Reviews on the lowrance elite series

[fishingguy]

Saw a couple posts on this unit so far. But only one on the water review. The one with the youtube clip is all I've seen. Anyone using one? Has lowrance Passed on any of its issues from previous units, i.e. the 522?

I've got one on order, but can cancel yet if it is having problems. Anyone have any hands on experiences or reviews?

[PerchJerker]

I haven't used one myself but the guys we've got using them seem to really like them, I have only heard good feedback, no bad feedback.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Probably to early to judge, but they look pretty sweet if they work.

[Ed Carlson]

Screen quality and view ability I would give them good marks. (8)

Chassis design and mounting, fair grade, could be better. (7)

Menu's design, user interface does not get high marks from me.(6)

Sonar performance, very good for it's class. (8)

Mapping and data card management, low marks unfortunately. (4)

Overall, a good unit for the money. (7.5)

I know all inland marine electronics will transition to Micro SD capabilities, it is inevitable. Personally I strongly suspect the next Generation or step will be evolving to a much larger 4 Gig Flash Drive to accommodate more data and larger mapping programs.

But for now, I do not understand why they chose to limit the user options by just using a Micro SD slot on the Elite Series, and not a SD/MSD slot. I do not see this as a Marine Environment friendly choice in design. I found this choice confusing because it is highly likely mapping software providers will continue to use the Sd/MicroSD functionality for some time to come. This chip drive choice will likely cause comparability complications with handheld units for some years to come and force anglers to purchase new data cards to run in them. Resulting in more "Legacy Units", far more quickly. It is a transition in overall design theory, so this is expected, I do understand that. But...that may be their plan too?

[Pat K]

Ed,

I bought an HDS5 because it would take the SD cards that i already own. It would have added $450. to the price of an Elite for me to replace the 3 Navionics chips!