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Is the laminated atlas worth it?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Libler38, Dec 31, 2014.

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  1. Dec 31, 2014 #1
    Libler38

    Libler38 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2014
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    Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster.

    So I'm looking to buy my first atlas, but surprised at the price difference. $17 for the un-laminated, regular-bound motor carriers edition, $50 for the spiral-bound, laminated, deluxe edition. Both are apparently the same 208 pages. So it's the same thing, just built better for a a 30 dollar premium?

    Would you guys say it's worth it to get the deluxe edition? I'm not opposed to doing my initial routing through google maps (or similar) and then finalizing it through the atlas if that's what some of you do.
     
    Libler38, Dec 31, 2014
    Libler38, Dec 31, 2014
    #1
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  3. Dec 31, 2014 #2
    purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

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    Yes it will long outlast the paper one and the wire binder makes it so much easier to use as well
     
    purpleprime, Dec 31, 2014
    purpleprime, Dec 31, 2014
    #2
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  4. Dec 31, 2014 #3
    purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

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    Just don't waste your money on the large print version unless your blind and need it the maps are divided on so many pages it makes it a pita and it doesn't have Canada in it
     
    purpleprime, Dec 31, 2014
    purpleprime, Dec 31, 2014
    #3
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  5. Dec 31, 2014 #4
    miss elvee

    miss elvee Heavy Load Member

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    I've always used the laminated one. When you have to roll the windows down to back, and the snow or rain is coming in, you'll be glad you did.

    Although, if you're planning on buying a new one every year, I guess I wouldn't worry about it. Up to you. My atlas is 4 years old this year, and it is time to get a new one. I know money can be tight as a student. Do what you have to do to ensure you have the right tools for the job. Paper or laminate. Google maps won't give you good mileage or truck routes. (You probably already know that, just wanted to make sure you did :) )

    You can use any trip planning you please as long as you double check everything through a trucker's atlas and talk with the shipper and receiver for local directions.
     
    miss elvee, Dec 31, 2014
    miss elvee, Dec 31, 2014
    #4
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  7. Dec 31, 2014 #5
    Newbeav Newbie

    Newbeav Newbie Medium Load Member

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    If you can afford it, well worth the money.
     
    Newbeav Newbie, Dec 31, 2014
    Newbeav Newbie, Dec 31, 2014
    #5
  8. Dec 31, 2014 #6
    Mev

    Mev Road Train Member

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    Doesn't hurt to have one I've found
    Sometimes I doubt the GPS
     
    Mev, Dec 31, 2014
    Mev, Dec 31, 2014
    #6
  9. Dec 31, 2014 #7
    Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    I buy a new atlas every year for the law updates in the front,( a lot of info in there).

    so, I buy the paper.
     
    Numb, Dec 31, 2014
    Numb, Dec 31, 2014
    #7
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  10. Dec 31, 2014 #8
    48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    Just disposed of my last laminated version dated 2009. Getting the 2015 this week. Yes, worth it, and tax-deductible as well.
     
    48Packard, Dec 31, 2014
    48Packard, Dec 31, 2014
    #8
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  11. Dec 31, 2014 #9
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The price can be reduced at times for different reasons. I usually pay around $30 for the laminated one. I have seen them for even less at some outlets wanting to clear them out. Sometimes a new release will have a rebate, and the timing is just bad right now, about right in the middle of this editions run, the new 2016 will probably be out in June or July.

    If you have to have one today, the regular is OK as long as you don't have to use it a lot, in my experience, but they don't hold up real well to heavy use.

    The large print is not printed with a new edition every year, but is also available now at the 3 majors. TA/Petro was first and it was exclusive when they reintroduced them, then also at Loves, and this trip I saw a J that had them. Price was $60. Much heavier and as said, more pages of maps, but if you need cheaters or your prescription isn't quite right, they are more readable in low light. Some trucks I have driven are just not that good for paperwork at night.

    No longer a problem for me, but I see lots of trucks where it might be for someone.


    A little help for planning a trip long distance, use the national map to lay out the general route, and the states and cities to look for details. The tables of distances and other information are more readable in large print as well.
     
    25(2)+2, Dec 31, 2014
    25(2)+2, Dec 31, 2014
    #9
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  12. Dec 31, 2014 #10
    Libler38

    Libler38 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2014
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    I don't like GPS and I don't like Google's default directions either. When I'm going somewhere (in my four-wheeler of course) I just pull up google's default route and then drag the line to what I think is a better route. I usually remember it but print it out just in case i need a reminder. So I figured a hybrid between google and an atlas wouldn't be a bad choice.

    Thanks for the replies guys, I figured there was a good reason for the 30 dollar upcharge lol
     
    Libler38, Dec 31, 2014
    Libler38, Dec 31, 2014
    #10
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