Garmin Zumo XT or iPhone - Which Should You Use? What's best for Off-Road Navigation?

[@adventuresiray]

Bloody hell mate, I’ve been searching for this review!! Just about to buy a garmin but downloaded the OS map for my iPhone 14 and it’s bloooody great! Never let me down. Add in the quad lock and it’s the best set up for green lanes and TET! 👍👍👍

[@markbanjodaniel]

I signed up for OS maps on your recommendation and I am loving it ! Route plotting and app navigation, it’s a no brainier for road and un-paved. Cheers for covering it in your videos 👍🏻

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Nice to hear, thanks for letting me know 👍

[@johnwright8149]

Im a OS maps user had for three years now love it Garmin only use in the car now

[@fensn6172]

Good info. But as you said, It is a MUST ,to carry 2 phones, One good one for the pocket and the bad one for the map at the motorbike. Cheers

[@bigalex7942]

Cracking video. It answered my dilemma perfectly. iPhone and OS mapping it is. Thank you.

[@shaunbknight1]

Have you checked out the Quadlock wireless charger Mike? It keeps the phone fully waterproof as the charging lead is the weak point for water, Ive fitted one to my 350exc and its been fine. Glad you covered the vibration thing as I’ve knackard 2 of my cameras before i realised what the problem was (its the optical stabilization that fails).

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Will investigate that - thanks 👍

[@Coatsey007]

I’ve been trying to use the XT2 around Europe and I’ve got to say it is an absolute nightmare to plan, the user interface and how it might be done still eludes me. The best I can do, and even this proof problematic, is to create waypoint and every morning just pick my next waypoint. I just wanna plan today to go to Munich from say Hamburg, that simple task is so inexplicably difficult.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

I can see why so many like having 8” tablets mounted on their bikes for navigation because having a little tablet to plan on is far easier than doing it on a smaller phone or device.

[@ianseddon9347]

Really helpful… I am trying to decide what navigator to use, always used a garmin in the car till I found google maps, but I fancy OS and calimoto, but as an old. (70+) git I’m a bit technically challenged- maybe I’ll dig out an old iPhone and try this. Thank you ( Higham near Hadleigh btw)

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Lots use the Osmand app, can use that all over Europe, but I love the detail that comes with OS maps. KZbin is a great resource for learning just about anything, so there’s no need to feel challenged, someone will have made a useful tutorial on whatever it is you’re after 👍

[@blackiesmisadventures3413]

Hi I have an old iPhone 8 Plus was thinking of just using this as my sat- nav so to speak so what sort of SIM card do you use ? Great video as always Thanks

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Mine is an 8 plus - the phone in my pocket is on three and I use that as a hotspot, tend not to use the data on my bike phone but I do have a vodafone sim in that which I put credit on for multi day adventures, just in case of emergencies - I download the mapping to the app before I leave home so most of the time I don't need data on the bike phone but I sometimes use that for music whilst riding and just use the data from my main phone. Never had any issues with this system except on the wettest of days

[@casper-zb1pp]

the telephone is indeed often more convenient, but sometimes you are so far from civilization that you have no coverage, and with Garmin you always have a satellite connection wherever you are

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Yes this could be the case, but as I said in the video, if you download the mapping for the route you are doing then you don't need any coverage - you only need a phone signal to download the mapping. As 99.999% of people I meet and talk to don't ever just go off somewhere exploring in the middle of a Moroccan desert of the wilds of Peru, all they need is for something to get them round a route they are going to do here in the UK. If the zumo XT had some decent mapping on it it would be an awesome bit of kit, but sadly the mapping detail just isn't good enough for easy and swift navigation. I have been all over the UK finding new trails, racing in rallies, doing routes such as the TET and my phone and my app have never let me down, always exactly showing where I am and the mapping I need - I have made this video from experience not from my sofa - it just works. Yes if I was to go off to Morocco I'd invest in a Montana, but for 100% of what I do and what 99.999% of what most other people do, a phone is the most practical and effective way to navigate

[@HippoDrones]

Although I am yet to try the XT, I've got several Gamin satnavs, yet always use my phone, for road and trail it just works better for me. I should really get the QuadLock wireless Charger for it as I am always forgetting the USB-C charging lead.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

I really like the SP connect phone mount and case I have, it's so simple to use, nothing to go wrong on it really so it will continue to take a lot of abuse. Unfortunately tho they don't do a wireless charger case for my old Iphone 8 plus. Quadlock do do one tho, so maybe I should have a look, but it's seldom an issue, wet weather problems that is

[@throttleridingadventures]

Good watch mate here in Australia if you get caught touching a ph while driving or riding there goes $$$ and half your licence so a garman isnt a bad option at $900 im sure thats what a fine would cost us Aussies ..now my ph is tucked away safe from getting smashed

[@gnarlybadger690]

A lot of useful info in there Mike, the android version of the OS app as improved and on my Chinese rugged phone works very much like your iPhone. Not sure if you pointed out that the OS map is UK based only, you’re bound to get quite a few overseas views. I had a Zumo XT never really got to use before selling it. Just about to leave for a TET trip where I’m just going to use the Chinese Blackview phone for navigation which I’ve been using for all my trail here in the UK but because I haven’t tried it in Europe I’m put my ever faithful Montana 610 in my rucksack with all the routes I need. Thanks for sharing another worthwhile video 👍🏻

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

I’m not sure if the OS map app would work say in Spain or France, but I’m guessing it would. When on the app you can zoom into a few European countries and see the various TET routes say with just the standard OS mapping. I’m guessing there must me an OS map type app in the US tho, so some of what I’m saying will still apply I think. So does the app with your android phone keep you in the centre of the screen as you move along? That was the main issue I had with the rugged Ulefone I bought, and a few people contacted me for advice who were having the same problem. That said I only went that route because the iPhone 6 Plus I had at the time wasn’t waterproof, but then I found out the later ones were, so sold the Ulefone and bought the iPhone 8. It’s such a minefield tho mate isn’t it, a few options and fair bit to think about 🤷🏼‍♂️💪👌

[@gnarlybadger690]

@@twowheeledadventuresuk2739 Yes Mike, in the OS app it does keep the tracking cursor in the centre and moves the map as you ride along your route. I definitely like to use it to check the legality of tracks but I normally don't use it to navigate as I personally find the map a little busy for me and tend to use OSM maps. But I like the idea that you mentioned about pubs and PO's I hadn't really thought about it that way

[@stevia13]

Thx for vid. You use OS mapping which is fantastic, but only for UK. A strength of the Garmin is that it has full European mapping of course.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Indeed, but I do 99.9% of my riding in the UK as do most UK trail riders. So yes Garmin ace in Europe but for 99.9% of the time a phone is way better in my opinion

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

And as far as I can tell, the OS map app would work in most mainland European countries but with just a basic mapping similar to Garmin.

[@davidblinston6731]

Hi thanks for the review, I've struggled with a garmin for a while now so have downloaded os maps, sorry if I've missed it in the comments already but how do I find the off road routes for motorbikes etc

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Best way is join the TRF. I did a vlog last year explaining how to find legal trails. With the TRF you get the green road map, I use it all the time to find new places to go ride

[@getyabuildon1523]

@@twowheeledadventuresuk2739what is trf is it an app

[@steveeichelberger806]

Do you have cell service on your navigation phone, or are you using your primary phone as a hotspot?

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Both - sometimes have credit on my navigation phone but mainly use my normal phone as a hot spot. I don't need a service or data to navigate as I download the mapping for a particular route I'm following before I leave home, then I know I'm good to go once I get to the start of my route. But it's nice to have it if you decide to go off-piste. I do use my nav phone tho for all the other stuff like listening to Spotify whilst riding on the road, internet radio etc. Ive been doing it like this for 3 years now and just find it a simpler and generally a better way of doing it.

[@steveeichelberger806]

@@twowheeledadventuresuk2739 (In the States here BTW) I think that’s the route I want to go. Buy a used iPhone that matches the size and storage I want and dedicate it to navigation. Install my navigation apps, weather app, music etc. Like you said, being able to just pull your phone out of your pocket to do phone stuff, would be a great advantage.

[@nobbystyles4807]

ive just spent 56 quid on TRF membership then when i joined the facebook page for east midlands to join some rides theres only 6 people allowed on new members rides and its booked up with 7 reserve riders waiting to get on it so i fell like its a total rip off..... so i think im gonna just persevere with the apps and try to find some lanes on my own.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

In 2 years I’ve only been out with the TRF twice. I tend to ride with mates or on my own. The green road map is priceless for me tho and worth the membership.

[@auping2565]

Hello Mike. Which app do you use? I’m from Holland Gr Eric

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

It's called the OS Map app, mainly a UK app - many seem to recommend the OmsAnd app for use across Europe

[@scoops2]

Anyone have any recommendations for a good app outside of the UK? I'm in Canada, I've heard Gaia is good

[@bratgp1]

Very helpful video, thank you! Safe riding

[@briank3754]

In the Southern USA the iPhone can’t handle the heat. Unfortunately an extra $500 for the Zumo is a must.

[@myktmadventures]

Good video mike , i may get the os maps on the phone too it just seems the simplest cost effective option and the least devices . My garmin montana screen is not the best for visiblity . I use to my phone all the time but i cant get quadlock case for my current phone . 👍

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Thanks dude 👍

[@SIMONB1]

Hey up , great video, what is the iPhone you are using is it the plus , as it look quite large, also you say the os map works better on iPhone, used it on android and it doesn't keep you in the middle and not heading up, is this not the case on iPhone? Thanks Simon B 👍

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Yes it’s an 8 plus. So on iPhone for me it worked perfectly, keeps me in the centre and the map moves as I move. The Ulefone armoured android phone I bought wouldn’t do this, I had to manually move the map along to keep up with where I was. There is a comment on this vid tho where Pete says on his android phone it worked just like my iPhone. To be honest I only bought the android phone as it was waterproof, but then swapped over to the iPhone 8 Plus as they are waterproof.

[@paulandrews1297]

Silly question but which Os App please

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

OS Maps app

[@cotswoldmusings]

Thanks, you’ve helped me clarify my thinking on what to do and get 😊

[@bosscat8951]

Loved the video as always. Direct to the point informative and no b###sh##.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Thanks mate - still think I’d get more clicks tho if I developed a good rack!… Hope you’re well 👍

[@john-wq8kf]

Very very informative

[@flashfuss]

Great review 👌

[@dragomirerev36]

I think you’re bang on. 👍

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Thanks 🙏

[@dragomirerev36]

@@twowheeledadventuresuk2739 it’s always nice to hear from experienced riders. I’ve had a Garmin 276cx, which i never ménage to download TET and I’ve sold it now. Can I ask you the which model Rev’it gloves works great with iPhone?

[@auping2565]

Thanks Mike👍🏼

[@robertsilver1296]

Good review but come on, Garmin isn’t made for off roading, only paved roads.

[@twowheeledadventuresuk2739]

Firstly it's not a review, just how I like to set up and secondly I was answering a question I get asked a lot as I said at the start of the vlog. In many forums such as the Trans Euro Trail Facebook page, many are using and asking questions about the Zumo XT for off-road use, which isn't surprising if you look at Garmin's own website where they sell the thing as a off-road navigation tool. So it most definitely isn't made for just paved roads, and even for that I'd still use my iPhone setup because it's way more practical and useful.