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Discontinued in 2017
This product has been discontinued. Check out our updated review of the best handheld GPS units.
The Magellan eXplorist 510 is a mid-performance GPS unit with all the bells and whistles. You can fully document your adventures using the built-in 3.2MP camera, video, and voice recorder. This GPS and WAAS-enabled receiver provides decent reception to mark waypoints and follow tracks. Even though we liked all the extra perks and features, we also had our caveats. It features a larger three-inch screen, but we were unhappy with its plastic construction. Of all our tested devices, it produced the most glare in both high and low light. Many of our testers did not like how the keyboard was split between two screens. Finally, we wished this device had a rechargeable battery. Aside from these issues, this is a decent and feature-filled device.
If you're looking for a more powerful unit with similar features, check out the Garmin Montana 680. It is the only other device tested with a camera, and a better one at that. Or if you like the eXplorist but want better performance, check out the eXplorist 610 or eXplorist 710.
REASONS TO BUY
3.2 MP camera
Video and voice recorder
Touchscreen
Detailed baseman
REASONS TO AVOID
Non-rechargeable battery
Loop at bottom is unnecessary
Split keyboard is annoying
Poor screen quality
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Magellan eXplorist 510 is perfect for the adventurer who likes to fully document her or his missions. Enjoy the on-board camera, video, and voice recorder among other features.
The Magellan eXplorist was a fine navigational partner while exploring the Alaskan Range. Taking pictures instead of typing waypoints was much more convenient. If you like to fully document your missions, this is the GPS for you. Credit: Jared Vilhauer
Reception
Units that utilize both GPS and GLONASS satellite networks are typically more accurate than those without.
Even though the reception is not as accurate as the most powerful handhelds like the Garmin Montana 680, the eXplorist 510 will get you where you need to go. Utilizing GPS networks (no GLONASS) and WAAS compatibility, this unit is able to find your position within one minute of turning on. It's not as accurate as Garmin devices. While sitting at basecamp on a glacier in Alaska, one of our testers took a video, voice recording, and waypoint while cozying down in a sleeping bag. When checking the locations of each, the map showed each taken at a different location within 10 meters of each other. This coupled with other tests showed us the accuracy was not as good as other devices, but good enough to perform basic navigational tasks.
Ease of Use
The eXplorist 510 comes with touchscreen capabilities, one power button, and two non-programmable buttons on the left side of the unit. We liked the quick access buttons to use the 3.2 MP built-in camera and mark waypoints.
This touchscreen unit has three buttons - one for power, marking way points, and camera access. Credit: Dan Zokaties
We were a little disappointed with the keyboard configuration on this unit. As opposed to having a full touchscreen keyboard, Magellan splits the keyboard in half, forcing you to toggle between two screens. We found this especially annoying when typing long way point descriptions. That said, we did like how a video, voice recording, or picture could be used as a way point to better document adventures.
Even though we loved the big keyboard, the split keyboard was very inconvenient. Credit: Dan Zokaites
The interface has a different setup than others tested. Where other units like the DeLorme and Garmin devices utilize the menu as a default screen, Magellan uses its map as a default.
The back cover comes off easily with the turn of a screw. Here you can put in 2 AA batteries. Unfortunately there is no rechargeable battery option. Credit: Dan Zokaties
This is nice to quickly locate your position, but takes some time to get to menu options. That said, you can program shortcuts to get you where you need to go quickly. Overall, the eXplorist 510 offers many features that are fun and easy to use, but it takes some time to get to know.
Display Quality
The three-inch screen is a good size. It is a little larger than the Garmin eTrex 20x but not as big as the Montana 680.
Comparing the three touchscreens in our lineup. We found the Magellan eXplorist 510 to produce glare on high light days. Credit: Dan Zokaites
The plastic screen is the least durable of all those tested and also reflected the most light in both high and low light conditions. As a result, this device earned lowest marks in this metric. If you want a GPS with a great screen, check out the Oregon 600t, our Editors' Choice.
Speed
Units these days aren't as slow as they used to be. The Magellan eXplorist 510 is about average but not as quick as the Montana 680. The touchscreen was not as sensitive as other touchscreens, so we had to push the screen a little harder than others. Redrawing maps and performing all other functions wasn't slow, but it wasn't the fastest of the devices tested, either.
Weight and Size
This device weighs 8.5 oz (with batteries), which is a great size and weight for carrying on longer trips. You can also fit this into a chest pocket if necessary. If you want something lighter, check out the Garmin eTrex 20x (weighs only 5 oz).
In terms of size, the Magellan eXplorist 510 (4th from R to L) is a nice option for longer trips. Credit: Dan Zokaites
Versatility
This is the only GPS unit that features a 3.2 MP camera, voice recorder, and video camera.
Given that this device is packed with features, we thought it was incredibly versatile. We were able to use this device with both thick and thin gloves, making it a great compadre in all seasons. This was also the only device with video and voice recording. The camera is only 3.2 MP, where the Montana 680 sports a 8 MP camera. It also only features a differential compass (we prefer an electronic compass) with no wireless sharing capabilities. It also can't recharge batteries. If you want all that, check out the Garmin Montana 680 instead.
Kelly checks her tracks while skiing in Colorado. Credit: Dan Zokaites
Value
At just $279, we believe you get a great value for all the extra perks.
Conclusion
The Magellan eXplorist 510 comes with all the bells and whistles. If you like to take videos, pictures, and voice recordings on all your adventures, this may be the device for you.
