Upgrading from Zumo XT to XT2

[John S Parry]

@Marinus-van-Deudekom said:

You are comparing the app from 2 years ago to a brand new XT3. You leave out that the app has had a couple of major make overs since then.
What functionality do you find in that XT3 that you dont find in MRA Next anno 2026.
That would be a fair Comparison

You never did answer my question asking if you have extensive (or any) XT experience. If you don't, much of what I describe isn't going to make much sense or have the impact that it should. Regardless, I outlined some of the major differences in post#3. if you dispute any of those or want clarification, I'm happy to have a discussion.

[Marinus van Deudekom]

@John-S-Parry Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
The screen of that XT and the visibility made decide to search for a rugged tablet wit h at least the 1000 nits like the XT has. I also wanted such a device to handle MRA routes like they were intended. Thus quiting the Garmin algorithme.
The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
In the end I've found the T865X more capable to fill my needs. MRA runs perfect on it with all it's features and om top of that a 1300 + nits screens witch is even better than the XT's screen.
I hope this answers your questions.

[John S Parry]

@Marinus-van-Deudekom said:

Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.

I don't know what to say about this. I've spent the last few years using MRA Routeplanner to create routes for the XT, and now the XT3. I've used both the HERE and OSM base maps for creating GPX files imported into the Garmin. I sometimes even use inRoute (Apple Maps) to create GPX files for XT import. We're talking literally hundreds of routes. That seems like a lot, but I lead rides that span weeks and sometimes crisscross the USA. Being retired and having time is great. I've NEVER encountered what you described. There isn't a Garmin conspiracy to tank routes not developed with Basecamp. You seem experienced, and I mean no disrespect, but there is something on the user side here. Besides my own experience, I ride with many who develop routes in Kurviger, Scenic and Calimoto for import into the XT, our most used group device. Again, I'd know if Garmin was playing games. I wouldn't be able to avoid it. They're not.

@Marinus-van-Deudekom said:

The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.

I plan carefully too. And I'm a firm believer in following a route as planned. But none of us are so perfect that we know exactly where we're going to be at all times during the day, and with crystal ball vision for planning accordingly. Sometimes you have to make a diversion for reasons unanticipated, especially when riding with a group. That's the nature of life. And the "Look Ahead" feature in the XT/XT2/XT3 handles it eloquently. You not only locate where you need to go (sometimes well off the main route), but you can automatically add this diversion as a via point to your route. Maybe it's a USA thing where we have vast open spaces, but it can be a life saver under certain circumstances.

We can go on. I can expand on the other items I mentioned, but it's not necessary at this point. The message is that the XT series is incredibly competent if you understand it and know how to manipulate its advanced functions. It's not perfect, and of course there are things I'd like changed. But its core navigation functionality is solid. I wouldn't use it otherwise.

[Mzokk]

@Marinus-van-Deudekom I'd have to say I use Basecamp routes and MRA routes interchangeably on the XT my other Zumo's without issue and have transferred many Basecamp routes to MRA without issue and used them via the navigation app. The only point of note is that MRA prepared routes transferred to Garmin devices do not transfer Via points to Zumo favourites as they are imbedded in the routes rather than separate entities as they are in Basecamp prepared GPX files.