Garmin G5 or?

[interstate al]

I'm considering installing a G5 Garmin or similar in my LSA. (everything else is steam) It seems like I read a comparison to the G5 and brand X but can't seem to bring it up on a search. Any feedback and or info would be appreciated. Thank you,

Al

[jaredyates]

If the choices were Garmin and Brand X, I'd say that the source was likely Garmin, that might narrow down the search.

[whee]

I don't recall reading a comparison article but there are several threads on a few different forums. I didn't find any of them particularly helpful.

I don't have experience with any of them but make sure you look at all the brands. I elected to go with Grand Rapids and their Mini series looks nice. More features than the G5 but that my clutter the screen more than you'd like. Free database updates, the staff is friendly on the phone any they seem to have a more "opensource" attitude than the other guys. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the major brands.

[JimParker256]

One of the three models of the GRT "Mini" (link here) should do what you want. If you find the screen "busy", you can always turn off some of the stuff - it's very flexible that way. (Note the picture of the Mini-B about half-way down the page - it has all the moving map and synvis stuff disabled.)

Personally, I'm leaning toward their Sport EX model, which seems to do everything I would want, and at a much lower price point than Garmin or even Dynon. I want to spend a lot more time with it at OSH or SnF before making any final decision, though.

In any case, I'm seriously thinking of using several of the 2.25-inch "Radiant" multi-function instruments from Belite Avionics (link here) for backup instruments. They are pretty cool, and use very little power, so that even a single 9-volt battery (but preferably a set of eight AA batteries wired in series) can supply enough power to run them for many hours. They are developing a digital engine monitor for $499 that will do all the stuff the "big boys" do, but at 1/10 the price. James Weibe is an amazing engineer. (Check out the "Chipper" experimental semi-STOL airplane. Lots of cool innovation there!)

[interstate al]

Thanks guys! The "brand X" I was looking for was in fact Grand Rapids. What I have read so far makes them look like a pretty good contender? It's all a learning curve for me so will keep digging!
Thanks again,
Al

[N3UW]

I think it all depends on how you want to use it. If you simply want it as a replacement for the analog 6 pack and do not plan on connecting to gps, magnetometer or AP, I feel they are fairly similar. If you plan on using more features, the GR starts to pull ahead in features and price. I happen to have a G5 in my certified aircraft because the GR is not an option. I will say the screen quality and build guality of the G5 are excellent. Also the install was dirt simple with 2 wires (power and ground) and pitot static. Also it is nice that the g5 is very shallow behind the panel. I do not feel you would go wrong with either depending on what else you want to connect to them,