Garmin has announced the new iteration of their extremely popular GPSMAP 64 series. The GPSMAP 64X, GPSMAP 64SX and GPSMAP 64CXS. These handheld GPS units are available in Australia now.
The devices come with the following:
GPSMAP 64X | $459 AUD | USB Charging Cable | Documentation/Manual
GPSMAP 64SX | $529 AUD | USB Charging Cable | Documentation/Manual
GPSMAP 64CSX | $699 AUD | USB Charging Cable | NiMH Battery Pack | Documentation/Manual
What’s changed for the X series vs the original GPSMAP 64 series
The X series now come preloaded with Topo Active mapping for Australia and New Zealand. These preloaded Topo Active maps are unique to a degree. The maps allow routable streets and trail guidance.
The new X series also support the Galileo Satellite network in addition to the GLONASS and GPS networks.
What’s the difference between the X, SX and CSX
This table shows the differences between the models and not the full features for a quick summary.
| GPSMAP 64x | GPSMAP 64xs | GPSMAP 64cxs | |
| Price | $459 | $529 | $699 |
| Battery | 2 AA Batteries or NiMH or Lithium (Not included) | 2 AA Batteries or NiMH or Lithium (Not included) | Rechargeable NiMH pack (included) or 2 AA Batteries or Lithium (Not included) |
| Bluetooth/Smart Notifications | No | Yes | Yes |
| Map LiveTracking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sending and receiving data wirelessly | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | No | Barometric Altimeter
Compass (3-axis tilt compensated) |
Barometric Altimeter
Compass (3-axis tilt compensated) |
| Camera | No | No | Yes
|
Which model is best for me?
This is a surprisingly regular question I see, but it’s largely due to Garmin not making it clearer the difference between each model.
GPSMAP 64 X – Where X is in relation to it being the new iteration with Topo Active Mapping
GPSMAP SX – Where the S is in relation to the sensor included (compass and barometric altimeter)
GPSMAP 64 CSX - Where the C is in relation to the camera included.
In short, your decision on each model will be based on whether you need sensors or a camera. The sensors are a helpful convenience alongside the Bluetooth/smartphone compatibility. The camera is also a helpful addition with it’s easy use for Geo-tagging and keeping everything stored together. This camera use is very popular for the outdoor recreational enthusiast, forestry workers and government teams.