REVIEW: Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition

Now we are already in the seventh generation of Garmin's Foretrex. No wonder, this small GPS device is highly popular with the military due to its size, robustness, ease of use, and battery life. Since the Garmin Foretrex 601, there is also an extension with a ballistics calculator, which is also available for the newly introduced 701.

First, a manufacturer overview video:

Right after the device starts up and displays the Garmin logo, the logo of Applied Ballistics appears. This company is responsible for the ballistic part of the Garmin device. Hunters and snipers are the target audience for this application, which aims to get the lead precisely on target, taking into account factors such as distance, wind, and projectile weight. The program combines all of these data efficiently and quickly.

Now a profile can be created with bullet weight and other specific data. The following video shows you quickly how to do this:

Additionally, there is a distance map for quick adjustments:

Although the Foretrex 701 is German, the ballistics software is English. Nevertheless, distance measurements can be made in meters and are not limited to American units of measurement.

The device is so popular with the military that manufacturers like Troy or Mission First Tactical have come up with ways to directly connect the Foretrex to the weapon. This allows for a quick look at the GPS without taking the supporting hand off the weapon.

The package includes two wristbands: one made of elastic material and one made of webbing.

With this, the device can be worn on the wrist...

...or on the stock of the rifle.

It is operated by five buttons on the side. This is easily done even on the wrist.

The Foretrex series or specifically the Foretrex 701 complies with the military standard MIL-STD-810G in terms of heat resistance, shock resistance, and water resistance.

The Foretrex is powered by two AAA batteries, which provide 48 hours of power in GPS mode. In UltraTrac mode, the batteries last seven days, and when operated as a pure watch, they last a whole month. AAA is great because it is cheap and readily available.

The housing is typically operated with a twist lock by Garmin. On the inside, in addition to the batteries, you will find the USB connection for data transfer.

The device's positioning or communication with satellites can be determined in three ways - via GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems. This allows for better positioning in difficult environments than with a pure GPS system. A 3-axis compass and accelerometer, compass, and barometric altimeter are also part of the equipment, as well as modern connectivity to smart devices. This allows for receiving emails, SMS, and alerts.

Here are all the details again (CLICK HERE for a larger view):

As mentioned, this Foretrex can also be connected to the computer.

For this, you need the "Garmin" software. Connect, add device, done. You can now make software updates and connect to Garmin Connect.

In Connect, you have access to all modern training options and connections to social networks.

The base map is very basic. However, with it, you can create tracks and waypoints on the computer and transfer them to the device. This can also be done in reverse. This is also the military utility of the Foretrex, documenting the advance, retreat to specific positions by running to the documented waypoints with GPS orientation.

For orientation, you need the free software "Basecamp," there is also a tutorial available:

We have been testing the Foretrex for a while now and find it, like its predecessors, quite successful. Now, of course, the question arises for some why they should spend so much money on a GPS system of this size when they could get a Garmin watch that apparently offers more features and even with a color display for a bit more.

It all depends on the application. Comparing the Foretrex 701 with the Garmin Tactix Charlie (HERE for details), the Foretrex already has several advantages that the watch does not offer, specifically for military use:

• Replaceable batteries instead of built-in battery
• Double runtime in GPS mode
• Additionally, the Galileo satellite system
• Ballistics Calculator

So clearly the better device for the job. For those who do not need a calculator, are in