Lowrance

[Dano2]

Anybody use one of the color sonars Lowrance makes? I have an X-87 right now but want something with more pixels, as I understand it, this will give me a more accurate view, correct?
Just wondering how well they work and if it seems to be an advantage over the black and wite.
Been looking at the ones with GPS, and not sure if it would be worth spend ing all that cash, or better off buying the GPS seperate, although I THINK most of their better color models already have GPS, but then how does a guy upload stuff to it. Abit confused as you can tell, eh?
what I'm getting at is, I would like to purchase a few of the maps from custom lake maps, and if I'm not mistaken, you download them onto you puter then upload to GPS, is this right?
Thanks

[joshb]

i have the m-68c which i use both summer and winter and so far i really like it, it does have the gps in it. i used to run seperate units but find it really to be a cluster. i really like the color over the greyscale, i find it easier to read. but that's just me.

[gspman]

I'm getting a LMS-330c on my new boat. I've seen alot of favorable reviews on other message boards regarding this unit. It has GPS & mapping capability too. I think the LMS-100c is exactly the same without the gps features if you don't want gps.

[Chris Haley]

The gps question should be answered by use. Do you hunt? Ice fish? any sport that a handheld gps would come in handy for?? They are nice in one unit. i.e. having a plotter right on your depth finder for trolling, finding spots and marking spots on spots. But if you have a use for a handheld and don't have the coin for both, get the handheld and use it for all applications.

[Chris Haley]

Yea don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up the gps on my x15 for anything!!! Just giving someone that wasn't sure of their need, another option.

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Guiding for:
Bemidji Area Lakes Guide Service
(218)759-2235
chaley@bemidjistate.edu

[Dano2]

Chris, is there a reason why you didn't get the X-18?
Was it the cost or is there something you dont like about the color sonar?
Just curious.
Makes sense about the GPS, because I DO ice fish as well, I didn't even think about it, as far as haveing the hanheld.
BUT, maybe I'll try an swing both, HEH, as long as this next years tax return is good like this years.
Too bad I couldn't get enough back to get a Ranger Boat too, HEH!

[Chris Haley]

Just cost, I'd love to have a color. Maybe they'll start to come down some in the near future. The great thing about color is being able to pick fish out of weeds or surface clutter.

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Guiding for:
Bemidji Area Lakes Guide Service
(218)759-2235
chaley@bemidjistate.edu

[carlcmc]

Lowrance LMS 330C.

Awesome.

Never used one before, and I love the color and gps. Very easy to use. Can't imagine using a B&W.

[Guest]

Hey I am running the LCX 18 and am very happy. The GPS feature is great. Just one example, Lac Suel(rock capitol) we plot a trail on the first run out 15 to 20 miles marking any potential hazards. Then the rest of the week we can run out and back to camp without major worries. As far as color goes I wounldn't go back to greyscale. I am planning on upgrading my bow to color by next season.

[DrJ]

DANO2, I agree the 330C is great.I used it on a trip to canada in June. The screen is really bright with Great readability.Each day we went to a different area and the Gps trail was put in a different color each day. We went 50+ miles per day and didn't get even close to using up the memory. Worth every penny. Really easy to read with my 50 year old eyes! DrJ.

[buzzsaw]

I have last years LMS 320 w/GPS lakemaps chip. Not color but extremely nice setup.

[Dano2]

Do you guys use the navionics hotmaps with yours?
AS far as I can tell, they only have one lake I would be interested in, so I cant see paying $200, but I'll have to do more research to see if there are more MN lakes available then what I have found searching the net so far.
thanks.

I found out one can use a cig. adapter to plug these units into your truck as well to use the GPS, but it probably wont do much good early ice, when you cant drive on the ice.
thanks

[Chris Haley]

You can use them in your truck, don't forget you need the gps antenna?? Too much of a pain for me to remove from the boat and mount on the truck.

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Guiding for:
Bemidji Area Lakes Guide Service
(218)759-2235
chaley@bemidjistate.edu

[Dano2]

thanks for the headsup, didn't realize that.
so thats another one I'll have to keep in mind