XM weather at an exceptional price
The 396 has many of the same features as the 496, but without the preloaded street maps, AOPA Airport directory and taxi diagrams. It remains an excellent value—there is no easier and less expensive way to get XM Weather into your cockpit.
Features:
• XM Satellite Datalink Weather, including NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, TFRs and more (requires subscription)
• Over 150 XM Satellite Radio stations (requires subscription)
• Terrain/obstacle display with pop-up alerts
• Famous “panel page” for backup use
• WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
• Full Jeppesen® database, including instrument approach waypoints
The 396 can even display traffic alerts from a GTX330 transponder. Built-in logbook automatically records flight times, and allows you to manage and print flight data. 256-color, TFT screen (3.8” diagonal, 480 x 320 pixels). 3000 user waypoints and 50 reversible routes with 1,200 waypoints per route. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers 5 to 15 hours of use depending on backlight. Measures 5.7”w x 3.2”h x 1.9”d.
Includes: GPS, USB interface cable, cigarette lighter adapter, AC adapter, yoke mount, remote GPS antenna with mount, adhesive automotive dash mount, remote XM Radio antenna, XM antenna extension cable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, carrying case, Trip and Waypoint Manager CD, owner’s manual, quick reference guide.
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:
September 24, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
The best thing in my cockpit. Would not fly without it. The weather is great. the airport info is fantastic.
Cons
None!
General Comments
Right price, outstanding product, easy to use.
Reviewed On:
August 24, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
with a little study you can be out flying in an afternoon with the 396 showing you the way.
Cons
the cost is higher then the 296 if you dont want to sign up for the XM weather
General Comments
Reviewed On:
June 30, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
June 26, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Simply put "ALL"
Cons
Again simply put "NONE"
General Comments
Paid for itself the very first use!
Reviewed On:
March 12, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Excellent GPS unit, great reference to airspaces, and weather. Yoke mount doesn't get in the way while flying, while keeping GPS close for ease of use. Screen updates slower than the 496, noticable, but definataly doesn't limit the information provided.
Cons
Expensive updates.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
February 20, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
the lower price (than the 496) is a big plus. I do not feel I missed any of the extra features of higher priced units.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
January 14, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
No.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Background mapping of Hawaii was good.
Great to be able to go direct to a ground reference point instead of a navaid.
Bright display.
Intersections come up on the moving map.
Liked the distance to, the time, the groundspeed to a geographical point.
Cons
I bought this unit because of the XM weather capability. Only after trying to buy the subscription did I find out Hawaii is not covered. I did not need this particular model, as a result.
The scrolling function to find an intersection was not easy in flight when in turbulence. Takes too much attention on a small screen. Easy to use at home, though, but not in flight.
Yoke mount on a 172 blocks the DG. When mounted further away such as on the copilot yoke made it impossible to use by the pilot.
I returned the unit as it was not worth the trouble since I have a DME.
While I was rerouted around by Approach, I could not keep up with the rerouting function and merely let it tell me where I was on the moving map. Awfully expensive for only that function. Obviously, the other time to, groundspeed, etc. was of no use.
General Comments
I have a friend who uses his on the Mainland for long distance trips in unfamiliar territory. He loves it.
Reviewed On:
January 8, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
December 17, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Solid unit with great capabilities. The $300 rebate sealed the deal. The weather funtion is great. Very intuitive to operate.
Cons
The rocker tab alpha/ numeric data entry.
General Comments
A great value with the rebate.
Reviewed On:
September 28, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Can not beat this GPS. With weather it is exceptional. I am a student pilot and just bought a 1976 Archer. I had my instructor and I go to Fargo ND to pick it up. This was the first big purchase for the plane and it helped alot. Coming home we had to skirt around Ike and it was fantastic.
Cons
None
General Comments
Reviewed On:
September 25, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
No.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
It's a great addition to my cockpit!
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
May 28, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Has everything the 496 does, just without the AOPA airport and taxiways directory. Weather is a huge plus. Also comes with even more accessories than I thought it would.
Cons
None that I know of.
General Comments
Great product! I can't believe that I didn't buy this sooner. I am still getting used to it, as I am new to the whole GPS thing, but it is pretty user friendly.
Reviewed On:
May 14, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
April 24, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Love it. It works wonderfully and was cheaper than the 496.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
March 28, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Absolutely awesome. XM Weather is a must have if you fly IFR and this is the cheapest way to get it. The battery is a great back-up for instrument failure.
Reviewed On:
March 25, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
February 9, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Easy to use. Clear displays.
Cons
I'd like to be able to have the unit "talk" to my flight planning software.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
February 6, 2008 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
Good database of airport information. Easy to navigate menues.
Cons
Electronic E6B could be better, but works ok. Lag time when scrolling can be frustrating as the unit will freeze for a second or two when the map is redrawing, and will freeze again after redrawn.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
December 4, 2007 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
serves double duty ... gets you there in the air, and then in the car. Active weather makes avoiding embedded thunderstorms much easier!
tracks your enroute times and total flight times making logbook entries a snap!
helps with terrain awareness
Cons
none
General Comments
Used it to bring my Christen Eagle home to California from Illinois, and it was indispensable. Also took it along in a C172 on flight from Monterey, CA to the Grand Canyon in AZ in August. With the active weather, we were able to easily avoid the drifting thunderstorms and see where the active lightning was. Would not have been able to complete the flight without it!
Reviewed On:
November 28, 2007 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
Durability
Reliablity
Value
Usability
Expectations
Pros
The Real time XM Weather feature has enhanced our flight cabilities,safety and enjoyment tenfold.
Cons
Would like to have purchased the 496 but the added features are not worth the price difference. One can get an automobile Garmin for $300 dollars and we do not need the runway data which is primarily usefull at larger airports that we do not visit that much in our 182.
General Comments
A must have for any serious general aviation aircraft owner.
