Garmin Foretrex 801 Review-The Best Tactical Navigator (Watch before you buy)

Рет қаралды 20,272

Жыл бұрын

Welcome back to the Channel!
Today we have the Garmin 801 in for review
I'll keep this short and sweet.. its really a very smart upgrade from the 601, better Navigation, battery and connectivity. Oh yeah all the sweet tactical features inc Stealth, Expedition modes, Kill switch and more. I kinda wish the 601 was this good but as with everything in life, nothing stays the same and change is as good as a rest.
Its a fairly long review but I think ive covered all the best bits. As you know, I'm from a tactical background (+18yrs) so my first hand experiences helps me when considering what this unit can bring to your mission or task. For me its easier, faster and seems to tick all boxes. The 901 just bringing the ballistics computer, but as I already have software for that, Strelok, I didn't see the point for a calc considering I'm a dab hand at mil dots and some good old fashioned kentucky.
Again, as always - any questions just shoot, I have a new memberships option on the channel, so members will get more access and I can upload guides and more focused reviews based on what members need help with.
For anything else check out ‪@GarminInt‬ website for specs and FAQ
Thanks for checking out this review. I really hope it helps you.
(If your new to the channel consider a subscribe and if you like this video, hit that like button, it really helps the channel out, I certainly appreciate your support).
Knowledge is Power!

Пікірлер: 99

@auraS36 7 ай бұрын

Digging the content! After watching this I decided on the 801. Just rcvd it and referenced this vid for the concise tutorial. Ty!!

@AlphaPews 7 ай бұрын

much appreciated

@Labrador7 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review, very interesting. It seems to be the first one out there. It looks like a nice upgrade with multi-GNSS capability and the Explore app compatibility. The 401 was my first outdoor satellite navigation device and used it a lot back in the day. I still have the 601 though by now I mainly use it when I need a backup device for quick navigation, especially in winter or during multi-day ultra races where being able to change batteries on the fly is a big plus. Will definitely grab the 801 at some point!

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

more than welcome brother. I'm loving the easy route making and the gps seem super strong so anything to make outdoors life easier. stay awesome. appreciate your kind words 🫡😎

@legallimitoutdoors9917 10 ай бұрын

Thank u.. I'm getting a 801 tomorrow. 🤘

@DontDoDaylight Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. I notice that the 801/901 is advertised as having the capacity to hold up to 500 courses, 50 routes, and 100 tracks (from Garmin’s “file limitations” page on the 801/901), though the unit doesn’t actually store any courses whatsoever (to my knowledge). If true, that’s quite the discrepancy in marketing. Otherwise, I find it to be a great device and I like the app.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

super kind of you. I'm wearing the during all my activities to see how it stacks. might have to do a 6 month report follow up but like you I'm finding it a welcome change. stay awesome 😎💪

@user-yw9zz8wq8q Жыл бұрын

Good video sir!

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

thank you, stay awesome 😎👍

@videosuperhighway7655 Жыл бұрын

A Fortrex 802/902 line will be coming out that will contain a SAASM module supporting M code and compatible with the AN/CYZ-10 as well. Will not be available for the public though.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

gucci

@Pseudometrik 11 ай бұрын

juicy

@FT4Freedom 7 ай бұрын

Yah. The public. As in the people who pay for all the gear and give life for freedom. Farmstyle.

@TimothyLipinski 4 күн бұрын

Great Video ! May get the 801 soon and mount it in a Chest Pack for my Map and Compass Navigation ! Will back up the 26mm NATO style watchband with 550 Paracord.. Will the 801 survive an EMP event ? tjl

@AlphaPews 4 күн бұрын

EMP. only in a faraday bag/box shielded from magnetic harm. so unless its shielded an EMP wouls amoke this. Appreciate your kind comments my friend

@zaodox 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the review. Where's a good place to buy the 801? I can't see them available in many places.

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

got direct from garmin myself seemed to be the best deal as shipping was free

@reydecastro6651 4 ай бұрын

I'd like to see this become infinitely solar powered too- just like the later model Instincts and Etrex Solar. I have two previously mentioned- Just holding out till a Foretrex SOLAR to get released .

@AlphaPews 4 ай бұрын

same here but given the battery requirements for military and the small size your better of going rechargeable and a small solar portable unit for the cells. 100hrs on those AAA is very healthy now

@FT4Freedom 7 ай бұрын

It's definitely not a watch. But probably the cleanest streamline design for a compact and fast mission tool. A work of art from epic development history. $250 is a giveaway. This is the AR of GPS.

@AlphaPews 7 ай бұрын

the AR is GPS great comment. perfect definition

@JohnSmith-tz4on 3 ай бұрын

Ok but some of us don't know that acronym yet, care to explain?

@JohnSmith-tz4on 3 ай бұрын

AR=? possible answers; argon, Arabic, augmented reality, asshole reach, assault rifle, annual return, Arkansas, army regulation, atmospheric river, etc etc etc so wtf

@FT4Freedom 3 ай бұрын

Armalite Rifle. Eugene Stoner design. Currently known as the AR15 or AR10. The quintessential utility rifle of the modern age.

@JohnSmith-tz4on 3 ай бұрын

@@FT4Freedom thanks

@paulusdinata7836 10 ай бұрын

Comparing with instinct which one is better? As I see the map display is similar with instinct also other features. You can make video comparison

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

Good idea. they are different beasts. so the instinct watch is a more fitness/smartwatch/navigation based tool. it has good navigation too but the 801 is all about pure navigation. 👌 so it's really depends, do you need 100% nav, or are you looking for a hybrid of watch, smartwatch and nav features.

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

I have the fenix 7 pro solar sapphire I'm testing too. thats another good option, the navigation is also very strong and I'd say the same as 801 but the price is much higher

@jordanmccain8225 4 ай бұрын

What watch band is that? And where did you get it I don't like the one it comes with

@AlphaPews 4 ай бұрын

hi Jordan, it's a garmin 26mm nato band. but any 26mm watch band will work.

@nickschuster7618 6 ай бұрын

is there any way to flip the screen? thinking of mounting one to my body armor but would need the buttons to be on the "top"

@AlphaPews 6 ай бұрын

there is no option to my knowledge. there are some 3rd party molle mounts for armour. Worth checking but likely for the 601 as the 801 is still new

@serdalyener Жыл бұрын

Merhaba. Merak ettiğim şey , kac metre yakınlaştırabiliyoruz. Örneğin el tipi cihazlarda 5m yakınlaştırabiliyoruz.Instinct 2 saatlerde ise 8m.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

merhaba! it's 20ft so that is mapped as 6m but I'm not sure of gps accuracy as I expect its far more accurate than this. so far mapping has been excellent for me

@serdalyener Жыл бұрын

@@AlphaPews dual band gnss should normally provide 1.8m accuracy. The accuracy I got on my 66i is 2.4m (GPS+Galileo). If you do a review on this topic, you can inform us better.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

thanks brother 😀

@bartekteee 8 ай бұрын

Hello! Can you select activities when saving for example hike, boat, run and send them to Garmin Connect? Like on Gpsmap 67.

@AlphaPews 8 ай бұрын

you can add comments on garmin connect but this is aimed more at tactical navigation. Best check online at garmin. there is no in built cycle or boating mode

@bartekteee 8 ай бұрын

@@AlphaPews Thank you! I truly appreciate the responsive of the compass on the Instinct 2. In my experience, the Instinct 2 compass operates incredibly smoothly, making it a standout feature for me.

@AlphaPews 8 ай бұрын

my pleasure

@zaodox 10 ай бұрын

I purchased this but am struggling as I can't edit waypoint coordinates when the position format is set to British / OS. Frustrating as the main reason I bought this was for navigation to a grid reference. Any ideas to fix? I've had a good search online but couldn't find anything.

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

in settings find the format option then u can't select a large number of reference like utm, and other grid types

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

drop me a dm on instagram and ill show u the correct menu

@zaodox 10 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, will DM you on Insta.

@mrjkstark Жыл бұрын

If I’ve got an Instinct already, what are the advantages of this unit besides the screen size? Also, would there be a significant advantage of this unit over the etrex se?

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

the instinct is a great unit. but this is purely a navigation device. I think honestly, you have most of the functions already. so just really a standalone navigation device. but I prefer this when I'm in the mountains always. I always have 2 or 3 forms of navigation with me when exploring

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

i had a peek at etrex se, has some good features but it lacks the tactical features and the multi GNS GPS settings, also the stealth and NVG modes of course. The screen on 801 is MIP(memory in pixel) so think thats upgraded too. The memory is larger on 801, plus its rated same as a gshock- mil 810G so thinking overall should be a more rugged unit also.

@FT4Freedom 7 ай бұрын

It's definitely an essential tool for my work in the mountains. Easy to pack. Easy to deploy. No ancillary bs. Streamline GUI. Super fast under most coverage conditions. Easy to lose as well.

@nightowl9519 6 ай бұрын

I know this is pretty old now, but in my experience the 801 is much more precise compared to the instinct

@AlphaPews 6 ай бұрын

your always welcome here buddy. I found the same. seems more razor sharp. I wonder if there is a bigger antenna or just more power for GPS reception. Good observation

@robertnowak949 11 ай бұрын

Garmin was promising "No GPS Drift" on this one thx to multiband. Is this true?

@AlphaPews 11 ай бұрын

the accuracy is far better but all gps has drift in my experience. but during my testing outdoors it's been very impressive. the 601 had drift for sure when stationary so I wonder whether garmin meant this.

@FT4Freedom 7 ай бұрын

It's fast and accurate. A higher level of GPS.

@SuperChriscunningham 10 ай бұрын

My cursor doesn’t move. It worked last time I used it. Doesn’t show trac when hiking

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

moves on trackback try this option

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

check map option also for show tracks

@1jberm Жыл бұрын

where did you get that band from?

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

garmin website but it's a 26mm size nato style

@yungerallenelectricalcontr6415 9 ай бұрын

Can I download trails to the device? Like known trails on the AT?

@AlphaPews 9 ай бұрын

yep. you create a course on the garmin explore app and upload it to the device.

@user-qk6ir7ls5c Жыл бұрын

No se que tienen los foretrex que enganchan, será la cencillez de manejar y ahora con las mejoras que lleva, perfecto. Voy a tener que dar de baja a mi 601y me ahorro el conectar con cable al mobil para transferir archivos gpx, mejor pantalla, duración de pilas y mejor pocisionamiento.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

its super simple now. 👌 I really appreciate the new features and also easy to connect to my phone. the battery life also much better. thanks for the comment, appreciated my friend 😎

@WR3ND 8 ай бұрын

Can this output time and location data to a computer and/or radio transceiver?

@AlphaPews 8 ай бұрын

I'm not aware personally, but it's usb c enabled so easily connected. I doubt it as this is more of a standalone rather than a sensor or secondary device. but as with any tech-anything is possible

@WR3ND 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the followup.

@axdrome Жыл бұрын

from looking in the manual, it looks like routes cannot be shown in the map, only waypoints and tracks, is that correct?

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

believe so the track stay visible until you delete also. but waypoints on course are visible.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

routes I need to play with more. + I'll do some testing for you

@axdrome Жыл бұрын

@@AlphaPews because it would seem logical that a user wants to know where (s)he is , not only where the waypoints are.

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

so I used garmin explore app, I had a saved course, I then copied this a route which is an option and then it's syncs to the device

@AlphaPews Жыл бұрын

so once the course is copied as a route and then the gevice syncs you can view it when you follow the route

@trayces8006 6 ай бұрын

I need something that combines this device with topo maps as well

@AlphaPews 6 ай бұрын

fenix 7 or the etrex models. none are more compact so I'd lean towards the fenix. I have a video on that also so it may help you.

@trayces8006 6 ай бұрын

@@AlphaPews thank you i wa leaning towards the etrex 32x but am worried about the 10,000 limit backtrack points

@MuseaBear 10 ай бұрын

Can someone tell me why the 801 is half the price of the 701 if both have the ballistic calculator?

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

801 hasn't got the calc. think that's the 901

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

I just use strelok app

@TRIANTEQUERA 8 ай бұрын

HELLO, MY WINDOWS 10 PC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE FORETREX 801, IT DOES NOT APPEAR AS A STORAGE DEVICE. WITH THE EXPLORE APK, IT WORKS PERFECTLY. ANY IDEA TO FIX THE PROBLEM? I DO NOT HAVE A BACKUP OF THE DEVICE, I DON'T KNOW IF WITH ANOTHER LOWER WINDOWS I WOULD DETECT IT, SUGGESTIONS ARE ACCEPTED, THANK YOU.

@AlphaPews 8 ай бұрын

Hi Ivan, I don't think it's classed as a storage device. in the settings check 'usb mode' and see if it can be changed to mass storage. u can also download garmin explore application for windows

@AlphaPews 8 ай бұрын

I just checked there is no usb mass storage mode

@MrKakemann1 4 ай бұрын

Can you reverse the colors on the screen?

@AlphaPews 4 ай бұрын

sadly not.

@SuperChriscunningham 11 ай бұрын

I returned two Garmin 601s because the current trip odometer would never reset. It just kept accumulating the mileage. So if I used trac back it would include all previous hikes. I tried everything to clear current track nothing worked. Will this clear all current trip data.?

@AlphaPews 11 ай бұрын

I never had that issue before and yep you can clear trips. if you get stuck drop me a message on instagram and ill do a short video if you have troubles trying to reset again.

@legallimitoutdoors9917 10 ай бұрын

Is 801 100% water proof? Thanks

@AlphaPews 10 ай бұрын

milspec 810G rated

@FT4Freedom 7 ай бұрын

Definitely GShock.

@airbornethecrazy4223 9 ай бұрын

How do you add grid points to the 801. Every time I’ve tried the grid point just resets to my current location

@AlphaPews 9 ай бұрын

so easiest is the set them as a waypoint and if you have the garmin explore app its super fast to add.

@AlphaPews 9 ай бұрын

so try waypoint, which at first add current position then use the up and down selectors and then before pressing ok, move the selector over the grid, re enter it and then click OK with the new grid added. them it saves to the list and you can see distance and navigate. u can also change the icon, name too

@AlphaPews 9 ай бұрын

did it work for you? if not, dm me on instagram and I'll try to help

@airbornethecrazy4223 9 ай бұрын

@@AlphaPews I ended up contacting garmin and they said it was a common issue with some of the 801’s all I needed to do was plug it into a computer and update it. Once I did I was able to insert waypoints directly onto it without it resetting them

@AlphaPews 9 ай бұрын

@airbornethecrazy4223 glad u got it sorted.

@Matt-yi2ir 5 ай бұрын

Is this waterproof?

@AlphaPews 5 ай бұрын

yep. but not dive proof.

@nemanjaaksentijevic6696 23 сағат бұрын

Hi, what kind of maps can you upload on this device and where do you purchase them? Tnx

@AlphaPews 22 сағат бұрын

you cant upload but you can import gpx files from garmin explore app. so these are saved as tracks. so you make your own maps. there is no phyiscal mapping. e.g topographic and similar. its a breadcrumb navigator but its highly accurate and has great battery life