handheld gps and lakechip

[mweb_21]

Hey there, I am looking at purchasing a new (or even used) handheld gps. I had a Lowrance ifinder expedition with a lakemaster chip which I really liked, but I lost it (long story). I am curious what everyone else recommends for handhelds and chips, now that Lakemaster no longer makes chips for Lowrance. I have a couple friends that have newer Lowrance models (Endura series), but they dont seem to like them and I dont think they are as user friendly as the older Lowrance models, but maybe I am just not used to them. Any opinion on these newer Lowrance models? Also, does anyone have input about the Fishing Hot Spots Pro maps, and how do they compare to the Lakemaster MN maps as far as lake selection and map quality? And are there other brands with compatible chips I should maybe be looking at instead? Any information and opinions are much appreciated, Thanks!

[schweady]

Get a Garmin handheld with their Upper Midwest Fishing Guide microchip. I have that chip in my Garmin 62st and it's 1000x better than my old Lowrance ExpeditionC was with the LakeMaster chip. Same data as LM, only better. 7 states for one price, too. Maybe look at the Oregon 450 or 450t, if the 62 series is a little out of your price range. And then put Garmin's BaseCamp software on your computer to allow trip planning, saving routes and waypoints, printing maps, etc.

And, yes, your friends are right about the Endura line. Run away as fast as possible.

(And, no, this is not just another Vex-Marcum debate. The differences are night and day.)

[Vermilion_figure_8]

So the Garmin is the way to go? Does the chip come with lake contours or is that a seperate purchase?

[MN Mike]

The Upper Midwest Fishing Guide is a separate purchase from the Garmin GPS itself, I know if one place that will knock off $10 if you buy the GPS and Chip at the same time.

Mike