gps which works perfectly for connectivity navigation, but I also wanted something for hiking. I hope Garmin comes up with an easier method to connect the 66ST with other devices. Maybe you could do a video specifically to show how it’s done?

  • @outdoortechtrekguy1029
    @outdoortechtrekguy1029 5 років тому +2

    Fantastic honest review great overview one of the best breakdowns I have seen .

  • @mat-ventures
    @mat-ventures 4 роки тому +3

    Thank you very much for the honest review!

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      You’re welcome!

  • @johnhoffman3275
    @johnhoffman3275 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks great review. Need to buy this.

  • @filsed
    @filsed 6 років тому +4

    2.50 is out, fixed a lot of issues (BT pairing was one of those)

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  6 років тому

      Thank goodness they have been working to fix it!

  • @almas7123
    @almas7123 4 роки тому +1

    I like the screen size but not the overall size, for my needs.

  • @johnbarns548
    @johnbarns548 4 роки тому

    I just ordered this gps plus the 24k map upgrade have you found the maps to show many trails

  • @kayasper6081
    @kayasper6081 3 роки тому

    I have several Garmin products, among them the Garmin GPSMAP66i. They all are a real struggle to understand and use, very anti intuitive. The service centre/helpdesk is very limited. Although their products look quite promising, I would not advice buy any of them. I lost lot of time with them, money and frustration, while I could have enjoy actually making trips in nature in stead.

  • @victorcamp8802
    @victorcamp8802 4 роки тому +1

    Does the 66st show gps coordinates in the decimal format in addition to Degrees , Minutes. and seconds

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      Yes, it does. It’s selectable.

  • @Adrian-vp3kb
    @Adrian-vp3kb 4 роки тому +2

    How is it holding up? Is it worth it to get the 66sr?!

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому +1

      It’s great, there is a link in my description!

    • @Adrian-vp3kb
      @Adrian-vp3kb 4 роки тому

      @@K0LWC would it work in other countries? Like Mexico too?

  • @rudiphoto
    @rudiphoto 6 років тому +1

    Thanks for taking the time to make this review! There aren't a lot of owners' reviews online just yet, so real-world info about the GPSMAP 66 series is hard to come by. I have a 66S on order. It will be replacing an Oregon 650, and I expect it to outperform the Oregon. You review seems to confirm this (I *never get 6 ft accuracy with the older Oregon). So thanks for setting my mind at ease while I wait for my Garmin to get here. ;-)

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  6 років тому

      Glad you found it helpful! It’s a great unit; minus the connectivity “apps” stuff that is a buggy and often useless. Let me know what you think of it once it arrives!

  • @ramsestapia8503
    @ramsestapia8503 4 роки тому

    Can I connect a mini SD memory on it for more maps?

  • @housetopranch
    @housetopranch 6 років тому +4

    A couple of points: the reviewer is coming from a very old Garmin. So ANY newer unit is going to impress him. He classifies the screen as being really big. Really? I have the Montana and that screen is just barely large enough to be really useful when navigating off trail. Now a unit with a screen as big as an iPad mini would be just about right. He seems to be really enamored that the unit comes with maps. But keep in mind that those are 100k maps. To be useful, you really need 24k maps. For most folks the best option is to purchase a Garmin Huntview micro SD chip that contains both 24k maps and satellite images. If you do any amount of naming waypoints and tracks then using a button GPS is a pain in the ass. A touch screen is the way to go if you care about those things. I think that until the bugs get worked out that the Montana or the 64 series is still the way to go for accuracy and reliability in the Garmin line.

    • @jbsvideos5589
      @jbsvideos5589 5 років тому +1

      Touchscreens suck when wearing gloves. This unit does connect to your phone via Bluetooth if you want to edit waypoints.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  5 років тому +1

      Yeah, gloves and touchscreens are awful.

    • @rtgordanier
      @rtgordanier 5 років тому

      My Montana 610t works great with gloves.

  • @MTFL007
    @MTFL007 4 роки тому +1

    Is there a huge difference in the 66sr with the Multi-Band GPS ? I know the 66s has the GLONASS and Galileo GPS

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      Huge? No. But there is a difference. It could make a 5-10 ft difference or make reception in tricky areas much likelier.

  • @SpencerPullenPhotography
    @SpencerPullenPhotography 6 років тому +2

    I use my etrex touch 35t for geocaching only. I have to manually load in the waypoints from geocaching.com. The 66st is supposed to have "live" geocaching where it downloads data from the phone when you are on location. This sounds like this won't be such a great feature. I'm still thinking it would be a nice upgrade to get the quadhelix antenna over what is in the etrex. Thanks for doing this video.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  6 років тому +2

      The geocaching function works much better as it doesn’t rely on Bluetooth.

    • @tenfourproductionsllc
      @tenfourproductionsllc 5 років тому +1

      You are talking $500 for a feature that requires your cellphone for it to work out in the field to have a connection, so why not just use the cellphone for geocaching, which is far superior to the 66. If anything, get a 64 for half the price.

  • @labrador77
    @labrador77 5 років тому +1

    Thanks, very nice review!

  • @modygonzales8255
    @modygonzales8255 4 роки тому

    Im a beginner in garmin handheld gps.Have some experience with Garmin touring plus for my roadbike.I think the 66i is not for me ,because its too expensive and has no aa battery,and quite complicated.!Im a hiker/camper beginner.Can u recommend the gpsmap st?Does it include topo map of my country PHILIPPINES?tnx,mody Philippines

  • @aubertphilippe4006
    @aubertphilippe4006 6 років тому

    Exactly the same exprience: Very good GPS but lots of problems and bugs with the connectivity and the expedition mode. Take can , you can block your GPS for about 15 minutes after having removed the battery (Super cap inside ?)

  • @keithgordon1519
    @keithgordon1519 5 років тому +3

    Excellent review. Been using Garmin products since 1994 and they're famous (infamous) for fielding good hardware before the operating system is up to task. Looking at the 66i so I can carry one device vs. 2 -- one for Geocaching and one for communications. Anyone know if the 66i has dedicated Geocaching functions? Thanks and 73s, K7KSG

    • @paultannahill5043
      @paultannahill5043 5 років тому

      Yes, the 66i has the full geocaching functionality. It's the model I have been waiting for, as well.

    • @tenfourproductionsllc
      @tenfourproductionsllc 5 років тому +3

      @@paultannahill5043 If you go the geocaching forums, the 66 has been completely trashed beyond repair, 11 pages of flaws on their forum about it. I got one, returned it within 2 days, there is no justification for this costing twice as much as a 64.

  • @yokehuatgoh
    @yokehuatgoh 5 років тому

    when you think about it, 10 to 20 feet in accuracy isn't that bad. 3 of you, laying down head to toe, that 18 ft radius accuracy is pretty good-enough for general hiking. but, i like electronic gadgets... i'll buy it just for the fun of it, to mess with it while hiking. otherwise, an etrex10 and a gps-coordinate map is really all you need for navigation.

  • @SWTBlazers
    @SWTBlazers 4 роки тому

    Another question: I like running a 12 V power cord to a GPS when on the ATV. I believe there's a port on this unit, but would this make it susceptible to water ingress??

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      Yes, it would.

  • @maxw1nter
    @maxw1nter 6 років тому +2

    My GPSMAP 66st gets drained and then shuts off because of low batt. after 2-3 hours most of the times. I tried several sets of good Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries. To make sure that the problem is not related to bad reception or buttons being pressed during a hike or whatever other reason, I just put the GPS outside my house and waited.... Battery drained after between 2 and 3 hours to zero !! Support told me to do a factory reset and this helped.... for two days! Then the problem came back. Seems to be some bug that occurs once specific things are loaded to the device or specific settings are made. Beside the battery problem there is also something going on with the Bluetooth connection. Sometimes the device just doesn‘t connect to my Iphone and I have to delete the connection and start the pairing again. After 2 months I must say that the product is not usable and I am very angry because of the many wasted hours and all the failed recordings of some trips out in the field due to the battery issues. Shame on you Garmin! My Iphone with the Gaia app is 1000 x more reliable and I always ended up navigating and recording with the Iphone during my hikes.

    • @mutk
      @mutk 5 років тому

      I had a similar problem with the battery. I used a 32 gb card. When I switched for 8 GB, he worked for 12 hours.

  • @DAVIDGREGORYKERR
    @DAVIDGREGORYKERR 6 років тому

    Is it possible to use a USB cable from the GPS unit to your mobile phone.

  • @Jonh707
    @Jonh707 4 роки тому +1

    Can you update newer maps on it ?

  • @jasperfatty4915
    @jasperfatty4915 5 років тому +5

    64 series are the best =)

  • @SkPFlomo
    @SkPFlomo 4 роки тому +1

    How can I purchase one of these.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      Check the link in the description.

  • @davidbrewer7937
    @davidbrewer7937 3 роки тому

    Hopefully it has improved power consumption over the 64ST because mine draws so much current when it is turned "off" that I turn the battery around backwards to kill the sneak function which eats the batteries in a few hours even when turned "off"...I regret buying mine & wish I had got Magellan instead. Garmin is the biggest heap of expensive junk it has ever been my bad fortune to own!

  • @bryonslatten3147
    @bryonslatten3147 4 роки тому

    My Garmin GPSMAP 66st shut down after prompting a software update. It’s now locked on the software update screen and Garmin Express (desktop) and Garmin Connect (iPhone) won’t connect either.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      I’d contact Garmin!

    • @Lawful123
      @Lawful123 3 роки тому +1

      Look up how to factory reset the device. Worked for me.

  • @rjmlakota
    @rjmlakota 6 років тому

    Nice video! You stated you got great battery life. What batteries are you using? I've tried standard Duracell alkaline batteries as well Eneloop rechargeable batteries. I've also changed the battery type in the settings to match the type of batter I was using. No matter what type of battery I use, I can only get 2-3 hours of battery life and then the GPS turns off. This is extremely frustrating!

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  6 років тому

      May be a technical problem with your unit make sure WiFi and Bluetooth are turned off. I’m using industrial Duracell’s.

  • @fordman1776
    @fordman1776 4 роки тому

    I can't figure out how to use my 66st for driving navigation, it just draws a staight line to destination. I have tried to change the routing settings to lock on road but that did not make a difference. Any help or ideas?

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      I can't help on that one. That's why god invented Waze/Google Maps. :)

    • @tommyx46
      @tommyx46 4 роки тому

      Fordman hi I have sorted this for my GPS 64s. Find the Routing page and choose Automobile. There are settings for it to lock onto roads. Also many settings to make it a Sat Nav. Probably the same for this 66s.

    • @fordman1776
      @fordman1776 4 роки тому

      @@tommyx46 can you explain the "sat nav" I have tried to use the "lock on road" setting but it did not make a difference.

    • @tommyx46
      @tommyx46 4 роки тому

      Fordman remember I have a 64s not a 66. However make sure you are in the Automotive Profile. In Routing select Automobile Driving as the Activity and Lock On Road. Then in Setup go to Maps. Hit Enter and select Orientation. You should see North Up, Track Up and Automotive Mode. I think that is the important setting and puts the map into a more Sat Nav familiar shape. It’s a proper faff but once done it’s done. If you change settings in one Profile remember it is just that Profile. I also have this set up the same way for road cycling.

    • @fordman1776
      @fordman1776 4 роки тому

      @@tommyx46 I just found out from garmin that road navigation isn't possible with the preloaded maps that come in the 66st. I appreciate the help you offered.

  • @hoggif
    @hoggif 6 років тому

    I've used Gpsmap 64 for quite a while. As with any new Garmin model, improvements seem almost marginal. Sure, they add lots of phone connectivity stuff that has nothing to do with a navigation device. I can read SMS messages from the phone instead of a GPS screen and so on. (Not sure if that exact feature is on 66 like it is on my car gps). Most new features on cycling gps:s have had no meaning to me (like syncing with a phone where all the pals are going). I use gps devices for measurement logging, location finding and routing. In hiking routing is replaced with checking location every now and then.
    Bigger screen is a real improvement. Small screen of 64 has been the most annoying thing if you need an overview map to see lots around some point. I think that may drive me towards the new device eventually. (When they get more mature and are not hugely buggy like most garmin new releases are).
    Claimed battery life of 16 hours is far from impressive. Garmin tends to inflate those numbers as well. Battery life has been one of the most annoying issues if you're on the road for a long time. If you give up on accurate route logging, 66 seems to have power saver mode that could help. That can be a real benifit in some cases.
    Galileo support could be a nice feature. I noticed a lot of improvement when I moved from GPS to GPS+Glonass. Sure, adding a third system probably has less impact than doubling systems had.

  • @SWTBlazers
    @SWTBlazers 4 роки тому

    Is the Garmin 66ST compatible with Garmin BaseCamp???

  • @rob3rt891
    @rob3rt891 2 роки тому

    Hi, very helpful review. Just wondering, 3 years down the line have firmware updates resolved any of the phone connectivity issues?
    I currently have a GPSMAP 64s. The biggest attraction for me would be the ability to create routes on the fly on my phone and sync it over to the unit, whilst in the hills etc.

  • @dagsabot5589
    @dagsabot5589 5 років тому +2

    Omg you're right bird's eye sucks, it's 20 years out in my location.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  5 років тому +1

      It’s pretty bad data. Cool feature if it were more updated.

  • @eyesky6809
    @eyesky6809 4 роки тому

    Anyone know the differences between the 64st and 66st?

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      Mostly maps coming loaded.

  • @FansSports
    @FansSports 5 років тому

    nice thanks

  • @StephenMooreOfficial
    @StephenMooreOfficial 4 роки тому

    I had no problem with the Bluetooth

  • @StephenMooreOfficial
    @StephenMooreOfficial 4 роки тому

    I found the preloaded topo maps to be garbage. You can find better ones online for free that are more detailed. But good gps regardless

  • @toejam7606
    @toejam7606 4 роки тому +1

    Patagonia sellout... otherwise good overview. Ty

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      Patagonia FTW!

  • @szelo5759
    @szelo5759 6 років тому +4

    Don't buy this! Software 2.1 is a crap. Wait for new update

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  6 років тому

      It works great, just not the connectivity features.

    • @szelo5759
      @szelo5759 6 років тому +1

      @@K0LWC on soft 2.1 it is immposible to work great or you just not tested it well. There are sevral bugs that turn off this garmin.

    • @TamasVarga123
      @TamasVarga123 6 років тому

      i experienced multiple random switch off... is a beta.

    • @rjmlakota
      @rjmlakota 6 років тому

      Numerous users are experiencing TONS of issues with this device. Garmin needs to provide a software update soon that will take care of all these issues ASAP.

    • @trietnguyen3447
      @trietnguyen3447 6 років тому

      2.5 is out , have you tried it yet ? Any thoughts ?

  • @Danielslabbert-lineman
    @Danielslabbert-lineman 5 років тому

    How accurate is it to find a pin point

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  5 років тому

      3 feet.

  • @BruteWillis
    @BruteWillis 5 років тому

    It's emberassing that Garmin still dares to charge money for a Birdseye abonnement. For the 66st it will be "free" but for older still 25 euro per year. For such old crap images. Garmin should make it totally free for all compatible series. I wonder why Beidou (Chinese) sattelites are not added while all other sattelite systems are added.

  • @NorthwoodsSolutions
    @NorthwoodsSolutions 4 роки тому

    Why would you connect it to a cell phone for weather, wouldnt you juat look at the weather on your phone? Typical of Garmin being way out of touch on technological advancement.

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  4 роки тому

      That is a good point.

  • @ericjohnson1472
    @ericjohnson1472 4 роки тому

    I regret buying this model, it’s battery life is poor and I find it very complicated to use 2/10

  • @fireyourrocketts
    @fireyourrocketts 5 років тому

    garmin=garbage..i own several of them so i know; my colection? an etrex240, a montana 660T, 2 garmin watch; Fenix 5 and Fenix 5X, an Explorer+ and then 3 different Garmin Car GPSs! none of them work at the capacity they advertise; this one, another garbage that will not endorse my collection!

    • @K0LWC
      @K0LWC  5 років тому +1

      I love my Garmin. I had one last 20 years and that’s with tough use.

    • @yokehuatgoh
      @yokehuatgoh 5 років тому

      no better alternative to garmin. besides, i have garmins and an auto one too and they all work just fine.

    • @Mark-OutWest
      @Mark-OutWest 4 роки тому

      I'll trade you a 1990s tom tom for all of it.

    • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
      @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 2 роки тому

      I like Garmin, never had a problem with them... If they're garbage then why did u keep buying Garmin products? You didn't learn after the 10th time??!

    • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353
      @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 2 роки тому

      @@K0LWC me too! 🙂👍

  • @Broker77
    @Broker77 6 років тому +1

    Ill stay with my google maps on my phone

    • @rjmlakota
      @rjmlakota 6 років тому +8

      That's great, but for us people that venture away from cities and into the back country cannot rely on google maps and cell phones. I venture into the woods of northern Canada where you can walk for 100's of miles without coming to a road let alone have cell service.

    • @MrDaveB123
      @MrDaveB123 5 років тому +2

      If thats all you need fantastic but if you're actually heading to remote wilderness then good luck to ya. And you still should no how to use a real compass and a map