Lowrance X67c

[IndyEFI500]

Was just looking at the Cabela's HSOforum and saw the X67c for a good price. My question is since I normally only fish in a permanent house or my clam, would this unit be ok? I know LCD's aren't good in cold so I could keep one of my antique flashers for that but what temp. approximately do LCD's start loosing it at? I also don't care for the noise of flashers but I only have old units which are probably part of the problem. I know the Marcum crowd will tell me to forget it. Besides, this could maybe be a decent second unit in my boat. Any ideas?

[federline]

This is a fine unit for what you would use it for, no problems. By the way, the screen is not an LCD, it is a TFT Active Matrix screen, a very different technology, it is the same screen used in flat-panel computer displays. LCD's get slow in even moderate cold, but a TFT doesn't slow down like an LCD.

A group of FM'ers here, me included, run color TFT Lowrance graphs on the ice, and have been sorting through the FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) and hype to get to real facts. Our experiences running the x67c/m68c, x102c, and LMS-332c, are piling up, too.

I've run my x67c outside bucket fishing in +5 F without a hitch. I just sat outside yesterday in 25 F for about three hours - no problem, it is built for it. The manuals say don't run it or store it in -4 F, as then you might freeze the color TFT screen liquid. However, there are reports here of using it an x67c in -14 F without issues or slowdown. Beware, though, Lowrance won't warranty a repair for a frozen TFT screen.

The other main objection from some people that you will find regarding these units is that they are reportedly susceptible to interference from other sonar units. I posted a working theory here on FM not too long ago on how to adjust a Lowrance graph for interference. That protocol has been working VERY well for me at the most recent revision of the software (Lowrance in Tulsa will upgrade them for free to the latest). If you can't find it by digging/search (try search on "x67c" and my username "federline"), let me know.

As for open water, it is an outstanding unit, I use my x67c year-round. The only thing I would do to improve it is to upgrade, say, to an x102c or an LMS-332c.

I also agree with you on the silence factor compared to a flasher - very nice. And the battery life with an x67c is fantastic compared to a flasher. You can fish all weekend 24 hours/day without having to charge.

If there are any other questions, let me know, I can get real answers from those who know for sure.

[markkstanley]

I have an x67 and I like it just fine. It is bnot an LCD but a TFT screen. I've used mine in -20 no problems. Just be careful to store the unit in above freezing temps and you won't have any issues. Leaving it out for a few nights in below zero temps is not a good idea. Some have had interference issues when next to Marcum or Vexs.I haven't. I also use the unit on my bow in the summer. You may end up using it in the graph mode for ice fishing. Works great as a flasher but I typically use the split screen graph mode now.

[IndyEFI500]

Federline and Mark:

Thanks for the input. I think this pretty much makes up my mind. The only question I have left is, can you shoot the water depth through the ice like you do the others? I think that would be my final hang up.

I don't know why I didnt' search the Lowrance HSOforum first or search this great site. I am so used to googling everything else in the world.

[federline]

Yes, you can shoot through the ice. I do it all the time with mine. The usual caveats apply, i.e., milky ice doesn't work as good, etc. Otherwise, works fine - I just hawk one up and spit on the bottom of the transducer.

You might also want to try it out for free - you can download the actual screen interface for all Lowrance graphs to run on your Windows PC from the Lowrance HSOforum.

If you haven't found the thread about tuning x67c for interference yet, here it is:

Click Here

You might want to shop around more, too - I've recently seen last year's x67c Ice Machines being sold for $199 on closeout, can't remember where. Compared to Cabela's price, you could buy the high-speed transducer for the boat with what you save, if you can find a $199 closeout.

[markkstanley]

If you don't want to use the federline approach just carry some water with you. They shoot thru the ice just fine. Thorne Bros. throws in the summer transducer and I think they were at $250 or so last time I checked. That's where I got mine last year. Wait until you play with all the screen options!

[tashit]

My uncle just got one of these and it looks pretty cool. As far as interference goes, he did see a little bit at first but just adjusting the sensitivity helped. I was fishing less than 20 yds from him with my Marcum and a buddy was about 20 yds away from him with his Vex and my uncle did not have any interference issues.

[MedicineMan]

I made a brief video yesterday showing the X-67 in action.

http://www.youtube.com/?v=eeg7SJwWKHE

[jlm]

I have one and can't say enough good things about it. The only draw back in my mind is that they can be difficult to get the hang of because of sooooo many options. Once I got the hang of it, I will never use another flasher. It is impressive. If you can pick a X67c "ice machine" up for under $250, you better jump on it right away! Good luck! The open water versions are bit cheaper I believe!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Okay, now you guys are really getting me interested. It looks like an interesting unit. When in flasher mode, how does it compare to an ordinary flasher? Does it read basically the same way? I played around with the Lowrance emulator for a while, but it is tough to get an idea because the emulator simulates that you are moving.

[IndyEFI500]

I did play with the emulator as well last night. Looks sweet.

I happened to stop at Thorne Bros. tongiht for some other stuff. I forgot the guys name but he is a die hard Vex man. He thought for what I am looking for it would do fine but still thought the Vex was better and more durable. I am a little torn yet.

If I could find one for $199 the search would be over though. I will keep looking . The big place in Rogers is about $280 and Thorne is $300 with a summer ducer as well. With better service from one versus the other, I know where I would go.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Another question: is it tough to view the screen in the sun?

[markkstanley]

Nope. Had mine all summer on the bow and could always see it clearly.

[markkstanley]

In flasher mode it works exactly like a Vex or Marcum and is as fast as they are. One difference is you get 5 colors and you can mess with them to set it up like you want it. The x67 has a lot of options. FYI the graph mode is just as timely as the flasher and I tend to use it more than the flasher.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I think I'm definitely going to go check one out.

[jlm]

Any flasher you purchase will improve your ability to catch fish, that is the important thing. I agree with the last poster, I use the graph mode much more than the flasher, it is sweet. You might also want to take a look a the Marcum products as they make a great flasher as well. Do a side by side with all the products out there and make a good informed decision. Any flasher choice is a good one!

[Ralph Wiggum]

The thing I like about the Lowrance is that is seems like it might be useful in the summer, too. Rigged on a canoe, perhaps?

[Bob Horn]

I use my Marcum year around. I buy the ducer for a boat.

[MedicineMan]

Hey Ralph, if you really wanna check one out in action you could just meet me out on Medicine sometime.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Are you going out on Monday at all?

[MedicineMan]

I plan on going out monday.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Drop me an e-mail with specifics. I have the day off, so I could probably meet up with you for a while.

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