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Post by ShoestringFisher (Kris) on Apr 7, 2009 16:25:45 GMT -5
I've been keeping my eyes open for an inexpensive GPS/Fishfinder combo and am wondering what you guys would recommend. I happened to be in Wal-Mart and saw one for less than $300, a Humminbird model that looked to be ok. I'm not looking to drop lures on a precise inch of water, or needing the side-imaging stuff (It's crazy cool and crazy expensive) just a basic little "Here's what's happening down there, and here's where you are", model. In keeping with Bob's recent polls, which manufacturer is preferred and why?
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Post by champlainangler on Apr 7, 2009 16:34:45 GMT -5
Kris,
I like Hummminbird for simple depthfinders/fishfinders and their price is good, but Lowrance is best overall in my opinion for GPS/finder units. They are a bit more pricey though. I think Eagle is made by Lowrance and is really their cheaper line. If you can afford one, I recommend Lowrance. Stay tuned for some other objectives...
Capt Mick
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Post by Shaye' D Winds (Don) on Apr 7, 2009 16:42:52 GMT -5
I have had a Raytheon V850 on the boat for over ten years and it preformed flawlessly. I just bought a Raymarine C120 and hope it will do as well. The screen is great.
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Post by grayghost on Apr 7, 2009 17:03:07 GMT -5
I just bought a HB 957 with the Cannon Link to run my Mag 20 DTs, been running it hard in the garage, maybe some real time later this week. Similation Mode pic
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Post by icechunk on Apr 7, 2009 18:00:04 GMT -5
Kris, I'm with Capt. Mick. I have the X-16 lowrance and I love it. Really worth the money.
Chunk
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Post by Thorny (Rob) on Apr 7, 2009 19:22:06 GMT -5
I like lowrance/Eagle products. I think they are one of the best on the market when they work properly. The problem is service. I have had issues with my combo unit and the timeliness, follow through and professionalism you would expect from a company like lowrance was very disappointing. I have many friends that have had similar experiences. The past two years have been trouble free, I hope it stays that way. Thorny
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Post by buckshot (Ben) on Apr 7, 2009 19:28:03 GMT -5
I have the x-135 lawrance and for the money it is as good as the larger models 400 bucks and this thing can see a bibit down 40 feet. I have had good luck with it so far.
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Post by Dagan on Apr 7, 2009 20:30:00 GMT -5
I've been using an Eagle Cuda 250 for the last year or so: www.bestboatingdeals.com/product_info.php?pName=eagle-cuda-250-smap-tm-hstwsu-ducerIt's been discontinued and replaced by the Cuda 350: www.bestboatingdeals.com/product_info.php?pName=eagle-cuda-350-tm-ff-due-jan-09So far it has been excellent by me, INEXPENSIVE, easy to use, it seems to provide me with accurate speed, depth, temp and location. It has really impressed me for the $$. The GPS function has suprising detail and navigational info including features, hazards, markers, even tidal info in intercoastal waterways. It does not provide depth contours like the more expensive units. I've used it quite a bit on Lake Champlain, Moosehead Lake in ME, and in the Atlantic off the coast of ME - it's been awesome for a dummy like me. I can't really speak to the extent of sonar accuracy for "finding fish" (schools of smelt, individual fish etc.) because I'm pretty new to trolling with downriggers etc... Based on your situation and needs I would highly recommend a Cuda 250 or 350.
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Post by rvq on Apr 7, 2009 20:58:56 GMT -5
I'm a Lowrance guy, but they are expensive. I've never tried Eagle, but if I was looking for less expensive, I'd go with them, because of the Lowrance connection.
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Post by Silver Fox on Apr 8, 2009 7:44:57 GMT -5
Voted lowrance because I have one, got to agree about the lousy service though.
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Post by metovt on Apr 8, 2009 8:05:38 GMT -5
I've had a Garmin 178C for three years with no complaints.
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Post by bomber on Apr 8, 2009 8:07:34 GMT -5
I wouldn't buy another lowrance. I have the x15 and it only works on occasion. I've been screwing with it since I bought it. I also have the lowrance GPS unit which works good.
I've had 2 lowrance fish finders and had trouble with the transducers on both. Had to replace.
To buy the unit I want I will have to sell my house.
Captain Birch
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Post by rvq on Apr 8, 2009 8:27:56 GMT -5
Lowrance service is GREAT! You just need to talk with the right person. Contact Linda Colt: 913-438-8747 linda.colt@navico.com
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Post by mikep on Apr 8, 2009 9:11:58 GMT -5
I don't have a GPS yet. Have had two humminbird fish finders. the first was cheap at the time and the second too expensive at the time. But both fish finders were and are very reliable. Once the second fish finder got fogged up all the time so I sent it in and they fixed it no cost. good service from Eufala Alabama. I think the last unit is 10 years old.
Kris I will follow and be interested in what you get. If the cheaper GPS/fishfinder gives you good service , I'll jump in. some of these better units cost so much one has to mortgage the farm to get one.
MIkeP
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Post by 4stroker on Apr 8, 2009 9:38:23 GMT -5
I've had a Garmin 178c for the last 3 years also. I like the ability to keep the software up to date at no cost. A nice user friendly unit, but the book it comes with doesn't go that good a job explaining all the capabilities of this unit.
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