Garmin Montana, an alternative to Zumo 660?

[Vonmuck]

Anyone using the new garmin Montana? Comments or feedback?? Was planning to plunge into a Zumo 660, but saw this alternative. What really attracts me is the below features : Fully waterproof and rugged. 3.5mm audio jack. Long battery life of 22 hours using AA size batteries. Internal memory of 3gb. High number of tracks recordable. But how is the screen compared to Zumo under the sunlight while riding? Anyone? http://sites.garmin.com/montana/ http://www.garmin.com.sg/news/pressroom/news20110520/ *Montana 600 is built to withstand the elements. Bumps, dust, dirt, humidity and water are no match for this rugged navigator. With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix® satellite prediction, Montana 600 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Montana 600 to help you find your way when you need it the most.

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[Vonmuck]

nobody using Montana??

[Vonmuck]

seems like Zumo is still the more popular choice?

[huairen]

I using its smaller brother.
I like the montana it's big!

[Vonmuck]

I am actually more concerned about the readability of the screen under bright sunlight.

[kenny0210]

Hi. Just to check. Did you end up getting the Montana? Is it good and what is the prise of that?

[Sadnewbie]

nice that it can use AA batteries...

[biker20]

it actually depend on your need. Zumo is meant for vehicle mount and it's glove friendly. Montano is for a handheld version, that's why Zumo has to be connected to the biker battery.

[Advrider]

it actually depend on your need. Zumo is meant for vehicle mount and it's glove friendly. Montano is for a handheld version, that's why Zumo has to be connected to the biker battery.

Just got the Montana 650. Haven't got the chance to use it. Price wise it's slight more expensive then the Zumo. As this is an handheld it does not have all the accessories like the Zumo.

[Advrider]

This is taken from JK commercial website.



My first impression of the Montana, it's rugged rubberish able to withstand drops. Also it feels firm on my hand don't have the slipping feeling that I got from the Zumo 660. I will post more report here when I have the chance to try it out.

**** Disclaimer I am a consumer using money from my pocket to get the set and in no way affiliated with Garmin or JK commercial

[Vonmuck]

Thanks Advrider for sharing.

It won't be that expensive to get a motorcycle RAM mount for the montana. (Montana is a newer model, larger memory, more tracks, can be used for auto,marine,trekking etc.)

In fact, we don't even need to get the power cable as the AA batteries have more than enough juice for most usage.

The thing is whether to "sacrifice" the bluetooth funtionality for the super long battery life.

[runjoerun]

I love the Montana. Just don'r like the price.

[Advrider]

Thanks Advrider for sharing.

It won't be that expensive to get a motorcycle RAM mount for the montana. (Montana is a newer model, larger memory, more tracks, can be used for auto,marine,trekking etc.)

In fact, we don't even need to get the power cable as the AA batteries have more than enough juice for most usage.

The thing is whether to "sacrifice" the bluetooth funtionality for the super long battery life.

Personally the streaming of music through Bluetooth sucks. It played on mono instead of stereo. At volume control to the max but it's still soft.

Pairing of iPhone 4 with device is a breeze. But I rather pair direct to my scala headset.

[Advrider]

Some picture of the Montana....





Six different languages instructions



Charger to fit different counties. I would rather they give me better stuffs than this.





Size comparison to Zumo 660 vs Montana 650





Thickness





Opted for the bike mount.





RAM mount



Mounted.

I still got no chance to test out the set yet. I will post back the difference.


Cheers

[Vonmuck]

Personally the streaming of music through Bluetooth sucks. It played on mono instead of stereo. At volume control to the max but it's still soft.

Pairing of iPhone 4 with device is a breeze. But I rather pair direct to my scala headset.

The ONLY thing that stopped me from getting the Montana on the spot is the lack of bluetooth capability. (i went down to prefect watch)

Being able to listen to your MP3 and get turn-by-turn voice instructions on your bluetooth headset is very
very attractive. (which is why i am SO close to getting the Zumo already)

They can have the wireless feature in the Montana, why not just add a bluetooth device?
It will then be the prefect adventure GPS !!!

[Advrider]

The ONLY thing that stopped me from getting the Montana on the spot is the lack of bluetooth capability. (i went down to prefect watch)

Being able to listen to your MP3 and get turn-by-turn voice instructions on your bluetooth headset is very
very attractive. (which is why i am SO close to getting the Zumo already)

They can have the wireless feature in the Montana, why not just add a bluetooth device?
It will then be the prefect adventure GPS !!!

What bought me over with the Montana is the use of AA size batteries 22 hours of continue usage. I can bring it anywhere if I'm traveling. Most important is I just fix it to any bikes I want, no hassle of wired cradle to sustain the battery life.

Also the acquiring of the satellite is very fast. I did a test with both set seems the Zumo has problem acquiring the satellite while the Montana has no problems.

Will test out both set at the same time when I get my bike back.

[Vonmuck]

Looking forward for your feedback on real life actual usage.

[Advrider]

Tested both sets over the weekend. I just love both sets.

If I'm given a choice I would keep both if not then the Montana will be here to stay.

The acquiring of satellite comparing both the Montana wins but I do miss the auto reroute function of the zumo though.

As the Montana has more functions like can be used for hiking and just transfer to any vehicle without the need of a cradle.

I like the feel of the Montana though it grips on the hand not like the Zumo feels slippery always got to hold on tight. One thing though I was given 2 sheets of anti glared screen to be pasted over when I bought the vehicular mount. Under direct sunlight reads better than the Zumo even with the anti glare screen. The Montana is good to read from any directions while Zumo got to adjust.

Suggest you get a feel of both. One thing though the price can be a put off now that you can get a Zumo in Sim Lim about $700+++. Do a search around. If all else fails there's eBay and amazon. Do check if they ship direct to Singapore.

[Resilience]

Tested both sets over the weekend. I just love both sets.

If I'm given a choice I would keep both if not then the Montana will be here to stay.

The acquiring of satellite comparing both the Montana wins but I do miss the auto reroute function of the zumo though.

As the Montana has more functions like can be used for hiking and just transfer to any vehicle without the need of a cradle.

I like the feel of the Montana though it grips on the hand not like the Zumo feels slippery always got to hold on tight. One thing though I was given 2 sheets of anti glared screen to be pasted over when I bought the vehicular mount. Under direct sunlight reads better than the Zumo even with the anti glare screen. The Montana is good to read from any directions while Zumo got to adjust.

Suggest you get a feel of both. One thing though the price can be a put off now that you can get a Zumo in Sim Lim about $700+++. Do a search around. If all else fails there's eBay and amazon. Do check if they ship direct to Singapore.

I am quite won over by Montana with its many advancements though I am considering also the 660.

Ram Mount is not a "must" have as I have on my bike a self devised platform that I can place a GPS with a great confidence of its sturdiness.
As for Bluetooth, I may face compatibility issue between my U Clear and the Zumo 660.

Garmin Montana 650 & U Clear

Montana does not have the Bluetooth. Can I resolve it by making Montana a bluetooth device by plugging to its audio port with a bluetooth audio transmitter dongle (that has a 3.5mm pin), then pair it with U Clear? Will that work? Has anyone done it?

Thanks in advance !

[[Wizard]]

i am using its previous version... garmin oregon 200.
i believe function wise mostly the same other than the more advance function like bluetooth.

i like it a lot coz its handheld and AA battery can get from anywhere.. i use rechargables when i go on trips

[Vonmuck]

Sounds like a feasible idea.

http://www.innovatoys.com/tech-gadge...ransmitter/206

http://www.iogear.com/product/GBMA211W6/

[Advrider]

I am quite won over by Montana with its many advancements though I am considering also the 660.

Ram Mount is not a "must" have as I have on my bike a self devised platform that I can place a GPS with a great confidence of its sturdiness.
As for Bluetooth, I may face compatibility issue between my U Clear and the Zumo 660.

Garmin Montana 650 & U Clear

Montana does not have the Bluetooth. Can I resolve it by making Montana a bluetooth device by plugging to its audio port with a bluetooth audio transmitter dongle (that has a 3.5mm pin), then pair it with U Clear? Will that work? Has anyone done it?

Thanks in advance !

Actually I trust the ram mounts more than the home made. Went off road with it, drop the bike but the gps stays in place.

But one question I always ask myself? Do I need to be connected all the time even on the road? Does music really helps while riding long distances? Do you trust the turn by turn instructions?

One reasons I switch from Zumo to Montana. I don't need to be connected via hand phone, not necessary to talk all the time. Playing music via bluetooth really suck the battery dry from the Bluetooth. My scala last me from gp till kl after that it's total silence.

I can transfer the Montana to other bikes as it does not depend on the cradle like the Zumo.

As for the Bluetooth dongle it will not work with the scala as you need to input the password for it to pair.

This was taken off a kaki's bike:

[Vonmuck]

The acquiring of satellite comparing both the Montana wins but I do miss the auto reroute function of the zumo though.

I am totally sold on the Montana now.

Can elaborate more on this auto reroute function? I would like to see whether this will be a deal-breaker for me.

[Advrider]

I am totally sold on the Montana now.

Can elaborate more on this auto reroute function? I would like to see whether this will be a deal-breaker for me.

I personally find the auto re-route in the Zumo a nuisance. There was once I activated highway avoidance while travelling in the NSH, it actually auto re-route me out of every exit from GP all the way until KL when I reached my destination. When coming back from KL it did not direct me back automatically, it re-route me to exit ayer hitam and come back by the trunk roads.

After using the Montana I realised I don't need a lot of stuff from the Zumo.

Hope you find you dream set.

Cheers

[Resilience]

I personally find the auto re-route in the Zumo a nuisance. There was once I activated highway avoidance while travelling in the NSH, it actually auto re-route me out of every exit from GP all the way until KL when I reached my destination. When coming back from KL it did not direct me back automatically, it re-route me to exit ayer hitam and come back by the trunk roads.

Bro,

If you set (activated) to avoid highway, shouldn't it be that way ( the GPS rerouting u out of NSH) ? Correct me, if I have misunderstood u, bro.

[Guolong]

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Montana...4469151&sr=8-2

US$460 for the non-camera version before shipping

[Advrider]

Bro,

If you set (activated) to avoid highway, shouldn't it be that way ( the GPS rerouting u out of NSH) ? Correct me, if I have misunderstood u, bro.

Yes it will avoid the highway. If you travel the nsh there are a lot of exit. What I'm saying is the auto reroute thingy can be a nuisance telling to get out of every exit.

[Resilience]

yes it will avoid the highway. If you travel the nsh there are a lot of exit. What i'm saying is the aut o reroute thingy can be a nuisance telling to get out of every exit.

oic. .. ........

[Vonmuck]

hey Advrider,

I got myself the Montana. It is really a very solid set, love the functions. Can plan my routes directly on the gps.

Can load a few different mapsets at the same time too. (MSM, MFM, etc)

However the lady who gave me a thailand map, it is very detailed however not routable.
So have to fall back to MFM eventually.


Now have to start shopping for bike and car mount.
Thanks for sharing your advises and help so far.

[Advrider]

hey Advrider,

I got myself the Montana. It is really a very solid set, love the functions. Can plan my routes directly on the gps.

Can load a few different mapsets at the same time too. (MSM, MFM, etc)

However the lady who gave me a thailand map, it is very detailed however not routable.
So have to fall back to MFM eventually.


Now have to start shopping for bike and car mount.
Thanks for sharing your advises and help so far.

Cheers..... You don't need the bike mount actually. Just go for the ram mount, the set can run 22 hours on double AA battery, without the hassle of running wires.

[Vonmuck]

Cheers..... You don't need the bike mount actually. Just go for the ram mount, the set can run 22 hours on double AA battery, without the hassle of running wires.

Dang! Already ordered the AMPS rugged mount online.

But i like how it can run on easily available AA size batteries.

Have lotsa NiMH rechargables AA batteries which are like 2700mah each when i was still dabbling in photography long time ago.

The stock Li-ion battery is only 2000mah.
3x2700mah will be 8100mah, that is like 4 times more.

[Advrider]

If you are using rechargeable battery do keep an eye on the batteries if you have not been using a long time. Don't want a battery leakage.

Cheers

[Garfield]

I am choosing between Zumo & Montana as well - Need some help from you experienced folks:
Is anyone running Montana with a bluetooth dongle? Can you use the GPS and phone at the same time with the dongle? Is re-routing missed for Montana users?
Thanks in advance!

[Advrider]

I am choosing between Zumo & Montana as well - Need some help from you experienced folks:
Is anyone running Montana with a bluetooth dongle? Can you use the GPS and phone at the same time with the dongle? Is re-routing missed for Montana users?
Thanks in advance!

Not sure about the Bluetooth dongle though. One thing I got the Montana was not for Bluetooth function, I find it a nuisance. I prefer a quiet ride without other distractions. About the re-route function it depends on the map you are using. So far my maps got no problem routing.


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[Garfield]

Thanks for the feedback - esp the maps bit! Bluetooth is critical for me as I am worried about taking my eyes off the road every once in a while to check the gps screen!

[Advrider]

Thanks for the feedback - esp the maps bit! Bluetooth is critical for me as I am worried about taking my eyes off the road every once in a while to check the gps screen!

If Bluetooth is important to you suggest you go for the Zumo. If not you can wired up the Montana too.


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[Garfield]

Thanks bro! Only issue with the Zumo is I need to find someone to do a good job of power wiring - any recommendations, anybody?

[Advrider]

What bike are you riding? Usually it's just plug direct to the battery, there's fuse integrated onto the cradle.

[Garfield]

What bike are you riding? Usually it's just plug direct to the battery, there's fuse integrated onto the cradle.

Yeah! Once I bought it and saw the cables, I realized that this was DYI-level, but still chose to take the help of a nice mechanic (who happened to be fitting my Givi rack)

Bought a Zumo 660 from JK and it is now ... sitting at home! the mount is on the bike, tho!
btw, I ride a Suzuki GSX1250 FA.

Thanks a lot bro, you've been a great help!

[heaven51]

hey Advrider,

I got myself the Montana. It is really a very solid set, love the functions. Can plan my routes directly on the gps.

Can load a few different mapsets at the same time too. (MSM, MFM, etc)

However the lady who gave me a thailand map, it is very detailed however not routable.
So have to fall back to MFM eventually.


Now have to start shopping for bike and car mount.
Thanks for sharing your advises and help so far.

How much did you guys paid for last year ?

The cheapest from ebay is ard USD$427 inclusive of shipping....

[heaven51]

Double burger..

[Advrider]

Double burger..

Fattening.....


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[Advrider]

How much did you guys paid for last year ?

The cheapest from ebay is ard USD$427 inclusive of shipping....

Local sets cost about $850-$950. Last check with JK commercial $950 loaded with 4 nations base maps.


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[roz_sid]

whats that for?

[Advrider]

whats that for?

What's what??? Sorry didn't get your question...

[olse77]

Just to check. If buy from US. There won't have any problem downloading Asia map? Need to pay?

[Advrider]

Just to check. If buy from US. There won't have any problem downloading Asia map? Need to pay?

If buying from US basically your basemap will be the US map. I use the mfm maps so should not be any problem.


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[Demon]

If buying from US basically your basemap will be the US map. I use the mfm maps so should not be any .......

Just to clarify.

Basemap is a global map with just major roads.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7494254_garmin-basemap.html

Other than basemap, some GPS may come preloaded with local map or regional map. So you have to checked if the GPS come with any map.

For example, if you buy a localized Nuvi, it will come with US map, and the local distributor will add the City Navigator Map for Singapore/Malaysia.

[fredful]

Where can I buy ram mount parts in Singapore, bought all the parts from my bike in Aus except the bottom ball that goes in the handlebar

[papabread79]

oic. .. ........

haha. i know what ur thinking. lol.