LX-7 Reviews?

[jfish21]

I am thinking about upgrading from my LX-5 to the LX-7. I have seen them in demo but have not had a chance to see one in live action. Does anyone who has purchased and/or used a LX-7 have any reviews to offer?

[fishwater]

Does anyone who has purchased and/or used a LX-7 have any reviews to offer?

I'm very happy with mine. It was a long wait for the new software to come out, but now that I've been using it, it's pretty sweet. The only drawback to the unit is it's overall size. It's is a bit too big IMO. I threw the case out and have it ram mounted inside a 5 gallon bucket, I can fold it in and out with a simple adjustment of the ram mount making for a quick setup and safe tranport all in one. Not a hole hopping machine, but still possible if that is what you are into.

Great zoom, maximized full column views, awesome IR and features yet to come, not much bad to speak of. The true test will be how these things are running 3-5 years or more from now. Personally I don't think I could wait that long..

[Dark Cloud]

I am thinking about upgrading from my LX-5 to the LX-7. I have seen them in demo but have not had a chance to see one in live action. Does anyone who has purchased and/or used a LX-7 have any reviews to offer?

Here is a link to a video on HSO...

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2774691#Post2774691

Im lovin mine. Till version 2.9 came out it certainly had some issues - jumpy bottom, no dynamic depth, and sensitivity adjust issues.

Now it is a sweet unit!

[Hardyboy]

I am loving mine as well! it had its glitchy little things when it first came out bu it was certainly usable and still an upgrade over my other units. with the 2.9 software update its better than ever. by the way did i mention the software is upgradeable right from your computer at home? as the software improves it will be a simple "free" download and youll have the latest updates. Its not even a choice for me i would buy the LX7 again.

[Esox_Magnum]

Love mine

[Bobb-o]

Love mine too, the 2.9 update put it on a completely different level from other ice fishing electronics. I love having the chart mode for history and Dynamic depth is amazing!

[Brad B]

I also like mine. had it out 3 times now and I am very happy with it. the 2.9 upgrade did do wonders. I love the 10 foot depth range that was added with the 2.9. I never liked the zoom on the LX3TC or LX5's but love it on the LX7. the possibilities are end less as far as future software upgrades.

some day I would love to see a unit that was a flasher, underwater camera, and GPS chart plotter all in one(maybe call it a LX11)

[Chris Barlage]

Not worth the upgrade. Sick with your lx-5. Its the same darn thing except you dont get to separate you flasher dial and zoom. Baught one over the weekend since cabelas had a killer deal on it and sold it on monday. IMO the ICE 55 is still the way to go.

Likes

Big screen, great batt. life, zoom window is on its own, has a cool open water mode

Dislikes

The verticle window is so compact that the lines are way to small to see, the flasher dial is the same size as the 3's and 5's just on a 10 inch screen, heavy, lots of glare come off the screen, even in 6 color mode you will never see 6 colors, each fish came in yellow and red even when it was a small 2 inch perch no detail even with 6 colors.

IMO it is not worht the extra $200 to get one. They got a lot of work to do on it still to make it truly elite.

[Northlander]

Yup these are a few raesons why I dont buy 1st year electronics. Ill let the bugs get worked out and get one next year. It will be a truely awesome machine once it is all set up to do everything its capable of doing.

[Eric_Kruger]

I love mine! took it out lastnight and pounded the crappies, it is amazing to see the return difference between the LX7 and my fl22..No more blob!

[FrontenacPike]

Dislikes

The verticle window is so compact that the lines are way to small to see, the flasher dial is the same size as the 3's and 5's just on a 10 inch screen, heavy, lots of glare come off the screen, even in 6 color mode you will never see 6 colors, each fish came in yellow and red even when it was a small 2 inch perch no detail even with 6 colors.

Chris I have to respectfully disagree with your lines opinion. The 7 has a new target adjust button that lets you customize exactly the display to your liking. If the lines are too fat..adjust, if the lines are too skinny..adjust. It is completely customizable to your liking.

Once I adjust the sensitivity to where the flasher is displaying a single or double line i hit the "sens" button back one number. From there I adjust the "target adjust" button to my personal preference. I usually adjust it so there is 2 lines that show individual separation. One line representing the jig and the other representing the minnow head. If I get robbed by a bait stealer I can tell when my 2 lines get reduced to 1.

It took me a couple times on the ice for me to really dial it in but now I could never imagine going back to a mechanical flasher.

To the original poster, no matter how much I tell you that I love mine or another guys says "stick with what ever", do your self a favor and go out and form your own opinion. Stop by someone who has one and ask to see it. I'm not sure where you are from, but I would have no problem giving you a demo. I'm sure there are plenty of folks on FM that would be willing to do the same.

While fishing URL last week my Vex buddy looks over at my 7's screen and says "thats too easy".

[riverview]

I have been avoiding any stores that sell them so i dont buy one and will wait for next season but i will have one.

[jfish21]

Thanks for all the reviews and information. It is helpful to see the likes and dislikes from everyone.

FrontenacPike, I really liked your info on the line thickness and target separation. I appreciate the offer and if I wasn't heading to LotW next week, I would try to take you up on the demo. I just found out a friend of mine who is going with may have a lead on one we can "rent" to give it a try.

Thanks again all.

[brian6715]

I have been avoiding any stores that sell them so i dont buy one and will wait for next season but i will have one.

I am going to LOTW in a couple of weeks and I am so tempted to buy one, which wouldn't be smart being I have a wedding to pay for in October. Hopefully I can resist

I have been saving my Cabela's points religiously, but it still won't put a big dent in the price!

[Chris Barlage]

Chris I have to respectfully disagree with your lines opinion. The 7 has a new target adjust button that lets you customize exactly the display to your liking. If the lines are too fat..adjust, if the lines are too skinny..adjust. It is completely customizable to your liking.

Once I adjust the sensitivity to where the flasher is displaying a single or double line i hit the "sens" button back one number. From there I adjust the "target adjust" button to my personal preference. I usually adjust it so there is 2 lines that show individual separation. One line representing the jig and the other representing the minnow head. If I get robbed by a bait stealer I can tell when my 2 lines get reduced to 1.

It took me a couple times on the ice for me to really dial it in but now I could never imagine going back to a mechanical flasher.

To the original poster, no matter how much I tell you that I love mine or another guys says "stick with what ever", do your self a favor and go out and form your own opinion. Stop by someone who has one and ask to see it. I'm not sure where you are from, but I would have no problem giving you a demo. I'm sure there are plenty of folks on FM that would be willing to do the same.

While fishing URL last week my Vex buddy looks over at my 7's screen and says "thats too easy".

[fishwater]

when it comes to the verticle window alone it is just to crowed in there and it is usless.

Did you try the zoom before you sold it? I really like the zoom feature. It's kinda the departure point when comparing the different flashers available.

[Chris Barlage]

Did you try the zoom before you sold it? I really like the zoom feature. It's kinda the departure point when comparing the different flashers available.

[Random guy]

I live on zoom mode. I love running my mine with the bottom 5 foot zoom ad the chart mode. When fishing Red Lake everything is going on in the bottom five feet. Wicked target separation and very easy to see. Plus the chart mode is great for a guy that can't pay attention such as me. I can gawk out the window, fiddle with my phone, dig around looking for snacks and look back at the chart mode and see a fish came up and looked while I was screwing off. Nine times out of ten I can pull that fish back.

Yes the LX-7 at first had a few hiccups and I was one of the first to nitpick every last one of them. Ya know what? Marcum addressed and resolved every issue I had, every issue product testers on the Mississippi back waters, Mille Lacs, Green Bay , Brainerd area panfish lakes, Apostle Islands, metro lakes and Lake of the Woods had. Guides and pro staffers across the ice belt took the LX-7 out and simply beat the snot out of the it. Our job was to find fault and we kept critically shredding the unit’s capabilities verses its potential. Trust me there was no holding back or worry of hurting feelings during this process. If something sucked we told the crew at Marcum it sucked. They would smile, returned to the lab and come back the next day with a revision until a pinnacle of perfection was reached; we know it as the current software.

Yes it is a huge step to go from the old grind of a mechanical flasher spinning around while looking at the upside down side of a circle. Once you learn to use and embrace all that the LX-7 has to offer you will be hard pressed to contentedly stare at a mechanical flasher again. Options from color pallet choices, viewing mode choices teamed up with unparalleled target separation and mind blowing resolution will set you back in the seat as you realize the game has changed.

[Neiko]

I had the LX-5 and liked it alot. I got the LX-7 and was worried a little in the beginning with the glitches but knew Marcum is a great company and that they would deliver. I got the upgrade and boy did they deliver. Sweet unit. Can't wait for the LX-9.

[KG243]

I got someone to buy my Ice 55 and will be getting a LX 7 for my valentines present!! My wife is to good. It was good to read all these reviews and hear all the positive feedback.