Garmin’s newest portable GPS is their best yet. Combining advanced glass cockpit features with Garmin’s biggest screen ever, the new Garmin 696 is truly a portable multi-function display (MFD). In one unit, Garmin has combined moving map, XM weather, terrain alerts, charts, airport information and much more. It even qualifies as a Class 1/Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).
Here’s why you’ll love it:
Huge screen The 7” diagonal screen is the largest screen available on a portable GPS, and features an impressive 800 x 480 pixel resolution. Weather graphics, terrain alerts and simulated instruments have never looked better, and charts can be shown at almost full resolution. The screen is also extremely bright, for superior readability in bright sunlight.
Easy-to-use controls The 696 features a Garmin G1000-style joystick that allows you to
click, pan and twist, dramatically reducing data entry time. Soft keys
automatically change function depending on the screen being viewed, to
reduce the number of pages you have to scroll through.
Charts Finally, an easy way to view digital charts in the cockpit, with no extra wires or CDs to load. The 696 comes preloaded with all FAA/NACO approach plates, including arrivals, departures, airport diagrams and approaches. Charts can be viewed at nearly full size, or can be enlarged for easier reading.
XM Weather A hugely popular feature from the 496 and 396, XM weather is even
better on the Garmin 696. Weather products can be viewed independently
or overlaid on the main map page, all in a large, easy-to-read size.
The included XM Weather antenna displays NEXRAD radar, satellite
images, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, turbulence forecasts, winds aloft, freezing
levels and much more (requires separate subscription).
Simulated instrument panel
Pilots have come to love Garmin’s simulated instrument panel, which displays GPS-derived instruments for speed, altitude, vertical speed, bank angle and heading. On the Garmin 696, this feature can be viewed directly on the map page as a split screen—no scrolling required—for unbeatable situational awareness.
Terrain A dedicated terrain page shows nearby terrain and obstacles, and the 696 also includes a profile view that shows a side view of upcoming terrain. Terrain can also be overlaid on the main map page. Finally, pop-up alerts warn you of potential danger no matter what page you are viewing.
AOPA Airport Directory The most comprehensive collection of airport and facility information, AOPA’s Airport Directory shows FBO services, ground transportation, hotels, area attractions and much more. This is in addition to a full Jeppesen® database of runway lengths, frequencies and approach waypoints.
Taxiway Maps SafeTaxi™ maps show you detailed airport diagrams for over 650 airports, including hold short lines, ramp areas and taxiway labels. And, your airplane’s position is shown on the map, minimizing the risk of runway incursions.
Truly Portable Unlike hard to use computers or electronic flight bags, the Garmin 696 includes an internal battery and internal GPS antenna. You can fly completely wire-free if needed, making it invaluable as a backup navigation source.
Measures 5 3/4"”l x 7 3/4”h x 1 1/2”d; weighs 2.3 lbs.
Includes: GPS unit with internal battery and GPS antenna, external XM weather antenna, external GPS antenna, protective cover, USB interface cable, yoke mount, wall charger, 10-36V power plug, free Jeppesen® update, quick reference guide, owner’s manual.
Chart updates: digital charts are updated every 28 days, and can be easily downloaded from fly.garmin.com. One-time updates are $95; a one year subscription is $395.
Americas Coverage includes North, South and Central America including 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.
Standard Express Shipping
We offer the fastest shipping in the business, so you won't have to wait for your important charts or a last-minute gift. Since we stock almost everything we sell, we offer same day shipping: in-stock orders placed by 5pm Eastern (weekdays), will be shipped that same day, often within minutes of ordering.
Plus, all orders arrive in just 2 business days with standard shipping.
Overnight shipping is also available on most items.
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 9, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
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Pros
Looks great and has lots of features. Honestly haven't had it long enough to rate. It comes highly recommended by others
Cons
The manuals are horrible. Even the web guide is bad. There is no way to download any of the software without calling the company. Even they will admit that.
General Comments
I am sure that once we learn how to use all of the features wel will be more than pleased as others have been. Garmin really needs to put together manuals and/or web instructions that are easier to use. The phone tech desk is only open during the day M-F. Good thing my husband's secretary had the two hours it took to download the maps etc...
Reviewed On:
July 11, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
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Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
Product made most for small GA
General Comments
Reviewed On:
June 30, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Garmin hits a home run nearly every time. This GPS is as good as it gets, or even better. A little pricey but well worth it.
Cons
A little heavy and thick. It will be awesome when they are able to get this squeezed into a package that is at least 50% thinner.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
June 9, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
easy to use esp if you have a glass panel
Cons
none
General Comments
Reviewed On:
May 26, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Great integration of information and intuitive flow of functions.
Cons
Price, but what in aviation is cheap these days?
General Comments
Reviewed On:
May 19, 2010 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:
May 5, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
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Value
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Pros
Large screen, easy to use. Nice display features. Comes out of the box ready to use. Good receiver capabilities without use of external antenna.
Cons
Screen gets hot. Recommend adjusting back lighting to level 8 or 9 out of 10 to keep temps down a little. GPS antenna mail lead broke off first time it was put into unit: this is a weak connection and needs to be improved.
Owners manual is vague in many areas and does not fully show what every function or symbol does on the unit. Fortunately, I have 2200+ hours flying 55 different airplanes and I could figure it out.
General Comments
I can not rate reliability as it has not flown more than 6 hours in my airplane. I have a hot summer to get through and after some months, I will be able to tell you how reliable it is. Overall, it is a great Garmin product.
Reviewed On:
April 28, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
absolutely priceless when the unexpected happens.
Cons
thicker than I'd like, but there's nothing this usefull that's thinner, so maybe that's just wishful thinking. The guys that keep them on their laps are nuts.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
March 14, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Great visual presentation that increases S/A exponentially, especially with the large screen. Much better information more quickly available than on the EFB and ND in the aircraft I fly at work. Very easy to switch between modes and information once you get used to the controls and keys. The manuals are well written and easy to follow. Garmin tech support is very helpful in resolving download issues.
Cons
Mostly price, especially if you plan on keeping the charts and nav data current.
General Comments
An outstanding tool for the GA pilot. Take time to learn how to use it before flying to minimize "heads down" time. Practicing while flying as a passenger is a good idea.
Reviewed On:
January 29, 2010 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
Reviewed On:
January 14, 2010 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Used the 696 today for a 200 mile X-country and it's definitely everything its cracked up to be. I live in San Diego and there is so much busy airspace here I don't know how people NOT from here get around, it's tricky to say the least. Great product works awesome
Cons
OK so obviously the 696 is expensive but so is flying so if you can't afford it, maybe tennis is more suited for your lifestyle. The only beef I have is the tiny screws that come with the Ram Mount Kit. You actually have to use a screwdriver to attach the mount to the GPS instead of screws with plastic knobs on them. Which means you have to use a screwdriver to remove the ram mount in order to place the GPS in the carrying case. That's the last thing I want to do after a long trip or in the dark, loose one (piece) and your screwed, literally. A quick trip to your local hardware store can fix this issue.
General Comments
Makes flying safer and even more enjoyable. Buy one
Reviewed On:
December 30, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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A "cheap" way to display weather, and almost like having all the paper charts in one handy device (nationwide). Very customizable as to what you want displayed on the screen. The included Yoke mount is very versatile (unless you own a pre-1984 Bonanza - then you need a different mount).
This also helps me with a major missing feature on the GNS430/530: Victor Airways. The 696 shows the airways.
Overall satisfied with the GPS.
Cons
The price to keep this thing fully updated with charts, obstacles, terrain, nav data, XM weather service etc. is ridiculous. Not much different than if you are updating a Garmin 430/530 already, but I don't think you get a multi-GPS discount from Garmin. Unlike the GNS430/530, you cannot load a DP or STAR into a flight plan - don't understand why they left this feature out. You can load the chart itself for a DP/STAR, but this is not convenient to flip back and forth while flying.
General Comments
I had four main objectives for this device and it meets them to a "T":
1. Display of XM weather without having to buy the ridiculously priced Garmin GDL-69 antenna + installation.
2. Display of Victor Airways on a moving map.
3. Crossfill of Flight Plan and Navigation data from my GNS530. (Works quite well actually!).
4. Since small FBOs are getting out (forced) of the chart business, I needed to have charts readily available. Also intend to stop lugging around a huge case of charts!
Reviewed On:
December 1, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
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Pros
Garmin is as usual, very good. 696 performs just as advertised.
Cons
Is still too pricey, coupled with expensive updates.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
October 19, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Used it a couple of times and WOW. Using it as back-up to an steam guage C-182/G. Looked at several units including the Bendix/King AV8OR ACE. The Garmin is a true aviation unit. No ground navigation--who cares. I can buy a descent ground unit for less than $ 250.
Cons
Initial cost and cost of the database updates. I am still trying to figure out what i can get by with and what I want to make sure is up to date.
General Comments
Overall a true joy to use with confidence that it won't fail on you.
Reviewed On:
October 12, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
No.
Reviewed On:
September 21, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
Overall Rating
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Pros
This is a tremendous addition to any aircraft equipment. Easy to use functions, good screen resolution, and extensive information at your disposal.
This is also a great system back up since unit has a battery which would function in a total power failure to provide pilot with basic flight data.
Cons
Yoke mount is bulky and problematic. Do not plan to use yoke mount and you will not be disappointed. Start looking for an alternative mount location or docketing station in panel.
General Comments
Add docking station information to materials in Sporty's catalog.
Reviewed On:
August 27, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
Big display and easy to use. Currently mounted in an EC120 and it is handling all the vibration and visibility issues with no problem. Great visuals. I have tried the Bendix King and the Air Gator this unit is the most compact for connections and easiest to use and read.
Cons
Can't think of any
General Comments
Nothing but the best from Garmin, another winner.
Reviewed On:
August 25, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
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No Cons Listed From This Reviewer.
General Comments
Reviewed On:
August 25, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
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Pros
No Pros Listed From This Reviewer.
Cons
Price!
General Comments
Reviewed On:
August 24, 2009 Would You Recommend This Product:
Yes.
