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Garmin GPSMAP 64sx
Editor’s Conclusion
There's a reason why the Garmin GPSMAP 64 range is one of the most popular on the market. Arming yourself with a robust and water-resistant handheld GPS device leaves you free to explore the world, whether you prefer to cycle, climb, or hike.
The GPSMAP 64sx lets you know where you are with a high-sensitivity receiver, quad-helix antenna, and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), made even more efficient by a 3-axis compass with a barometric altimeter.
Other great features of this Garmin device include button operation, a 2. 6" sunlight-readable colors display, wireless connectivity, and up to 16 hours battery life. But let's see what else the 64sx can do.
The GPSMAP 64sx lets you know where you are with a high-sensitivity receiver, quad-helix antenna, and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), made even more efficient by a 3-axis compass with a barometric altimeter.
Other great features of this Garmin device include button operation, a 2. 6" sunlight-readable colors display, wireless connectivity, and up to 16 hours battery life. But let's see what else the 64sx can do.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Sturdy
Great GPS
Waterproof
Plenty of features
Good colour display
Space to download extra maps
Stay contactable via wireless connectivity
Cons
No touchscreen
Could have a better battery life
The accuracy of the pre-loaded map is questionable
Key Features
KEY FEATURES Snapshot
Memory: 8GB
Water rating: IPX7
Weight: 217g with batteries
2.6" sunlight-readable color display
Display Resolution: 160 x 240 pixels
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours in GPS mode
Battery Type: 2 AA NiMH or Lithium batteries
Connectivity: Bluetooth® and ANT+® technology
Basic & Advanced Features
Most users are happy that the 64sx comes with a pre-installed base map of the USA and Australia. However, it would have been nice to include the TopoActive map (an OSM-based map of Europe) with many Garmin products. But with a large amount of 8 GB internal storage and s slot for an additional MicroSD card up to 32 GB, you can download additional maps.
You can expand your range by installing the free OSM (Open Street Maps), a Garmin commercial map (which can be expensive), custom maps, nautical maps, BirdsEye satellite images, and more. But remember to download the BirdsEye mapping to your device within 12 months of your first download; this map is genuinely excellent.
The reviews on the preloaded maps come with a mixed bag of reviews. Many find that they work just fine, but a couple of users, unfortunately, find them completely useless. However, with the option to download extra maps, I think you'll find a map that suits you.
This Garmin device also includes paperless geocaching. Find and hide secret containers by uploading GPX files directly to your device, then view local info, terrain, and hints from Geochoaching.com. Adding extra accessories to your device makes it an easy-to-use device, including a clip-on bike mount or carabiner mount and a rechargeable battery pack. However, the old-style USB cable could be updated to the new style. Unfortunately, there's no touchscreen mode, but the button navigation menu works perfectly fine once you get the hang of it.
Use
As a sturdy handheld device, whatever your outdoor hobby, this Garmin device should see you safely to your destination. Hiking, cycling, mountaineering, climbing and geocaching are some of the activities you could use this device for. However, make sure when venturing into the wild to check that your maps work correctly first. As some people have had issues with the maps and navigation (but not the positioning), I would hate you to go into the wild without downloading the correct map beforehand.
Another great Garmin product we reviewed is the Garmin Oregon 700, so make sure to check it out as well.
Connectivity
Staying connected is easy using modern, wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and the ANT+ technology, allowing for comprehensive connectivity. You can share your routes, tracks, waypoints, and geocaches with wireless connectivity with compatible devices.
This also makes updating your device, downloading maps, receiving smart notifications, and staying connected to family and friends easy. It's great not to haul your smartphone out of your pack to check for texts, emails, and alerts.
Accuracy
Unfortunately, reviews for the accuracy of the Garmin GPS 64sx are a bit of a mixed bag. Some people feel the navigation and GPS work ideally, while others think that the preloaded base maps need improvement. However, a quad-helix antenna, high-sensitivity receiver, and multiple global navigation systems provide a superb positioning and maintain location, rivaling other GPS services.
In addition, with 8GB of memory plus an SD slot, downloading additional maps seems to resolve most problems. For example, the 64sx supports the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, efficiently allowing you to load satellite images and integrate them into your maps.
Power Source
This Garmin device runs on 2 AA NiMH or Lithium batteries that can last up to 16 hours in GPS mode but often run out after six to seven hours. Although the battery life could be longer, this isn't a big issue if you have extra batteries or a portable battery recharger.
Durability
With a robust design and waterproof categorization of IPX7, the GPSMAP 64sx is pretty much damage-proof. It can handle a hell of a lot of use, slips, and falls before you'll see any damage.
Display
With 2.6 inches of color display, the GPSMAP 64sx is more than adequate for navigation purposes. Although not as good as your standard smartphone, reviewers seem to have no issues with the display.
Ease of Use
The GPSMAP 64sx is a great device and easy to use once you have figured out how to use it. You may want to search some videos on YouTube to help you set it up, as there are some comments that the manual is not the most helpful and the menu navigation is not the most beginner-friendly. But, again, checking the manual or online videos should help with this. Some have also mentioned that the information on the voucher code is incorrect, but Garmin support is super helpful if you call them.
Price
Retailing at about $350 to $420, the price may seem a bit steep but is not far off the standard price for Garmin GPS handheld devices or that of the competition. I believe that you get what you pay for, and with the number of features, satellite, GPS accuracy, and memory available on the 64sx, I don't think it's an unreasonable price.
COMPARISONS TO OTHER GPS HANDHELD DEVICES
Garmin has several GPS devices in the GPSMAP 64 range, including the 64s, 64st, and 64sc. Although they are all great for adventurers of any kind, each provides something different from the 64sx. If you're looking for something cheaper, the 64s is basic but efficient and can be upgraded with TOPO maps and Bluetooth ANT. Although at a higher price, the 64st has double the amount of memory compared to the 64s, and comes with preloaded TOPO maps. This seems to be one of the most popular Garmin.
At a similar price to the 64sx, the 64sc features an 8mp camera and TOPO maps, but not the larger memory.
Bottom Line
As the newest of the GPSMAP 64 range, the 64sx is a rugged and robust member of the GPS handheld family. With all the features of the last generation, but enhanced with a few fine details, the GPSMAP should look after you during any outdoor activity. Although a couple of issues can be easily rectified, the GPSMAP 64sx is still a handy, convenient, and user-friendly device that easily rivals the rest of the 64 range.
Memory: 8GB
Water rating: IPX7
Weight: 217g with batteries
2.6" sunlight-readable color display
Display Resolution: 160 x 240 pixels
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours in GPS mode
Battery Type: 2 AA NiMH or Lithium batteries
Connectivity: Bluetooth® and ANT+® technology
Basic & Advanced Features
Most users are happy that the 64sx comes with a pre-installed base map of the USA and Australia. However, it would have been nice to include the TopoActive map (an OSM-based map of Europe) with many Garmin products. But with a large amount of 8 GB internal storage and s slot for an additional MicroSD card up to 32 GB, you can download additional maps.
You can expand your range by installing the free OSM (Open Street Maps), a Garmin commercial map (which can be expensive), custom maps, nautical maps, BirdsEye satellite images, and more. But remember to download the BirdsEye mapping to your device within 12 months of your first download; this map is genuinely excellent.
The reviews on the preloaded maps come with a mixed bag of reviews. Many find that they work just fine, but a couple of users, unfortunately, find them completely useless. However, with the option to download extra maps, I think you'll find a map that suits you.
This Garmin device also includes paperless geocaching. Find and hide secret containers by uploading GPX files directly to your device, then view local info, terrain, and hints from Geochoaching.com. Adding extra accessories to your device makes it an easy-to-use device, including a clip-on bike mount or carabiner mount and a rechargeable battery pack. However, the old-style USB cable could be updated to the new style. Unfortunately, there's no touchscreen mode, but the button navigation menu works perfectly fine once you get the hang of it.
Use
As a sturdy handheld device, whatever your outdoor hobby, this Garmin device should see you safely to your destination. Hiking, cycling, mountaineering, climbing and geocaching are some of the activities you could use this device for. However, make sure when venturing into the wild to check that your maps work correctly first. As some people have had issues with the maps and navigation (but not the positioning), I would hate you to go into the wild without downloading the correct map beforehand.
Another great Garmin product we reviewed is the Garmin Oregon 700, so make sure to check it out as well.
Connectivity
Staying connected is easy using modern, wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and the ANT+ technology, allowing for comprehensive connectivity. You can share your routes, tracks, waypoints, and geocaches with wireless connectivity with compatible devices.
This also makes updating your device, downloading maps, receiving smart notifications, and staying connected to family and friends easy. It's great not to haul your smartphone out of your pack to check for texts, emails, and alerts.
Accuracy
Unfortunately, reviews for the accuracy of the Garmin GPS 64sx are a bit of a mixed bag. Some people feel the navigation and GPS work ideally, while others think that the preloaded base maps need improvement. However, a quad-helix antenna, high-sensitivity receiver, and multiple global navigation systems provide a superb positioning and maintain location, rivaling other GPS services.
In addition, with 8GB of memory plus an SD slot, downloading additional maps seems to resolve most problems. For example, the 64sx supports the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, efficiently allowing you to load satellite images and integrate them into your maps.
Power Source
This Garmin device runs on 2 AA NiMH or Lithium batteries that can last up to 16 hours in GPS mode but often run out after six to seven hours. Although the battery life could be longer, this isn't a big issue if you have extra batteries or a portable battery recharger.
Durability
With a robust design and waterproof categorization of IPX7, the GPSMAP 64sx is pretty much damage-proof. It can handle a hell of a lot of use, slips, and falls before you'll see any damage.
Display
With 2.6 inches of color display, the GPSMAP 64sx is more than adequate for navigation purposes. Although not as good as your standard smartphone, reviewers seem to have no issues with the display.
Ease of Use
The GPSMAP 64sx is a great device and easy to use once you have figured out how to use it. You may want to search some videos on YouTube to help you set it up, as there are some comments that the manual is not the most helpful and the menu navigation is not the most beginner-friendly. But, again, checking the manual or online videos should help with this. Some have also mentioned that the information on the voucher code is incorrect, but Garmin support is super helpful if you call them.
Price
Retailing at about $350 to $420, the price may seem a bit steep but is not far off the standard price for Garmin GPS handheld devices or that of the competition. I believe that you get what you pay for, and with the number of features, satellite, GPS accuracy, and memory available on the 64sx, I don't think it's an unreasonable price.
COMPARISONS TO OTHER GPS HANDHELD DEVICES
Garmin has several GPS devices in the GPSMAP 64 range, including the 64s, 64st, and 64sc. Although they are all great for adventurers of any kind, each provides something different from the 64sx. If you're looking for something cheaper, the 64s is basic but efficient and can be upgraded with TOPO maps and Bluetooth ANT. Although at a higher price, the 64st has double the amount of memory compared to the 64s, and comes with preloaded TOPO maps. This seems to be one of the most popular Garmin.
At a similar price to the 64sx, the 64sc features an 8mp camera and TOPO maps, but not the larger memory.
Bottom Line
As the newest of the GPSMAP 64 range, the 64sx is a rugged and robust member of the GPS handheld family. With all the features of the last generation, but enhanced with a few fine details, the GPSMAP should look after you during any outdoor activity. Although a couple of issues can be easily rectified, the GPSMAP 64sx is still a handy, convenient, and user-friendly device that easily rivals the rest of the 64 range.
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