HB 45 vs 55

[Doctor J]

Can anyone tell me their thoughts of the humminbird ICE 45 vs ICE 55. It's $100 more for the 55, but I don't quite see the reason. More colors? Anything else?

[fishwater]

On top of the 6 colors and target line indicator the 55 also has more power and comes with the case.

[tsande00]

On top of the 6 colors and target line indicator the 55 also has more power and comes with the case.

The Vex guys will tell you that power doesn't matter.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Not trying to make your decision even harder, but the 35 is a very nice unit for the price if you want to save another $100. Three color display, dual beam, adjustable zoom.

[Doctor J]

More power? I couldn't find that anywhere, but it probably was right in front of my nose. Thanks.

[PerchJerker]

On top of the 6 colors and target line indicator the 55 also has more power and comes with the case.

This is exactly right, those are the differences.

If the case is important, the 55 is probably a better way to go ---- the soft pack for the 45 and 35 is about $50.

The way we have them priced at Pro Fishing Supply the Ice-55 is only $60 more than the Ice-45 ..... plus you get an extra $10 back from the HB rebate for the Ice-55 (rebate details are on our HSOforum too). Hope that helps.

[silverbulletguy]

The big difference between the 35 and 45 is the digital depth on the 45. Personally I couldn't care what the exact depth is as long as I am able to mark fish or not. Not to mention the digital depth screen has to use up the bettey faster than without it on the 35.

[JeffB]

I have the 45 and liked it real well till it totally died after having it for a year and a half. Hook it up to a good battery and nothing now I have to try to figure out what to buy.

[marine_man]

I've got the 55 and I really like the extra colors you get with it for understanding what you're seeing on the bottom. It's the same function as reading the differences between where the yellows / greens and reds blend together on a vexilar, except it's much more well defined than that.

marine_man

[Chode2235]

Some of the early complaints with the HBs were the (in)ability to mark crappie jigs (and other small jigs) over the deep basins.

What experience have you bird guys had with picking up small jigs like that?

[CJH]

I've got the 55 and I really like the extra colors you get with it for understanding what you're seeing on the bottom. It's the same function as reading the differences between where the yellows / greens and reds blend together on a vexilar, except it's much more well defined than that.

That's what I like as well, I think I can get a better feel/reading with it. The display is awesome, plus its just easier on my eyes than the Vex/Marcum ones.

I have had no problem picking up tiny pannie jigs.

Three years and no issues with mine. I have used it for hole hopping for pannies around the Metro, walley's on Red, perch on Winnie, and walley's on LOW. Its been a great unit.

[marine_man]

I haven't tried any micro sized jigs with mine to date... but did not have a problem with crappie / panfish jigs.

One other thing I really like, which doesn't seem like a very big deal, but is one that always comes to mind for me, is that I don't have to disconnect the battery in between uses to prevent the battery monitor from drawing the battery down. Since the battery monitor is integral to the head unit (and as such, you have to turn it on to read it), there is 0 draw on the battery when the unit is off. Not really a "selling" point, but a feature I appreciate.

marine_man

[Iambjm]

I had the Vex FL 18 which I liked quite a bit, but I got a great deal on the HB55 during the ice show at the big C store. One of the features I really like is you can plug it into the wall of your wheelhouse and use it while the batteries are charging. Plus I do really like the adjustable zoom, and the flat face of it versus the face of the FL18.

[philly35]

I have the 45 and liked it real well till it totally died after having it for a year and a half. Hook it up to a good battery and nothing now I have to try to figure out what to buy.

Jeff there is a two year warranty on the birds. Id be calling humminbird if I were you. They have excellant customer service as well.

I have the ice 35 and all I can say is wow. The battery last forever on them as well. I was probably getting about 20-25 hours a charge on mine. My next ubit will be a 45

[simple1]

Love my HB 35 after a rough start. As far as 45 vs 55 you have to decide what the extra features are worth to you on the 55. For me, I would go with the 55 as even a $100.00 difference is worth it to me. You don't want to have regrets later.