Trailblazer 2

A rugged navigation device from MapmyIndia meant for adventurous bikers

Using a navigation device is easy if you are in a car; you can use an in-dash navigator, a phone held on your windshield with a cup mount, or even a dedicated navigation device, but the moment you switch to a bike for those weekend adventures, you are all caught up in finding the best way to navigate. And for someone like me, who does not like to stop to ask for directions, it has been especially difficult—till the Trailblazer 2 came about.

The Trailblazer 2 unit has a GPS navigator with a built-in battery that is waterproof, a visor and charger dock, cables to tap the battery of your bike, a USB data cable for upgrades, a stylus that has a flat head screw driver built into it, plus more. The 8.9 cm touch-screen offers a low resolution display, but good contrast that works well outdoors. It has Bluetooth capabilities that let you pair it with a hands-free unit and listen to navigation instructions.

MapmyIndia has loaded the Trailblazer 2 with its version 8.0 software that has a simple navigation menu. You may never need to reach out for that stylus, though I found it easier to enter information using it. Most of the navigation information is the same as that for a car, so if you imagine it will help you find bike paths, or paths that are still not paved, tough luck there. The maps have not been re-cartographed for bikers.

The unit is rugged and performs well, though I would have loved a slightly higher resolution screen, apart from the ability to pair it with my phone and use it as my phone answering screen. There is no anti-theft system other than a screw that keeps the screen in place, so make sure you take off the unit before you step away from your bike. I also wish that MapmyIndia made special maps for bikers at least for those alternate routes one can venture to explore.

GPSnavigationTrailblazer