Ice 45- or Ice 55?

[basssmasher*]

Just curious to opinions, I can get the ice 45 for a hundred less than a 55, but there is no case included. The case sells for 50.00. For an extra 50.00 do I just get a ice 55?

[MN BassFisher]

Just curious to opinions, I can get the ice 45 for a hundred less than a 55, but there is no case included. The case sells for 50.00. For an extra 50.00 do I just get a ice 55?

I was in that position this fall when considering my first flasher purchase. I was able to get my 45 for $286 after an awesome find online and the Hbird $45 mail in rebate (which expired on 12/31/10). I looked for 45's online for a minute and found one for $307 after shipping. Not sure if you found the same deals or if you were going off of retail price ($400). If you go to google, type in Humminbird Ice 45, click on the top link and order them by base price. You'll see what I'm talking about!

[basssmasher*]

I was going by base price of 399.00 for the 45 's and 499.00 for the 55's i saw in 2 different stores.. The 55 at least has the protective carrying case which if its sold seperately is 50.00. My main question is is the extra 50 bucks worth the extra features on the 55 that arent available on the 45?

[Hardyboy]

for the 50 dollar price difference go with the 55 you will not be dissapointed but if you dont you will be asking yourself later why you didnt. 50 now is better than 400 later. My dad always told me pay for quality and for the long term now and you will never be dissapointed later!

[Dry_Fly]

I bought a 55 for $449.00 a week ago tax included which I thought was a very good buy new. This is the time of year to pick up your gear they hate carrying it over till next season. Good time to haggle for winter gear.

[MN BassFisher]

I didn't think the 55 was worth that much more than the 45. The difference between the 35 to 45 are big but I didn't think the differences between the 45 and 55 were that great. That case looks nice, I wish it was a little cheaper. I went with the Ice Armor flasher bag for my carrying case, for $40 there is a ton of storage. But it is a little bulky if your a hole hopper.

[fisherman-andy]

I cant stand fishing without a case on the flasher. Gets all wet and snow on it. I say get the ice 55. That case is already like $50 for ice 45. Plus you get the 6 color palette.

[Mr_Lunker]

I suggest u do more reserch, found my ice 45 with a soft case for 300. Now I think that's a deal.

[basssmasher*]

Fill me in Lunker!! whered u get that deal????

[boec0020]

A case and the three color option is worth $100.

[Hunter21]

You cant go wrong with Either... I just bought my 2nd Ice 45 and love it......

[Capt'nMorgan]

I got a 55 and well worth it..

[YiGGiN4SLoBS]

I just bought a 35 this year and it doesnt everything you need. Run it next to vexy's all the time and have minimal interferance. you cant go wrong with ANY model you buy

[ND4LIFE]

Besides the case, the ICE-55 has more power, bigger battery, and 6 colors vs 3 of the 45. They are on sale for $449 through Reed's Sporting Goods right now.

[Sir_Sumo]

Yeah, for $100 more, you get 6 color pallete, more power, case, and target line... which I haven't had a need for it yet. Oh and a 9ah battery vs 7ah.

[JohnMickish]

I've got both a 45 and a 55 and to be honest, I like the 45 better. I use the standard color combo (that's what I'm used to so why change) and I can't see where the extra power helps me. I pretty much only fish LOW now with my wife. She uses the 45 and I use the 55, we both mark fish and don't have any problems marking the lure or anything. Is it nice to have, yes, but if I had to do it over again I am not so sure I'd pay the extra $100. The case is a must for me and the 9ah vs 7ah is not an issue to me, both will go for more than a day on a charge.

[mr.z 1972]

They are both great units. I have a 45 and would like to get the bag for it. Ther targer line on the 55 would be a nice feature and the larger battery would be nice as well.

The one thing that I did learn from fishing with someone "in the know" is that the transducer support cable is not needed. In fact it cause more trouble for the fisherman. The real reason that it is there is to get away from intruding on Vex patent of a self leveling transducer. The trouble that it causes is that it often times will hold your transducer at a slight angle causing the sonar to shoot off to the side and not straight down where you need it. Best thing to do on any Humminbird is to not use the transducer support cable.

[sneakydevil]

Best thing to do on any Humminbird is to not use the transducer support cable.

Sure if you wanna rip the wires out...it's there for a reason. Mine sits just fine with it on, just had to modify their patent slightly.

[MN BassFisher]

Vex's and Marcum's don't have wires ripping out. And when do you have all the cable out where it'll even risk that? It's usually wrapped around a few times. They put the support cable on because they needed to bypass Vex's and Marcum's patents. It can be a pain with it, just more chance for line hang ups, it works fine without it. I know a lot of people with the Ice units and not one has the support cable on. Whatever you choose, the bird will work great!

[mr.z 1972]

"Sure if you wanna rip the wires out...it's there for a reason. Mine sits just fine with it on, just had to modify their patent slightly."

I spoke with a rep for Humminbird and that is what he told me. There are other spots on this site where you can find the same information. If your unit is working fine don't mess with it. If at sometime it seems to not be accurate or you are having trouble getting a solid reading off of bottom try it without the other cable.

Humminbird makes a great flasher and you will not be dissapointed in eith the 45 or the 55.

[CJH]

I personally love the 6 color display of the Ice 55. For me it was worth the extra $$$$.

[auggie78]

I got a 55 for xmas. My dad got the 45 last year. I do love the 6 color display and think its worth the money. That being said if you are on a budget you wont be disappointed with the 45.

[theicehooker]

Vexilar

[MN BassFisher]

Vexilar

What a helpful tip! The OP asked which of two flashers to get and you throw a flasher of a different brand. Don't start up the which brand is better argument. It's a lose - lose.

[iceman16]

click on the link to the left for nothing but fishing. i got my 55 for 429 and free shipping.

iceman