Anyone used the Contour Elite software? Thoughts?

[thatoneguy]

I'm toying with the idea of getting the Contour Elite software, but before I drop $150 or so on the program, I'd like to get some feedback from those who have actually used the dang thing!

I'd appreciate if anyone who has used it can give me a review - good, bad or ugly - so I can make a semi-informed decision I fish mostly on Leech, Cass, Pike Bay and Winnie, all of which are covered in the program, so that's a plus anyway.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[JohnMickish]

I have it, I use it, I love it.

What I like about it is that besides just looking at the lake maps, it allows me to input my Humminbird waypoints as well as my buddies Lowrance waypoints. We can both fish a lake and then download the info and look at what went on for the day, and prepare for the next.

The more data you enter the better it will work for you. It will keep notes such as water temp, cloud cover etc. With all of your data entered it allows you to go back and check what you did under similar situations. It really helps me that my wife is a data junkie so I let her put the info in. Talk to the guys at their display at the sports show. They will be able to explain it all better than I can.

[Brad B]

it is a very good product and worth the money. I like the 3D feature where you can see the lay of the lake as if it was empty. the little humps and points really stand out in this mode. it is cool because you gives you a idea of why the fish are on the spot. a example of this was a under water point going out to a flat on mille lacs. we position on top of the point and fished both side of it. looking at it in 3D told me why the fish were there. now it is a go to spot along with a few other spot in the same area. the only thing I would like to see is more lakes added to it. this could be done in the form of updates but as of right now they offer a up grade special to those that have a older verison. the last I knew they now have ver 2 out and it added a few more lakes but not too many. there customer service is great also. they give you 2 activations when you buy it but if you have computer crash issues like I did and you have used both activations they will help you out by resetting the activations to you can re install it. the only thing they ask is that you don't mis use this and give a copies of the software to friends. they will ask why you need more activations if you ask for too many.

[thatoneguy]

Great feedback - thanks, guys. Looks like I'll be asking for my Father's Day gift early this year

[thatoneguy]

Bought the program today. Can't wait to test it out!

[Chode2235]

For the price, I would look at the Navionics PC software. If you're looking for lake maps that is a much better deal (a lot cheaper).

[JohnMickish]

I've got both and the Contour Elite is leaps ahead of the Navionics maps, at least for the lakes I work with. What the Contour Elite does that the Navionics dosen't is keep a database of the conditions and techniques used so you can go back at a later time to see what was working for you then. The Navionics can't do that.

Contour Elite is more than just lake maps.

[Chode2235]

and its (contour Elite) 10x as much money as Navionics. Throwing it out there as a valid option.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

To me the 3D maps are the biggest draw. Really helps see what the bottom looks like. Ive been holding off buying it though. I have the old Lakemaster software that allows me a discount on the Contour Elite. We shall see.

Speaking of Navionics, I love the iPad app!

[vikingmeatwad]

I think I am going to get this software sometime soon. I think Ver 2 is out and wonder when their next update will be so I don't buy then need to upgrade.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

From what I understand, maintenance updates are free and will happen throughout the year. Next paid update probably won't be till next year after the next Lakemaster release. You could ask them to be sure of that though.