The Garmin 296 GPS is one world-class navigation value. It has all the power of a panel-installed GPS packed into a compact, portable GPS.
Garmin 296 GPS Features:
• Lightning-fast 200 MHz processor makes for extremely fast map redraws
• Sectional-like mapping topography (terrain, obstructions, navaids)
• “Terrain” mode gives TAWS-like warnings and alerts
• “Panel” page gives you an EFIS-like “glass cockpit” in your pocket
• Automotive mode gives you turn by turn driving directions after you land
• WAAS-capable GPS for superior accuracy
• Extra large, 256 color screen measures 3 4/5” diagonal
With its sunlight readable TFT display and self-contained topographic database, the Garmin 296 GPS takes terrain awareness and hand-held navigation to a whole new level. Detailed sectional-like shaded mapping and an extensive Jeppesen® database help you visualize your flight path in relation to nearby navaids, terrain, SUAs, or obstructions. Users can view the elevation or relative altitude of any obstacle with the unit's built-in database (Available only with Americas database). It also offers many of the same features found in expensive in-dash car navigation systems, including automatic routing. Just select a destination and the 296 automatically calculates a route from your current location and displays turn-by-turn directions. For added versatility, optional MapSource® CD downloads and user-selectable formats let you transfer this portable GPS from aircraft to auto to boat without skipping a beat. (Detailed street maps are available with the optional auto kit.). Operates up to 15 hours on included rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Overall size: 5 7/10”w x 3 1/2”h x 1 9/10”d; weighs 13.6 oz.
Included: Garmin 296 GPS, adjustable yoke mount, USB interface cable, adhesive automotive dash mount, remote antenna with mount, cigarette lighter power cord, AC adapter, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, carrying case, Trip and Waypoint Manager CD, manual and quick reference guide.
Garmin Database Area of Coverage
Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii)
Atlantic International - Europe, Africa
Pacific International - Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and the South Pacific (includes Hawaii)
One Year Guarantee
Our one-year guarantee has not changed since we introduced our first product in 1962. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, let us know—we will make it right. If you would like a refund or exchange, please return the product on a timely basis in the same condition in which it was received.
Price Guarantee
Sporty's guarantees competitive pricing on everything we sell. If you find a competitor offering an identical item at a lower advertised price, just mail or fax us the ad, and Sporty's will match that price.
Same Day Shipping
We're proud to offer the fastest service of anyone in the mail order business. If you phone, fax or order over the Internet today before 4:00 P.M. Eastern, weekdays it will be on its way this afternoon. Mail orders ship the same day we receive them. In an effort to ensure your package will be there when you want it, we have created an easy-to-understand delivery map for you. Please use the delivery map to estimate the number of business days to ship to your home or business by standard surface delivery. As a precaution, you may want to allow an extra day for delivery to assure that your package arrives on time. Running short of time? Ask about our One/Two Day Express Shipping Service. Some of our larger products are shipped pre-paid motor freight from Sporty's and require longer delivery times. Please allow one to two weeks for those products. Engraved and Embroidered items will ship in two days in most instances.
Return Policy
For over 40 years, in addition to same day shipping, Sporty's has offered same day returns and same day exchanges. Each day, we process all returns and exchanges before new orders go out. We know of no other company who does this!
Reviewed On:
August 25, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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General Comments
I purchased this GPS for our Air Attack Module for use on wildland fires. We have this model in other ships and are extremely pleased with it. It is very easy to set up and use. The price was also right. Thank you Sporty's for your quick shipping and great service. We will definitely do business with you in the future.
Reviewed On:
June 30, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
Maps for auto-mode are lousy. They only take you to a general area and you can not go to an address or look through a list of POI's. Would not buy if that is what you are looking for.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
June 26, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Reliable, bright screen, battery life
Cons
No Wx capability, but since I fly in Alaska where it isn't available, no big deal.
General Comments
A great value at under $1000 for a moving map GPS. I use it in both helicopters and airplanes. Highly recommend!
Reviewed On:
June 18, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
User friendly, very good reference aid when flying/driving. Aviation map has intersections saved allowing direct navigation to the intersection without vectors from ATC, allowing a quicker route/flight.
Cons
Can be slow getting destinations typed in. Can take some time getting used to. Initial road maps are not very accurate, upgraded with City Navigator and was able to use on several driving trips.
General Comments
Great service from sporty's in providing the GPS and shipping quickly. A++ on the service and price.
Reviewed On:
June 3, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Worked as expected!
Cons
Wish it had taxi diagrams too.
General Comments
Reduces workload exponentially for VFR flight.
Reviewed On:
May 30, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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Reviewed On:
May 8, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
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Reviewed On:
April 22, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Value
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Pros
Did work out of the box and does everything as advertised.
Cons
A bit bulky and heavy due to the battery required for backup power.
General Comments
Can't comment on the durability or reliability as the unit is too new.
Reviewed On:
April 15, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
WAAS- extremely accurate position. Occasionally loses satellite reception briefly during inverted flight. Picks it right back up without skipping a beat when upright.
USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE- very easy to navigate if you read the manual once. Ability to adjust brightness of backlighting, size of font for most symbols is programmable.
FLIGHT LOG FUNCTION- records your aircraft, takeoff/land locations, date and flight time. A pretty sweet bonus.
AVIATION/AUTOMOBILE/MARINE MODES- Multifunctional. WOW!
Cons
MOUNTING DEVICES FOR STICK CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT- Despite the yoke mount and dash mount that came with the package... i needed to find a way to mount it to the glareshield of my T-45 (it has a stick, no yoke and since aerobatics and high "G" is in my daily operations routine the no skid dash mount devices dont work for me). A couple of binder clips will hold the cradle snugly on the dash through 5G turns, and overhead aerobatics. It would be nice if there were a different style mount available to accommodate a no-yoke, no-dash option.
General Comments
Great capability for moderate price. Nice color maps. High programability. Terrain Awareness (if obstacle database kept current). I am swiftly becoming hooked on this fine piece of gear. Would be cool if the government made it standard issue for Military Pilots.
Reviewed On:
March 26, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Our 3rd Unit, good choice!
Reviewed On:
March 10, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
excellent
Reviewed On:
February 26, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
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Reviewed On:
October 7, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Great screen display, easy to read, day or night. Easy to use menu and nice features. You can even change the size of the font, to make reading even easier.
Cons
When using the panel feature the screen updating is a bit slow, causing a jerky motion of the display, similar to those who have used a flight simulator on their computer. If that smoothness is important to you, then it might be better to go with the GPSMAP495, which has a faster chip.
General Comments
Great unit. I am very pleased with it, but what else can you expect from a GARMIN. I would recommend that you some how use the external power feature, either by the provided cigarette power cable or use the power/data cable accessory, which is a more permanent power supply if you own the aircraft.
I bought the 12v cabin power adapter and had the plug modified to use in the aircraft. It works great.
Reviewed On:
September 11, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
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Reviewed On:
July 30, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
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Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Proprietary memory card is overpriced
General Comments
With additional software, I can use this in my car, boat and ATV.
Reviewed On:
July 11, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
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Reviewed On:
June 18, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Very complete unit with three modes (Aviation, Vehicle and Marine) it includes Weight and Balance calculations and E6B Flight Computer, Celestial Information, Flight instruments page, Terrain page, alerts, a free Jeppesen update and a lot more. The rechargable lithium battery runs for more than Six hours and it comes with almost all accessories needed to install it almost anywhere plus some more accessories that you can buy separatelly.
Cons
No preloaded maps.
General Comments
Excellent choice for Fixed mount or as a backup GPS unit at a reasonable price.
Reviewed On:
April 9, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Easy to use.
Cons
Reciever could be better. My E-Trex locks on to satellites where the 296 would not.
General Comments
Nice unit.
Reviewed On:
February 14, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Intuitive and easy to use if you have some understanding of how GPS interfacing works.
Loads of information at your fingertips.
Cons
Very expensive
General Comments
I look at it as a necessary purchase if you rent planes. A great investment that will last many years.
Reviewed On:
February 6, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
