Garmin 396 update

[@timmillsap9112]

Got to say like everyone else; great review. Quick , engaging, informative about stuff that matters. Received 396 today and hunting reviews. Nailed it!

[@blackswanodysseys]

Thank you. Am contemplating doing another on specific aspects like fine tuning a set up or walking through using various apps

[@HarleyGurl114]

Just returned the XT for this one, saved some buck and this one does all I need it to do. Thanks for a great review.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Also Harley, you had asked if the Garmin 396 was waterproof. No not waterproof as in underwater use. The 396 has a rating of IPX7. That simply means as follows: X- no info provided by the manufacturer, the 7- refers to the device able to be submerged in water down to a meter for 30 mins. The bottom line; it runs just fine in heavy rain. I haven't submerged it while mounted on my bike and hope I never do. Here's a link that explains IP ratings in detail- www.audioreputation.com/ipx7/

[@HarleyGurl114]

@@blackswanodysseys This is awesome and I sure do appreciate your help!! Thank you so much!!! Safe riding!

[@jasonbarton7189]

I picked up a Zumo 396 on sale for under $200 on Amazon (December 2023). At that price point, it’s well worth it.

[@jasonbarton7189]

@@jackwoods535 why?

[@byronw6606]

Thank you for a great review and demo on this. I just ordered the 396 for $229, I figure I cannot go wrong.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Hope you enjoy some great summer riding

[@byronw6606]

Oh yeah, I live in the Rogue Valley, So. Oregon, and have been in your area many yimes, great riding in Wa and Or.

[@snatr]

Thanks for the review 👍 I'm on the fence between the 396 and XT models myself right now. But I just gotta say, the distraction @9:25 was priceless. Didn't miss a beat either 😉

[@blackswanodysseys]

Thx, ya there are always lots of distractions 😄. As far as which model- if money is not an issue, the extra real-estate of the XT is would nice.

[@snatr]

@@blackswanodysseys I'm not that interested in the larger screen really. In fact I like the purpose built look of the 396. But the better touch abilities and brighter screen really are tempting. It just looks too much like riding around with a cellphone to me though. The maps are another thing- I like the idea of having the topo and birdseye views, but not sure just how useful they would be. Then there's a bigger factor when it comes to transferring routes. It seems the XT model can import them from the explore app through the drive app somehow. That could be convenient. Too bad it's not more direct though. As far as apps go, I like the extra ones the XT has, but really don't think they'd be all that useful to me considering the kind of riding I do (which is mostly local stuff). But all in all, for as close in price as the units are, it's hard to take the cheaper option 🫤

[@blackswanodysseys]

​@@snatr Gary, I'm in agreement regarding the topo aspect. Mostly I like topo views when planning rides on a computer. during the actual ride, it's really pointless unless riding in the fog maybe.

[@snatr]

@@blackswanodysseys Lol. I'll mull it over 🤔

[@FxRiderST]

I don't know about the XT, but 396 changing the locations of the shaping points after replacing via points to shaping points. I use the nav primarily for custom routings, to either download from computer or create on the screen. I think the software is not 100% ready for it. Going A to B I use a phone.

[@jelicoe]

11:30 on my garmin, you need to spell correctly. If I put Krogar, It aint finding Kroger. However if I put REI, it will find about 12 places with a R, an E and an I sequentially in a location name before listing the location actually named REI; May be the third page down.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Yes.

[@JD-nh2gz]

I definitely will use track map now. Good review :)

[@redhytech]

Very hard to plot out a route. It works good if you don't care where it takes to between the start point and the end point. But if you want to take certain routes,, hang it up.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Yes that unfortunately is so true.

[@pedrovieira6130]

What is the name of the support you used to fix the garmin next to the motorcycle visor. What is the reference of this support? because I like the place where you put it. Thanks

[@blackswanodysseys]

Let me check today when I get off work

[@blackswanodysseys]

Pedro here's where I bought the mount. Sorry for not getting back sooner. www.rottweilerperformance.com/ktm-gps-bracket-1290-adventure/

[@miroslavpallaghy533]

riding with a high beam in traffic?

[@blackswanodysseys]

During day yes

[@davej3487]

@@blackswanodysseys Cage drivers up here in PNW are Nucken Futs and a biker needs all the help to be seen. Even then......."I didn't see him."

[@johnp.5882]

Do you think this unit is stout enough to do BDR’s? I have a GPSMap 62 that’s been tough as nails and reliable, but many times it’s tough to see that little screen and I’d like to upgrade to the 396.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Yes, Ive been using mine off road all last summer. Just make and use a good mount

[@johnp.5882]

Thanks! Stay Safe

[@advhcan]

I use this unit daily. My previous unit was Zumo 400. I was happier then. Because things were simplier. I'm using this 396 paired with Sena 10C Pro and iPhone 12 Pro. (All the units are updated when available) There is a certain bluetooth (BT) starting up sequence for these 3 devices (imho). Clean start: (cell phone BT off) 1. Power on Garmin. 2. Power on Sena. 3. Cell phone BT on. This procedure is the least problematic. But, 396 and Sena looses BT contact when you're in a group ride. If someone transmits, Sena (music) disconnects. When the transmission is over, the music is played via Zumo 396, not the Sena headset. Then start fingering Zumo settings/bluetooth/ on & off known devices, try and error, restart Sena, nope, try again. shit. leave it. (Because you're riding) Some casual "Sena disconneted" messages on 396, ignored. 5 minutes later music starts. (But not iphone spotify, Zumo SD card is playing) Happy for some riding time with SD card playing music. Stop for a refill & coffee, Zumo and Sena on the motorcycle, iphone with the rider, taking a leak (BT disconnected) start from the beginning. Of course i know, this might not be 396's fault. Could be Sena's or iPhone's. Nevertheless, not happy with those 3 working together.

[@stefanotrussi4312]

Oh yes, i've like this vlog/review! I would ask you something about the screen size: it's not, 4,3inch's too small? I've a ktm like your, and i'm not sure that the road must i run across is clearly drawned! I'd rather this unit because i'll does'nt run offroad trips...but xt model is bigger than this. Sure, more expensive... Thank you

[@blackswanodysseys]

Yes sir, the CT screen is much bigger. And looking back to my purchase I’d probably now choose the XT over the 396 just for that.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

If it cannot find a whole town, what's the point of GPS like that? I mean, I can find a huge place like Seattle without a single device, just following the road signs. The main idea behind a GPS is exactly to gimme the route to some smaller places and particular addresses, no?

[@blackswanodysseys]

Agreed. I sending a map notice to Garmin.

[@sodakman1960]

I have the 396, galaxy S9, cardo freecom 2+, and Boom 4.3 on my road glide. Trying to figure bt setup for the bike. Good video.

[@blackswanodysseys]

You got a lot going on there. Me too. That's kinda why I don't connect my Garmin to my helmet head set

[@stefanotrussi4312]

@@blackswanodysseys on the KTM sadv you must use the vike like a bridge. You must connect you phone at the dashboard, the interphone at the bike on "audio1" or headphones1, and the garmin at the navigator slot on the dashboard, always with the bluetooth settings

[@blackswanodysseys]

@@stefanotrussi4312 Hello, my phone is connected straight to my Sena intercom. I haven’t used my Garmin for phone connection. Mostly because it’s ultimately being connected to my Sena comms system. There are advantages using the Garmin for phone connection. You can download your contacts and use the Garmin’s touch screen for dialing. But I feel if i need to make a call to just pull over. Thanks for the comment. Eric

[@reddog907]

I like it very much but have not used all the features ,

[@blackswanodysseys]

Ya, the only app I regularly use is the Return route

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

A year later the 396 is $230, the XT is $480 and the XT2 is $600. I can get topo maps on my phone or tablet, so going with the 396. Paying 2 or three times as much for a high res screen, I don't need. I am not watching a movie, I am trying not to get lost and find services like fuel.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Yep. That was pretty much my conclusion. Only thing else Id like is more screen real estate.

[@lizschober5194]

Thanks for the great review!

[@reddog907]

I see you got the full QWERTY screen , how did you get that I have to type then hit the arrow to get the next screen for the rest of the keyboard.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Bring up the keyboard for a search. On the right side next to the ALT tab there a globe symbol. Tap on that. It toggles back and forth. Don't worry it took me some work to figure it out. Eric

[@reddog907]

@@blackswanodysseys Thank you Eric

[@reddog907]

@@blackswanodysseys Yes sir worked perfectly thanks again

[@Sertao2013]

I have a lot of locations in my parking How do I delete all my old parking places .

[@blackswanodysseys]

When you say “parking places “ I assume you mean saved places. Here ya go: Tap on the saved place you want to remove. Then tap on the 3 bars in the upper left of the screen. This will bring options to import, share or delete. Be careful here next screen offers select all or pick which ones to delete. A better option is to tap the specific saved place. The tap the 3 bars in upper left screen. This only gives you the option of deleting the particular saved place. Let me know if my instructions helped you Eric

[@blackswanodysseys]

Let me add a touch of clarification. If you have multiple saved places do this: Tap on All Saved Places, Tap on 3 bars upper left corner of screen Tap on Delete Saved Places Tap on check box of each place you want to delete.

[@jimbobwaynermal7285]

I found my new purchase reluctant to accept commands to the extent I have less confidence in it. Garmin express isn’t as straightforward as before an failed several attempts to convince it a 396 was actually a real thing. Won’t connect to WI-FI for updates either. Install on a Can Am Spyder was a challenge as Can Am doesn’t include connector locations in the manual I have although there is section named that and they bury them to boot. Can 😮Am isn’t Garmin however sloppy documentation is so common challenges add up. All we all want is ease of operation, installation and accuracy and to get on the road. Best of luck y’all.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Jimbob, sound like you had a bad Garmin day. I've had some of the same experiences. "Won’t connect to WI-FI for updates " if you are confident your Garmin is connected to wifi, not user error, I'd warranty the device. As far as the app, yep. Really just bloatware. Question- are you having issues inputting an address? Or is it just trying to utilize the supplied apps?

[@jimbobwaynermal7285]

The address indeed, express tells to pull the cable to update but never shows it’s done.

[@streamer00]

One of the cons I have read about this model is that it is hard to see the screen when under bright sunlight. Is this your experience also?

[@blackswanodysseys]

I only experience that in direct sun, but yes

[@mansolo1756]

Great review!

[@rickwhite5790]

Having issues with updating my 396. I can't get the device to connect to our wifi. Anyone having the same issues?

[@blackswanodysseys]

On your home router, try turning off you password requirement. See if your garmin will connect that way

[@advhcan]

Another bad experience, it's nearly impossible for the unit to "find" a POI on the go. It just searches indefinitely. Maybe a installed maps thing. But Zumo 400 was good at that.

[@blackswanodysseys]

Did you input a full address?

[@gilbertsanchez4412]

I noticed you moved the garmin from one bike to another. Did you purchase a second mounting setup?

[@blackswanodysseys]

Yes. The mount is specific for the KTM 1290

[@jeremylucas6771]

If you were to do it over again, would you still go with the 396 or would you choose the XT and why?

[@blackswanodysseys]

Jeremy, that's a good question. Putting the price difference aside the only advantage of the XL is 1.7" more screen real estate and topo mapping. At the time of my purchase, the 396 was $299. Now it's $399, a Christmas price hike. Really for me, the topo feature isn't much use. While on the ride I can see the terrain. Topo comes into play is during the planning and I do that of laptops, paper maps. That's kind of a longer answer of me it's q push. BTW did you see both of my reviews on the 396?

[@jeremylucas6771]

@@blackswanodysseys Thanks for the quick reply. I've got time to watch prices. Not sure if they will go back down or not. This will be my first GPS unit. Does the 396 show seasonal roads or even two-track? Is that something I would need topo maps for?

[@blackswanodysseys]

@@jeremylucas6771 What bike do you have? that can make a difference. Also, prices tend to drop February-March. That's when I snagged mine ($299)

[@jeremylucas6771]

@@blackswanodysseys BMW F850GS, so I'll want a GPS that can support some off-road. Nothing crazy, but gravel and seasonal roads at least.

[@blackswanodysseys]

@@jeremylucas6771 Nice bike. either one will work for you. I off road with my 396. very happy with it.

[@rickwhite2984]

I can't seem to update my Garmin 396 via wi-fi. will not connect?? Suggestions?

[@blackswanodysseys]

Pardon if this seems oversimplified. Let's start with the basics. Check to make sure you have power to the Garmin unit. Next, check and see if the unit has a wifi connection. on the home screen there should be a green wifi symbol on the top bar to the right of the clock. If you tap on that wifi symbol it should open your wifi settings. make sure wifi "Enables wifi technology" box is checked. if you are not connected to wifi select your local wifi and connect. Next scroll down and "tap updates" this brings up a new screen listing of both system updates and map updates. choose one of both. Updates can take 2.5 hours. The critical thing here is never to let your Garmin lose power during an update. You could corrupt your device to the point you may have to send it to Garmin. Let me know if this makes sense Eric

[@blackswanodysseys]

Rick, I gave you the instructions below. unfortunately, I can't put screenshots here. message me here if you still have issues

[@bandknanacortes1858]

Looks like you were driving on SR20 for part of this review, it’s a great ride to Washington Pass then to Twisp. Are you still using the 396 or did you get the XT?

[@blackswanodysseys]

Greetings, SR20- no the hwy ride portion was SR 14. Although ridden SR 20, Yes a great ride. XT- no on that too. The XT has its pluses with a larger screen and topo mapping. But for finance purposes, I'm sticking with the 396. How about you?

[@bandknanacortes1858]

@@blackswanodysseys I’m looking to possibly upgrade from my Garmin GPS 78sc. I’ve used it for several years, initially as a backup on a sailboat but then for my motorcycle. It’s waterproof and I got the North American map chip and it give basic driving directions. Works ok, I’ve used it in Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Oregon. But I’m going to Alaska, hopefully this summer, and would like something a bit better to go with me and my maps on an old school 2005 650 Vstrom.

[@blackswanodysseys]

@@bandknanacortes1858If price is not an issue go for the XT. However, it can be twice as much at times. As I stated in the video, I couldn't justify the added price for what I wanted in a GPS at the time. besides my 396 I have a Garmin InReach. The InReach can be tethered to your cell phone but I wanted something totally independent. Would I buy the XT now over the 396? Probably. But really only for the larger screen. For now, I'm happy with the 396. I figure Garmin will come with something more advanced in a few years. The current XT has better resolution, but not that better. I'd like to see higher resolution, better topo map detail, and a more responsive pinch to zoom. What model of the bike are you riding? also I'd like to hear about your Alaska trip

[@sd5458]

The problem is Garmin is stuck in the past. They charge a premium for outdated features. SD cards and Pandora? Mini USB for power? No partnerships with RAM / other mount makers? Those bezel sizes? Lack of waterproofing? Everything depends on the phone. Chinese manufacturers are going to mop the floor with Garmin real soon.

[@blackswanodysseys]

I agree with you. No competition is the big cause. Without it Garmin has no desire to modernize

[@jage6126]

I am mirroring google maps point to point from my phone to my 1290s display.

[@blackswanodysseys]

How does it work out in the woods?

[@jage6126]

@@blackswanodysseys It works quite well. I live in northern Sweden which is like alaska. Lots of forest and gravel roads. A dedicated navigator will give better overview, but the PtP on-screen will at least prevent me from getting lost.

[@blackswanodysseys]

@@jage6126 I’ve shied away from its use because of poor cell coverage out here.

[@jage6126]

@@blackswanodysseys No coverage is needed. Maps are saved for offline use.

[@dsadventures6699]

I'm color blind, so I find that the track is the same size as other roads doesn't help, if the track I need to follow is wider then the others would help allot 🥸

[@blackswanodysseys]

Actually, the track line is a little wider. But unfortunately not by much. In your case (color blind) I would zoom in this would lessen the side roads and make it easier to follow the track line. I'll do some experimenting with my unit to see if there may be some other tips I can share.