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The dude I was speaking to last night raced RAAM and rides 1000s of kms. He said his etrex30 still gives him issues.
In honesty I think they're all as bad. And just someone's give you trouble. But yes, it might be worth having a backup. Though at worst I can buy a new one on route if shot happens.
Having said that, my 1000 gives me trouble. But in 3500 miles or 1500 so far this trip, it worked. It's stopped doing turn by turn and done the screen lock when it's wet. But it's not failed or crashed.
For navigation on your race get an Etrex 30 as well. Sub 50h PBP rider tells me you might not be the first to have 800 etc units fail in wet weather.