I think for just rec wheeling you're probably ok with the internal antenna. If you want to end up racing then you'll want the external. The delay on the internal antenna is noticeable.

For example, with the internal antenna it may show you have several hundred, or thousand feet before you come to a turn, when in reality you need to be on your brakes now because the turn is seconds away.

 

And let me add this to the mix - I do mostly wheeling in the forest, not in the open desert.

 

you will need it in the forest, especially if the GPS isn't mounted with a clear view of the sky.

 

I have an hds-7 with the external antenna. Definitely made a difference when i used it with and without the antenna. This is wheeling RC and the like. Never missed a beat at KOH.

 

IMO if you are just rec wheeling and not racing I would look into a tablet with GPS app. I've been using that for last year and it's 100x better for exploring and just wheeling around.

 

i use mine with just the internal antenna and haven't had a problem, i also wheel in the woods. better off trying no antenna first

 

My hds-5 is mounted in the dash, and the internal antenna has never once picked up a signal. I've got an external antenna ready to be installed now. Obviously, not mounted in ideal location.

 

I had an older 480 baja gps and used the external antenna, I now have a hds5 and use the internal deep in the cover of the woods and it works great without the external.

Never had a problem with either one

 

Get the antenna. It's a pain without it.