Any thoughts on Garmin GPSmap 96?

Nothing against Garmin but....

1) No turnpoint databases.
2) No speed to fly
3) No glide to finish
4) Thermal related details (history, etc)
5) Fairly large as it doesn't fit into the instrument panel.
6) No secure logging so it cannot be used for badges, records and
(50/50) for contests.
7) No winds aloft calculation

I know that it is a less expensive approach but basically this is a
power pilot's GPS, not a soaring pilot's GPS. It will get you from
here to there, but won't help you with badges, contests and records.

What are the alternatives? I suggest to people to use a Cambridge 302A
(302 is much better but more $$$$) and a PDA with Glide Navigator II.
That will set you back around $1200-$1500 depending on if you find
things used.

There is a new GPS and flight recorder coming on the market called the
EW Avionics microRecorder. It is $120 less (without sound recording)
than the Cambridge 302A and can be used as a standalone recorder with
its internal battery.

- John