California based GizzMoVest is a small upstart designing and building a line of protective cases for handheld devices. Sailors and powerboaters will appreciate the case and mounting solutions available for mariner favored handheld GPS from Garmin.
Each GPS case is manufactured from Ethylene-based foam offering outstanding protection against impact while using the unit. And that is the tag line here. The company stresses the fact that their protection stays in place while the device is in use.
GizzMoVest protective case fitted to a Garmin 62s. A snug fit offers protection and full access to the screen and all controls. The backside has a built-in stainless steel belt clip.
GizzMoVest sent me two cases for evaluation, one was designed for the Garmin 62-series and the other for Garmin 78-series. I tested the 62 case by using it with a Garmin 62s I am reviewing now.
Buy a case for your Garmin handheld GPS here.
Cases are currently available in two colors, brown and black, future color additions will include green and digital camouflage. A light marine grey should also be an option soon.
Garmin 62-series Case
This case is hinged on the bottom and splits along the sides and top to allow the Garmin to be slipped in place. Once the unit is pressed into the case back the front section is closed on the unit and held in place with the carry strap. A pushbutton operated stay, on the carry lanyard, slides up tight to hold the case securely closed.
I found the case fit the Garmin 62 quite well and allowed full access to all controls and a clear view of the display screen. A detent in the case directly over the side mounted on/off button makes it easy to turn the unit on or off with the case in place.
A raised and rolled edge around the case front offers additional impact protection for the screen and pushbuttons. It also forms a base to lay the unit face down on a flat surface without allowing the screen or buttons to contact that surface.
Our test case was brown in color with a camouflage lanyard. I found the lanyard just long enough to place around my neck to carry the unit hands free. It would be nice if the lanyard was slightly longer. The case exterior textured to enhance your grip on the gear.
Although the case adds a bit of floatation to the Garmin 62 it was not enough to float the unit during our test in freshwater. The Garmin 62 does not float.
Overall I found the GizzMoVest Garmin 62-series case to be well constructed, fit the unit nice and tight and enhance my grip all without adding significant bulk. The price is right too.
Garmin 78-series Case
This case had some additional features including a zipper closure and an attached RAM mount. The RAM mount allows a Garmin 78 to be used as a handheld or mounted device. In either case the unit will remain protected.
The 78-series case allows full front side access of both the display screen and pushbuttons as well as case back access to the unit’s mini-USB port, serial port, and external antenna connection.
To take full advantage of the 78-series RAM mount you would need to buy an optional base designed for your mounting location and able to handle the 1-inch ball on the supplied quick release bracket.
According to the manufacturer the 78-series case has addition foam which will add floatation when fitted to a Garmin 78-series handheld GPS unit.
Again, my overall impression of the GizzMoVest Garmin 78-series RAM mount case was good. This case is well-constructed and nicely rigged. I really like the solid closure of the zipper and versatility of the RAM mount.
Other Case Options
Several other case models are currently available with a number of others still in the design phase. Mariners will like the fact that protective cases are already obtainable from some boater favorite handheld GPS units like the Garmin 76-series, 72-series and several eTrex models. Right now a case specifically designed for the Garmin 60-series in in the works.
Warranty
The company offers a strong warranty on all GPS cases. According to the company website just return the unit to them and they will either replace the case or refund your money no matter what the reason for your dissatisfaction. You can’t beat that warranty on many products these days.
Buy a case for your Garmin handheld GPS here.
Try a GizzMoVest case to protect your expensive handheld boat electronics. With some handheld GPS units costing upward of $500 spending $20 to $40 to protect that investment makes sense.