Here are my surfing GPS that I have been using over the last ten years. The best is arguably Motion GPS, the worst is the Locosys GW-60. No. 1 Motion GPS No. 2 Locosys BGT-31 No. 3 Canmore GP-102 + No. 4 Garmin Forerunner 205 No. 5 Garmin Forerunner 235 No. 6 Locosys GW-60.

I only used the garmin 205, gt31 and GW60. The garmin was still working fin when I upgraded to the gt31, which was also working fine when I upgraded to the GW60. I've gone through two gw 60's now, both faulty so gone back to the bulletproof gt31. I've since bought two spare gt31's just in case.
I have used the Garmin Legend H and HC in a bag (beginning 15 years ago when training for formula racing), the GW-60, the Amazfit BIP, several GPS enabled cameras, and the Timex Ironman GPS.
If I don't need to record video, only the Timex gets used. Since I don't need to upload results for any kind of GPSTC recording, the GW-60 stays home. The Timex is intentionally simple and easy to use, easy to upload or archive tracks and speeds and distances, and is inexpensive.
The Timex does not record all the accuracy-error data that the GW-60 does, but I don't need that. I don't need bluetooth or wifi or heart rate monitoring. Real-time speed, max speed, distance, and track are plenty. I archive all sessions in strava.
GW-60 is for me the worst, due to the connection problems.
Now my GW60 does not get in touch with the PC at all.
I mean and believe, that the USB port has taken "night in the device."
GW60 worked ok for a few months, then it started having problems with the connection.
Now I put the GW60 under the hammer. What a crap product.
I have used the Garmin Legend H and HC in a bag (beginning 15 years ago when training for formula racing), the GW-60, the Amazfit BIP, several GPS enabled cameras, and the Timex Ironman GPS.
If I don't need to record video, only the Timex gets used. Since I don't need to upload results for any kind of GPSTC recording, the GW-60 stays home. The Timex is intentionally simple and easy to use, easy to upload or archive tracks and speeds and distances, and is inexpensive.
The Timex does not record all the accuracy-error data that the GW-60 does, but I don't need that. I don't need bluetooth or wifi or heart rate monitoring. Real-time speed, max speed, distance, and track are plenty. I archive all sessions in strava.
gw60 worked ok for a few months, then it started having problems with the connection.
Now I put the GW60 under the hammer. What a crap product.
GW-60 is for me the worst, due to the connection problems.
Now my GW60 does not get in touch with the PC at all.
I mean and believe, that the USB port has taken "night in the device."
GW60 worked ok for a few months, then it started having problems with the connection.
Now I put the GW60 under the hammer. What a crap product.![]()
I noticed a trend since coming back to the sport that windsurfers like cheap things that last forever ![]()
With this in mind Motion Mini has to be close to the top ranking
It ticks the box for price point plus accuracy, battery life, signal strength, wireless download and charging
Nobody is going to argue that the GW60 is at the bottom of the list due to reliability issues and battery life, but funny enough they are still selling plenty of them, I see them in the pro videos all the time, maybe these guys are not too worried if need to replace them each year ![]()
I've been GPS sailing since late 2013.
I started with a GT-31. Not waterproof, complicated to set up and use. Some feed back on the water and easy to download. I still have and use it, despite it loosing half its screen.
Then a GW-52. Again not waterproof, complicated to set up, difficult to use, reasonable feed back on the water and relatively easy to download. Daffy replaced it under warranty after its touch screen stopped working. It's replacement lasted 2 years before again it's touch screen stopped working.
And a GW-60. Waterproof, a great unit when it worked, complicated to set up, good feed back on the water, but difficult to read the screen and very finicky to download. It lasted nearly 1.5 years before the buttons stopped working.
Then one of the first LCD Motions. Amazing unit, waterproof, easy to read large screen, easy to use, fantastic on the water feed back for all GPSTC disciplines. Unfortunately it lasted 6 months before the band broke and was lost to the deep. Julien is currently replacing under warranty and I can't wait to receive it.
In the meantime I recently purchased a Small Motion Logger. It's waterproof, provides no on the water feed back but is bullet proof and easy to use.
Order of preference:
LCD Motion
Small Motion
GT-31
GW-60
GW-52
I've had very little trouble with my GW60, it must be three years old now.
I was lucky and got the very early model with the strap made from fettuccine. It dissolved after a couple of uses, so has spent the last three years safely tucked away in an Aqua pac next to a trusty GT31.
The screen Motion is clearly the best GPS around. I only bring mine out on special occasions, then I put it in a hard plastic case inside an Aqua pac. You can't be too careful.
For daily blasting around I use a Garmin watch and a Mini Motion.
Yep, the Motions are easily #1
ive had a GT31, which was great but I only used it as a logger because I preferred my Garmin FR920 for on the water feedback. It was a bit floppy having to keep it in a Paqua on my arm. Prior to that I had a Canmore logger, which also worked great and I liked the small size, but I needed to upgrade to a GPSTC compliant device. GW60? Wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.
I love the ease of downloading and uploading tracks off my Motion Mini. I was down in Albany last weekend and was able to upload my track to GPSTC with my phone before I unrigged my sail and hit the road for a 3.5hr drive home. Sadly, I lost my FR920 in the drink on the same day - I did miss that on the water feedback for the rest of the session. I need a Motion Maxi now! ![]()
Yep, the Motions are easily #1
ive had a GT31, which was great but I only used it as a logger because I preferred my Garmin FR920 for on the water feedback. It was a bit floppy having to keep it in a Paqua on my arm. Prior to that I had a Canmore logger, which also worked great and I liked the small size, but I needed to upgrade to a GPSTC compliant device. GW60? Wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.
I love the ease of downloading and uploading tracks off my Motion Mini. I was down in Albany last weekend and was able to upload my track to GPSTC with my phone before I unrigged my sail and hit the road for a 3.5hr drive home. Sadly, I lost my FR920 in the drink on the same day - I did miss that on the water feedback for the rest of the session. I need a Motion Maxi now! ![]()
what windsurf app were you running on your garmin rob ?
apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/b820a772-e335-406a-85b7-2ac6a0e5b61a"Wind/Kite Surfing" datafield. It's not compatible with all watches. I've nicked Lachy's Vivoactive 3, but unfortunately it won't load on that.
I have a love / hate relationship with my GW60..at the moment we're happy..It must have got worried after the last threats I made..![]()
apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/b820a772-e335-406a-85b7-2ac6a0e5b61a"Wind/Kite Surfing" datafield. It's not compatible with all watches. I've nicked Lachy's Vivoactive 3, but unfortunately it won't load on that.
My Datafields should work on a Vivoactive 3
apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/5eff6e05-b0d5-422c-a0ae-34d9f6ea2f41
apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/b820a772-e335-406a-85b7-2ac6a0e5b61a"Wind/Kite Surfing" datafield. It's not compatible with all watches. I've nicked Lachy's Vivoactive 3, but unfortunately it won't load on that.
My Datafields should work on a Vivoactive 3
apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/5eff6e05-b0d5-422c-a0ae-34d9f6ea2f41
Yes! Thank you for this TBW ![]()
I loaded them yesterday and looking forward to trying them out today
I loaded them yesterday and looking forward to trying them out today
Better not loose this one, Lachy won't be happy!
Tempting fate here but I must be one of the few lucky GW60 owners. First post was 27th Jan 2017 and has served me well for over 9000km of sailing but will probably dye next time out now. Only a few connection problems from time to time and had to buy a new cable.
Never washed in fresh water after use and kept in the glove box of my van summer and winter after charging. I have used the buttons while the unit is wet but not often. I would get another for on water feedback if it was cheap enough but love the mini motion for its easy upload to the phone. I had a GW52 and though it was a good unit, not being waterproof and to fiddly to use without reading glasses on I sold it on when I got the mini motion.
I'm happy with my GW60 ....... apart from the band breaking . It now sits in my pocket . It was good to see what speeds I was doing every gybe , alas no more . If only they used strap pins and I could use a Velcro strap that goes through both pins and it would never get lost to the sea.
Wher can you buy the Motion/Motion Mini
see your GPSTC team captain or see the thread where this question was asked not long ago:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/How-does-one-buy-a-mini-motion-gps-?page=1#9