The BEST ATV/OFF-ROAD GPS - It's NOT What You Think!

LINKS UPDATED TO LATEST MODEL...BISON X20
Today we take a look at the GPS I use on my ATV as well as the mounting solution. I started many years ago using a Garmin GPSMap 60 and then upgraded to a GPSMap 64. While these are both very good units and work well for their intended purpose, they have their limitations when mounted on an ATV.
For the past year, our group has been using the UMIDIGI Bison X10G. This unit has been working very well for us and we've been pretty impressed with it for such an affordable unit. The unit can also be easily moved between your ATV, SXS, UTV or Snowmobile.
Check out the affiliate links below if you're interested in picking one up yourself!
UMIDIGI Bison X20 - Amazon.com
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UMIDIGI Bison X20 - Amazon.ca
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RAM Mounts - Amazon.com
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RAM Mounts - Amazon.ca
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any commissions earned help support the channel.
#gps #offroad #atv

[@johnsoff-road]

NEW MODEL IS THE BISON X20! The X20 looks even better and is still a great value! I've updated the links in the description! GO CHECK THEM OUT!

[@bill_b8440]

Ordered through affiliate link before I even finished the video lol. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for to put my phone in the trunk and leave it there. Also subscribed, love the info man!

[@johnsoff-road]

Awesome thank you! I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@perceiving6066]

Thanks John for taking the time to inform us atver's about this helpful device. I have a Montana 680t and find it complicated for fast on the fly use.

[@johnsoff-road]

You're welcome! If you're ever looking to try something different, this would be worth a look.

[@beginning-reloading]

Appreciate the detailed review. I didn't want to use my personal phone for navigation and this looks like the ticket. Will order through you link. Thanks again! 👍

[@johnsoff-road]

Awesome thank you! I’m sure you’ll like it!

[@realdemocracy1049]

Just got started in trail riding and love it! I've been searching for the best gps option for a bit, learning as much as I can so I could make the best purchase. This looks to be the best option for me and I was willing to pay much more money for a quality setup. This appears to be that for less $. I'll be ordering mine. Thank you from Michigan!

[@johnsoff-road]

Glad to help! I’m sure you’ll love it. Share your thoughts when you receive it. Are you considering the new X20? It looks like it has some cool new features over the one I have.

[@realdemocracy1049]

@@johnsoff-road yes, I will be getting the new X20. I will let you know my thoughts!

[@johnsoff-road]

@@realdemocracy1049 awesome! I look forward to it! You might convince me to upgrade myself! Lol

[@johnsoff-road]

If you order through my links it helps the channel and I’d appreciate the support!

[@realdemocracy1049]

@@johnsoff-road I will do that as I am appreciative of you informing me!

[@robertsimmen6604]

This was a great video, I've been looking at so many different ways to attach my i phone. Now l can do this instead. I have a Yakattack mount that i'm hoping will work with it. Thx again.

[@johnsoff-road]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@fabianoteixeiragoncalves]

Very very useful information 👍🏻🔝 I was looking for a cheaper device to do that

[@johnsoff-road]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

Nice! I like this, I agree with you, I do not want my cell phone be exposed to all the elements either. I use a cell phone with Polaris Ride Command, but I keep it in the pocket of my jacket, and have to stop and look at it, rather than have it mounted on the handlebars, such as what you do.

[@johnsoff-road]

Absolutely! I’d much rather use a $100 device that does the same things as my phone and not worry about getting wrecked.

[@AdrenalineJunkieProd]

Personally I think the best all around unit is still the Garmin Montana as far as overall ease of use and reliability. However, it does seem like Garmin is fianlly stepping up with the new Tread units that were originally very buggy. They are more of a SXS sized unit though. I hate using my phone for many of the same reasons you mentioned. Cool video man! Lots of good info here.

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks! Yeah this unit gives the benefits of using the phone without the worry of damaging an expensive device. And it’s a good size to fit on the handlebars.

[@danieldemayo6209]

Wow, Il def consider this. You could always try and find a cheaper/older iPhone and throw a life-proof case on it. Once the phone is outdated, the accessories become dirt cheap. That function button on the side is really nice though…

[@johnsoff-road]

You definitely could do that. The function buttons are what increases the functionality greatly. Especially when using with gloves. And no worry about the water or vibration damaging it.

[@rickkenyon8486]

Excelent video...Just received my unit...Q: how did you use the Nano SIMs?

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks! I don’t use a SIM in mine.

[@Mr85GT]

Hey John, great info!! With regard to your buddy using it for snowmobiling….how does he keep it from freezing up? Cheers!

[@johnsoff-road]

I would say for winter use, keeping it plugged in would help a lot as well as keeping the display on. This should help keep the battery warm but you may still have some issues in very cold weather.

[@333buz]

Great video, very good idea. I'm wondering if it work's in cold conditions ? because here in Quebec, during winter season, we get some -30 Celcius, would it still work in those conditions ? Tks

[@johnsoff-road]

I haven’t used it yet in very cold conditions but you could always return it to Amazon if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Leaving it plugged in and the screen on will probably help in keeping it a little warmer.

[@Hedrakk1]

Wow! That’s exactly what I was looking for! I just have a question: do you think you could keep it plugged in while riding? I mean does the waterproofing of the device depends on a rubber plug in the charging port? One more thing: you mentioned in your video the model name: Bison X10G. But the link is directing to a Bison X10. Is it a mistake or do you know the differences? Thank!

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks for watching! I think you could definitely charge it while riding. There’s no plug over the USB C port. I’m not able to find the X10G available much anymore so I linked to the X10 which is very similar and still ruggedized and at a great price. I’m not sure what the difference is with the G but they have a few different models depending how much you want to spend.

[@MrTgroves]

Great Video! can you do group rides with that ride command app and track your buddies?? Wonder if you were on a skidoo ride with polaris users and had this option could you join a group with this device???

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks! I know I looked into this before and I don’t think the tracking of other riders works with the app. I think it has to be the units built into the Polaris machines. I may be wrong though.

[@enash7070]

Great video! This is exactly what I am looking for! And just grabbed one off amazon. Do you know if it can be updated to Android 12 or 13?

[@johnsoff-road]

My X10G has Android 11 but the new X20 says it has Android 13. I’m not sure if my X10 can be upgraded. Did you grab the X20? I’d love to hear what you think about it when you get it!

[@enash7070]

@@johnsoff-road I went with the X10 as it was $109 on Amazon (4G+128G) and figured it would be fine. I just use GAIA and Polaris Ride Command on my 2012 Polaris Sportsman 800.

[@bearchow1929]

I envy you young guys that can put up with those little bitty screens, yes, I mean including the phones. May you be blessed to retain your fine website until you reach my 72 years. The work done to my eyes has maximized them for night driving but close up tiny work is tough. Trying to figure out the best solution for my trucks but there is jus too many GPS units out there and no real objective comparison by a highly experienced GPS user. So I don't buy anything. There, there's the maps available for them. I have some old mapping software that has the roads and trails omitted from your maps. Does that come as a surprise? You have to have been using GPS since 1995 to witness the stuff that is no longer on even allegedly detailed off road maps.

[@rickkenyon8486]

I have been looking for such a device to move between my sled, boat, hiking, camping etc. but without buying a device for each activity...videos like this keep us out of the "this the only option, don't be the last one to order" traps we are all so familiar with... question: your buddy switches his to his snowmobile - Can I assume it can handle the cold without supplemental heating? Great video

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks for the comment! It’s specifically designed for the outdoors and rugged use so I would think it would be ok. He hasn’t said he had any issues but I’m not sure how much he used it this year on his sled. I’m sure it would help if you kept it plugged into the charger and kept the display on in the cold.

[@rickkenyon8486]

I am looking into using the riser pouch heater pad as well.... I will let you know once I have figured it out

[@johnsoff-road]

Oh nice! Yeah I’d love to hear how it works out for you.

[@jimg7481]

Where i ride ATV there are no trail maps just trails, will the phone gps track me so i can fine my way back, NJ & PA riding. I have small Garmin i have to stop to read it. Thanks, good video.

[@johnsoff-road]

The GPS will track you but it needs somewhere to display you. Google maps would work if you have data. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffreydohl6036]

Can you set the spot where you park and start your ride. Then mark the spot you end. And show the way back to where you started? Keep it permanently stored in the phone for further directions for another time? Sorry for not wording this correctly. Hope you understand. Thank you. Jeff D.

[@johnsoff-road]

It depends what mapping app you’re using. In Ride Command you can save waypoints, attach pics to points, and have it track your entire ride and save the track to use again. BRMB has similar tracking and waypoint features. You can always try different apps on your phone and see what works best for your use and then use that.

[@jeffreydohl6036]

@johnsoff-road Thank you. I bought my atv new in Jan 2022. Until this past Saturday, I only had 47 miles on it. Limited places and days to ride. Saturday, a friend and I decided to buy a permit for a northern Pa DCNR trails. I'm totally hooked now. We rode 6.5 hours and 95 miles total. What a beautiful ride. Some was a little bumpy but was like going on an adventure. My 47 miles was steep hills, sharp corners and so on. More for an experienced rider... loved it.. long rides are my thing.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🤗🇺🇲🙏 Thank you for sharing

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks for watching!

[@AdrenalineJunkieProd]

Dr. Mark, you are everywhere! Are you a real human? lol

[@RedWest2010]

Sorry for the really stupid question, but we're looking at getting our SXS to take advantage of the mountain trails we have and extend further into the wilderness for fly fishing. What I'm not getting is the actual GPS signal component. I can't just use phone or iPad where I don't get a signal. I've got a Zoleo for back country fly fishing / hunting so that I can essentially use it as a GPS transmitter / receiver (for lack of a better description) to sync with my phone. I keep seeing the references to apps like ride command, and using either your iPhone, iPad or a dedicated cheaper unit like this as your display, but what are you using for the actual GPS receiver to get that signal to the display??? If I'm understanding what you're showing here, the benefit is just having a dedicated inexpensive device to serve as a display... provided you have a signal... but how are you getting the signal? Again, I'm sure this is a basic question, so I apologize for sounding like an idiot.

[@johnsoff-road]

Hey not a dumb question at all. GPS is not a signal you need a data plan for or to pay for. The phone always gets the GPS signal. The thing you need data for is the actual map to put the GPS location onto. If you open google maps without a data signal, then it will show a blue dot in the middle of a blank screen because it can’t load the map. But the GPS location is still there. So if you save the maps in your device available for offline viewing then you don’t need any data signal and the GPS point will show on your offline map. Just like any Garmin or other GPS device, you don’t have to subscribe to anything for a GPS signal. Hopefully that clears it up.

[@RedWest2010]

@@johnsoff-road DAMN... Offline maps overlaid... and there's the click I was looking for. That's awesome. So with any GPS enabled device (iPhone, etc.), as long as I've downloaded the maps for offline use, the overlay process is going to take care of it. That's perfect. THANK YOU.

[@johnsoff-road]

@RedWest2010 exactly! Glad to help! 👍

[@nomoreblahblah]

Most cell phones require Cell tower connectivity unless they are a satellite phone. The phone you are talking about isn't working off of a Satellite. Are you working off of downloaded maps when out of cell range on the Bison phone?

[@johnsoff-road]

Yes. I explain it all in the video. Phones don’t require cell service for GPS to work. Saving the maps for offline use eliminates any need for cell service.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

The idea of downloading maps to use off line is a good idea, however, you should be aware there can be lag. For example, we were overlanding on a trail and were using maps downloaded to a iPad mini. My partner was using their smart phone at the same time. Several times we noticed the location noted on the Smart Phone was different than the IPad Mini. On one occasion, the IPad Mini put our location two miles behind where the Smart Phone said we were and the Smart Phone was accurate.

[@johnsoff-road]

Interesting. Although that sounds more like a GPS issue rather than an online/offline map issue. We’ve been using these devices for two seasons now and dozens of rides and have not had any issues. Tree cover or other obstructions to the satellites can have the effects you’re referring to if the GPS can’t get a good signal. Just a thought 🤔

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@johnsoff-road Perhaps but I suspect the GPS capability of the iPad mini and the Android is probably similar. I have read Android items are better in comparison to Apple products when used as a stand alone GPS device.

[@rmdoyle1984]

Whats the battery life like while running the gps? Ive been using my iphone but it seems to kill the battery super quick. the battery is also 3 years old and needs replacmenet but im curious if its better on this phone

[@johnsoff-road]

Honestly the battery life is awesome! I think the longest riding day we’ve had was about 8 hours and with multiple apps running, GPS and a hotspot I’ve never gone below about 40% battery. It’s never come close to dying on me.

[@jimg7481]

can u use the phone just gps purposes or do u have to hook it up to phone service like a reg phone like verizon or something

[@johnsoff-road]

It works like every other smartphone without a sim. You don’t need a service for GPS to work.

[@Dronerangerspro]

Any reason for not doing this with a rugged tablet option

[@johnsoff-road]

Nope, rugged tablet would work exactly the same. I just wouldn’t want anything bigger than this on an ATV. On a SXS a tablet would be perfect.

[@brentkeetch6312]

Great video. Can you use the device without a SIM card?

[@johnsoff-road]

Thanks! Yes you can. I don’t have a SIM in mine. GPS and maps all work. If I need data I hotspot to my iPhone.

[@brentkeetch6312]

Amazing, thanks for the quick reply.

[@johnsoff-road]

No prob. Thanks for watching!

[@Outlander18]

Is there a way to keep it plugged in & charging as you're riding? Does it allow to use breadcrumbs to find your way back to the starting point of the ride?

[@johnsoff-road]

Yes it’s a regular smartphone and has a USB-C charging port. Just plug into your lighter socket or hardwire in a USB-C connector. As for breadcrumbs, depends what mapping app you use. You can use anything you want. I use Ride Command and BRMB and they both track your route.

[@Outlander18]

@@johnsoff-road thank you

[@meganrobinson5033]

Curious if this unit has actual gps so you don’t have to us service? I like to see where I am on the Polaris app

[@johnsoff-road]

Yes that’s exactly how I use it. GPS is built in. I use ride command with no data or cell service.

[@WildUrbanAdventures]

So what’s the difference between this and using your phone? Looks just like a cell phone where I could download the app… been looking for a gps unit for my atv, haven’t found what I need yet.

[@johnsoff-road]

This is exactly the same as using your phone except your not subjecting your expensive phone to the vibration and harsh conditions. The vibration can damage the internals of your phone. That’s why companies like quadlock make vibration dampening mounts. This is a fully ruggedized and waterproof phone that if it becomes damaged beyond repair is cheap to replace, unlike your phone. I would never even consider mounting my iPhone to the bars of my quad.

[@WildUrbanAdventures]

@@johnsoff-road oh gotcha! Makes sense now. Thanks for clarifying that. Will definitely make a purchase thru your link when I’m ready to buy one for next season.

[@johnsoff-road]

Awesome thank you! Glad to help.

[@spinxt]

Have you tried GAIA GPS paird with a GPS/cellular iPad Mini? It's a much bigger screen and the maps can be far more customized/layered .

[@johnsoff-road]

I haven’t tried GAIA myself but I’ve heard about it. Maybe it’s something I should give a try. Does it have Canadian trails?

[@spinxt]

@@johnsoff-road I'm pretty sure it does.

[@alphawolf9219]

The iPad mini is not ruggedized or waterproof or even water resistant. I personally wouldn't consider one for outdoor/off-road use unless totally protected from potential driving rain or heavy splashes.

[@spinxt]

@@alphawolf9219 i got a case that's waterproof rom Amazon. It's worked perfectly for two seasons in PA and gets rained on all the time.

[@OneManTrail]

You can’t have a video about the best GPS and have never tried Gaia.

[@johnvanmtb8775]

Sorry if I missed it but to load the programs on the unit you just hotspot to your I -phone ?

[@johnsoff-road]

You mean to install apps? Just connect to wifi and do everything you need. I only hotspot if I’m out on the trails and need it to have data for some reason. Otherwise just save maps for offline viewing and no hotspot needed.

[@johnvanmtb8775]

thanks @@johnsoff-road

[@Outlander18]

Does Polaris Ride Command and onX map need to be downloaded on this new phone as well as the personal cell phone?

[@johnsoff-road]

Yes, this is completely separate from your regular phone. It doesn’t have anything to do with your phone other than connecting to its hotspot if you wanted this device to have data access while out. Otherwise this is a stand-alone unit.

[@johnsoff-road]

You use the Google Play store to download whatever apps you want.

[@Outlander18]

I not familiar with android. Do I need to sign in with a Google account in order to download apps?

[@johnsoff-road]

I’m not an android user either but I think I just used my gmail login to sign in. If you don’t have one it’s not a big deal to create an account.

[@Outlander18]

Does it require a mobile phone subscription with a carrier or can it be used strictly bluetooth to mobile phone? Is it Android only or compatible with iPhone? Can onX Maps be used on this?

[@johnsoff-road]

It doesn’t require any subscription to use the way I do. It’s a regular android phone with no SIM. Store all your maps for offline use and connect to your phones hotspot if you wanna use data for anything.

[@Outlander18]

@@johnsoff-road Do you have a preference between the 2 you have linked? I'm looking to mount to an Outlander XXC and use GPS for trails in northern WI and UP/MI

[@johnsoff-road]

The one I have is the X10G but that model is older so I’ve linked to what appears to be the most current/comparable. Any of the Bison phones would be good, just depends how much you wanna spend.

[@Outlander18]

@@johnsoff-road tyvm

[@DavidR8]

Just ordered one because I could not stomach the cost of a dedicated motorcycle GPS!

[@johnsoff-road]

Lol I hear ya! I’d love one of the Garmin Tread models but they’re just too much $$$.

[@timhunter1678]

No longer available. Liked the red buttons. Other unlocked options pop up though.

[@johnsoff-road]

It looks like the X20 is the new model. A little more expensive but still a good value at $150. I’ll update the links soon. Thanks for watching!

[@johnsoff-road]

I’ve updated the links to the new X20. Thanks for letting me know!

[@ryanangus2900]

Does this phone have a GPS that works without a SIM card?

[@johnsoff-road]

Yes it does. I have my maps downloaded for offline viewing and use it completely without data. I can also hotspot it to my phone in the event I want to use data. I don’t have a sim installed.

[@ryanangus2900]

Thanks, much appreciated

[@ryanangus2900]

@@johnsoff-road What 3M adhesive was used to secure the mount to the back of the phone?

[@johnsoff-road]

I use the 3M VHB tape. It’s their industrial strength. I use it for my camera mounts as well.

[@perrymacdow7312]

@@johnsoff-road. Further to above question. I ride in an area with no cell coverage Does it’s gps work without hotspot. I get the maps can be downloaded for offline use. But if no cell coverage does gps work and show your location on those maps

[@michi_danksta]

Why not just use your android phone and OnX?

[@johnsoff-road]

That’s exactly what this is. You can use any app you want. The reason for going with this device is you don’t risk damage to your expensive phone due to vibration/water/mud/etc. This device is ruggedized and much cheaper to replace if it gets damaged. I would never attach my $2000 iPhone to my handlebars.

[@tomgreen7748]

so no wifi no GPS?

[@johnsoff-road]

It has wifi but you don’t need wifi for GPS to function.

[@drillsergeant623]

So it’s not an off road gps?

[@johnsoff-road]

Did you watch the video?? Loll

[@drillsergeant623]

@@johnsoff-road Clearly going off of your clickbait title.