By offering both touch-screen and keypad operation, the Lowrance Endura Sierra aims to provide the best of both worlds. So you can scroll and zoom the OS mapping by touching the screen or using the buttons, while other functions are accessed via the key pad and touch-screen icons. But I found moving the maps around wasn’t as smooth or as accurate as others, and it was even worse with gloves, in part due to the screen being smaller than those on other units.
So this core function didn’t work as well as expected. The operating system is generally less intuitive than it could be, I felt, which made the Lowrance Endura Sierra harder work to get to know and use.
But it does of course work once you’ve got used to it and the electronic compass is ideal for pointing you along your planned route. The Endura Sierra also has a shorter battery life than some others in the test.
On a brighter note though, you can get the whole of Britain on OS 1:50k mapping for just £116, which is great value, although for me this doesn’t compensate fully for the lack of ease in using this unit.
Software OS 1:50k GB mapping £116
Weight 240g
Size 13x6x3cm
Display 4x5.5cm colour touch-screen
Power 2 x AA batteries
Battery life 10-15 hours
Electronic compass yes
Camera no
Website www.mapyx.com