Garmin GPS 12 vs. GPS 72 waterproofing?

[nigelmercier]

Following on from my post about Swiftech M-298 and waterproofing, does anyone know how a Garmin GPS 12 compares in this respect to a GPS 72.

The both say waterproof, but the latter also floats!

As I said in my last thread, I'm trying to remove the need for emergency gear to be stowed in Aquapak bags, they are so fiddly that the contents tend to remain uncharged.

 

[pvb]

They're both rated IPX7, so there shouldn't be much to choose between them in terms of water resistance, although I'd expect the newer model is likely to be more effectively sealed.

 

[savageseadog]

I've had one leaky GPS12 the replacement seems OK but I wouldn't describe the construction as fully waterproof

 

[mikejames]

The GPS12/48 family would leak if you dropped them - the cases were only welded together. Later on Garmin ran silicone into the case join which helps.

They all have air vent holes in them which allow the GPS to suck in water - heat gps up in sunshine, place in cool water & repeat. The contraction of the air inside sucks up the water.

 

[TigaWave]

I've had two (emergency back up) hand held Garmin gps units fail because of moisture. They were not emersed just in a damp pocket, or in a mount by the steering. Took about 12 hours of damp (rain/spray) to kill them both. They did recover slightly but with screen elements missing. They need to be in a water proof bag especially if you are planning on using them in an emergency.