Zumo User Forums

I'm an experienced Garmin owner, going back to the Streetpilot 2610. Currently using a 590, 450 and 550 on three bikes.

Just got a promo email from GPS City for a Zumo 396 LMT-S for $245 and that seems like a reasonably attractive price. New in box with motorcycle mount and cable and whatever else comes in the box.

So, I'm just asking if the 396 is a stable platform, reasonably good display? Any real problems?

The recent CNNA map install on my 450 and 550 knocked the street names off of the screen. Not a killer, but it annoys me enough to consider upgrading at least one of the older Zumos.

Thanks.

I've owned multiple Garmins going back to the 296. I've owned the 396 for 3+ years and it has been completely stable and reliable. The screen is the best I've seen for its size. I may wrong but I think the only better Garmin screen is on the Zumo XT.

396 has almost all features the XT has besides the screen size, resolution and couple of minor features, and maybe a fancier look. However the screen on 396 is very good. It is bright and also can be seen well in the sunlight. You can move the map on the screen with gloves, and zoom in/out using the + and - signs, but not pinching like on the XT.
Routing (custom roues navigation) is using the same software and it has the same "issues".
It will navigate a custom route if strictly follow it, but if to deviate from it or starting in the middle can be tricky. Good thing you can have a track to follow and the track is solid. One of the XT's feature not on 396 is that you can make the track line wider, but it's something you can live without. The XT have "nearest entry point" feature to start the custom route from a nearest point to you (not from the start), but I hear that it doesn't always works 100% correct.
Neither have the TPMS (like 590?).
Both have a little learning curve to familiarize with the unit and functions. Both may not get a charge by 12v cigarette socket or direct battery connections and (in my and few others here) will require 2.5v usb plug.

All in all, money not an issue, go for the XT, but the 396 is a solid nav, feels as good build, for about half the price and will do the same XT does.

Not used my 396 much but I'd say its a hybrid 590 / XT.

Has some of the app features of the XT, but with a screen similar to the 590. 396 and 590 use Smartlink for traffic etc whereas XT uses Explore which some love, and others hate. It's certainly nearer in weight to the XT compared to the 590. 396 like the XT uses the USB socket if you're using it in a car.

Many thanks for the responses. I decided to purchase the 396. I’ll give my own evaluation after I have a chance to look it over.