gps around $200?

[rookie44]

can i buy a decent handheld gps for around $200?i want to use it for open water and ice fishing!are there any waterproof ones?

[tashit]

I am most likely going to get the Lowrance iFinder H2O for the same uses you mention. It's waterproof and they say it is supposed to float with lithium batteries. There was a thread on it within the past week if you look down a little further.

Edit: here is the thread

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=537236&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[cliffy]

Rookie:

I recently purchased a Lowrance I finder H2O and I LOVE it! The cost about 220.00 or so. I got mine for under 200.00 as it was a sports show demo unit. They come with a basic map of North America but have the capability to take MMC cards/chips so you can load lake maps or whatever. I am not sure if its “water proof” or “water resistant”....its one or the other. They are a nice little unit worth checking out.

[Fisher Dave]

Magellan Meridian Marine ... waterproof, basic map and can upload maps to it from a couple different programs.. I probably have an extra Mapsend Topo laying around if you need it... if you happen to buy the unit... That would save you $100'ish.

I think they are in the neighborhood of $220.. but worth every penny.

[Captain B.R.K]

Rookie-

What kind of features are you looking to have on the GPS?

If you want to be able to upgrade your base map, with the lowrance/lakemaster chips or Navionic chips- I'd definately go with the Lowrance brand GPS.

I had always been a big backer of Garmin and still am. I had purchased the MAP76 and at the time, was the biggest screen available in the handheld units. It was the best of the best. Times have changed- go figure right

But with the latest technology that is out there in regards to the lake contours, etc. You really can't beat Lowrance.

The H20 unit is a nice unit. IF You do any hunting, take a look at their unit that suitable for hunters. That unit has some pretty cool cababilities on it.

What you pay for now, you will be compensated more than enough later down the road...........trust me. Don't just buy something to buy something just to have a GPS.

[walleyehawk]

Ifinder H20. And update the software to the latest version from Lowrance.com -download it onto a MMC card and plug card into unit.

[rookie44]

is the h20 pretty durable also?i am pretty hard on things. thanks for all the info!