Marcum 560 vs. Aqua View 360 view split screen?

[tightlines]

Been patiently waiting for the Marcum 560 since last winter and now I see that Aqua view has the new 360 degree view on a 7" screen split 4 ways. Looks pretty cool, but was wondering what some of you folks think of each unit?

[Matt Breuer]

I would go with the quad cam from Aqua Vu, they're a pretty sweet unit, allowing visuals of all sides of your bait simutaneously!

[Mongro02]

Matt,

Have you used the Aqua Vu 360?

Just wondering how the camera works in dark stained water...Is it compareable to the OVS 560?

[Pete Riola]

Here's the scoop on the 560. The 560 has 3 pan speeds so you can watch 1 picture scan the whole viewing area, you can choose the speed. The 560 has on screen directional signal so you know what direction the camera is pointed towards. The 560 has on screen battery meter, temp and depth. So you will know the depth the camera is at and the temperature at that depth as well as the direction the camera is pointed towards. The 560 comes with a remote control to operate the camera from as far as 10 feet away. Awesome to sit in your house and operate the camera remotely. The 560 is self enclosed with a easy clip free charging system. The 560 has Darkwater Technology meaning you can see at night or in dark water. No more snowstorm effect at night. The 560 comes with a stabilizing weight and fin for open water use. The 560 allows you to view vertically or horizontally. The 560 has a collapsible viewing shroud. The 560 has video out for sending the signal to a tv or recording unit. The 560 has a Kevlar reinforced cable for added durability. The 560 has a 1 year parts and labor warranty and it's built here in Minnesota.

[Matt Breuer]

Have not used it, only seen it on land. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Ask JP, he can give you the scoop!

[Chad711]

Had anyone REALLY tried it at night yet? I bought an aqua-va a few months ago i couldnt wait any longer, might have to sell this vu if I am really impressed witht the 560...

[PikeTipper]

I have an older model Aqua View and I can't see a thing at night but a friend had one of the newer models and you could see pretty good at night so I know the newer Aqua views have gotten much better for this. The Marcum 560 almost sounds to good to believe. I can't wait to hear some field reports or even take a look for myself!

[Matt Breuer]

I don't know what the problem with night viewing is, I had success even with the oldest Aqua Vu's. Maybe it's because of the water clarity in my area. Just my experience with the units.

[tightlines]

One thing a buddy brought up was the fact that splitting the screen on the Aqua into 4 sections would make for very small screens to view. Does anyone know if the Aqua has a jack to transfer screen to a larger TV screen?

[Dan Wood]

I'm a MarCum guy and I'm very excited to try out the 560 this year.

The Aqua-vu looks interesting too, I would be concerned as mentioned above about screen size (7" screen divided into 4 smaller screens). I guess that is the biggest drawback I see and I do think it is a major drawback vs. the panning head. I'm also curious as to how much more battery this will use by lighting a 360 deg. view vs. lighting only where the camera is pointing... I'm sure it is a great unit though, compeition is great for the consumer!

[Dynasty]

How will one of these set a person back? I got a OVS 300 (something like that?) but all these new additions sound pretty cool.

[JP Z]

The Quad360 System will have a video output jack on it so you can go to a larger monitor. And of course the Quad360 CAmera only has a patchcord so you can plug it into any monitor. As for the 7" screen seeming small, it really isn't that bad. I've ran the camera on about a 4" screen and it was still fairly easy to watch. You would be surprised once you see it. Each "screen" is about 3.5"-4". So it's not bad at all.

[tightlines]

Scheels in Fargo is selling Marcum 560 for 599.00. They havent got the aqua views in yet. I heard the Aqua's were going to be 499.00

[JP Z]

You are correct. The system will run $500 and the Cam-only will run $400

[tightlines]

So what do you folks think would be a fair price to ask for a one year old Marcum OVS 500? Am seriously thinking of making the upgrade but don't want to loose to much on the unit I presently own and at the same time want to be fair about an asking price...???

[tightlines]

Thanks for the posts folks. I was sure that someone out there had used one of these units, but maybe it's just to early yet. I didn't know if they have been on the shelves during this open water season.

[Fergus Mor McErc]

I bought the OVS 560 at Bass Pro Shop in Fridely on Tuesday the 12th. I had my name on a list there since September. It was $599.00 but with tax was closer to $650. Everything Pete Riola said in his post is true. It works fantastic at night, no snowstorm effect. I had it hanging off the side of my boat while duck hunting, last weekend, at 4:30 in the morning, and it was like daylight within the lights range of illumination. I only saw some minnows and a perch but it really got me excited for ice-up. It sure helped pass the time while we were waiting to put out the decoys.

[tightlines]

Thanks for the update Fergus. Sounds like it is going to be a great unit. I was hoping someone else out there had used the Aqua View too and had a report. I quess sooner or later someone will post a review of the new 360...

[tightlines]

Bump.. Nobody out there tried the new aqua 360 quad yet?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Tightlines- it hasn't been on themarket long enough for people to have tried it yet I dont think. I got to see a prototype back last summer during an Aqua-vu sales meeting. It looked pretty darn slick if you ask me. But I did not get a chance to use it. I did get a chance to use the new scout. I think for $200 it will sell like crazy!... The quad cam will also sell!

[Snag]

I think 6 bills is a little steep for the Marcum. Exudedude is right that that unit for 200 should sell like crazy.

[tightlines]

I think 6 bills is too much also, but then I think I paid 500 for the Marcum 500 I presently own and really enjoy that system. I quess the old saying ya get what ya pay for probably applies some what with the new 560. My quess is that they will probably come down some in price, I hope. I think that Gander is offering a 10% discount if you apply for a credit card at time of purchase so that would take 60 bucks off. I think I will probably pop for one.I just can't resist cool gadgets.... LOL

[tightlines]

I checked with Gander today about the 10% discount when you apply for there credit card and it is true, however they don't have any 560's in stock yet. Also you must be approved for the card and put the purchase on the card that day. Sounds good to me, but that offer will probably be gone by the time they get the 560's........

[MinnesotaMuskie]

I looked at the Marcum today in Spts Whse in St. Cloud. Very sweet. The price tag is a bit high...but I have been saving the fun money.

On dry land it blows the Aqua View away...picture quality, pan head...everything...I did say dry land...I have used niether in water.

I could not decide which to buy??? In the stroe it was hands down for the Marcum...does it equal out in the water???

[cjac]

I have also been in the market. Like the Aqua quad but for $200 the Scout has it's "wallet" advangates! Read that some of these are for us in a shelter only due to light limitations. Does anyone know about this much? Does that mean in early ice when only "on a bucket" the unit has limited use?

Obviously for that much $$$ I'd like some thing that offers year round use as well as meeting all ice conditions. Does the Aqua 360 work in open water conditions?

Opinions on the mid range Aqua series that goes for around $350? Saw that on the Cabelas site.

Here's to all of us making educated purchases....

cjac