Good GPS

[Hoytmystic]

I am looking at getting a new GPS. The main reason I want it is for fishing. I want to be able to put a lakemaster chip in it. I also want it for traversing through the woods and making waypoints. I want it to be simple to operate. I don't want to spend more than $400. I have been looking at the lowrance h2o. Tell me a good spot to look for a unit. Tell me what you have and if you like it.

Thanks

Kyle

[BobT]

Search a couple pages back and find the thread "lowrance or garmin" and you'll get plenty of feeback. This topic is discussed quite a bit.

Without experience with the H20 I can't vouch for it but it does sound like a preferred of those using this site.

My experience is with Garmin Rino120 and GPSMap76 units. The Rino includes a GMRS/FRS radio but has a smaller screen. If I were to make a choice today, I would prefer the GPSMap76. Radios are inexpensive and the larger screen of the map76 is much nicer.

Garmin offers plenty of PC software for both applications including roads and recreation, US topographical, and Lakemaster countours. The advantage of the PC software is you can create routes, waypoints, etc. on your PC and then download to your GPS.

Bob

Another note: With WAAS my Rino120 typical accuracy is within 9'. Don't know how the H20s are in this regard.

[ameyers41]

I got a Lowrance Expedition, which is basically the color H20 with compass and barometer. I found one in like new condition in Cabela's Bargain Cave for $190. They had a bunch of H2O's, B&W and color, for pretty reasonable. Even if you wanted to go new, you could do a web search for a color H2O for a little more than $200 and I think the new Lakemaster Chip is only 90 or 100 bucks.

I looked at the Garmins before buying, and I like the simplicity of adding a chip vs. loading software on the Garmins. I can swap out my Lakemaster chip with a Navionics on the water without the need for my laptop.

Most of the feedback on this HSOforum is positive for both. I guess it's a matter of opinion.

[pail-fish]

i cant say one way or another on the garmin, but i use the h20. i was looking at getting the expedition, but i didnt need the barometer and compass and all the other stuff that i didnt want to pay another hundred bucks. i have no complaints at all with the h20. it is really easy to use and the "plug & play" feature with the lakemaster chips is nice. either one you get, i would recommend getting the color screen. it eats batteries faster, but it is much more crisp than the monochrome...and prettier to look at.

you can find them at a couple online retailers for cheaper than the big box stores...roughly 220...no tax or shipping either at some. i havent found lakemaster chips for cheaper than 100

good luck

[lotsofish]

I just started looking also. I am leaning toward the Lowrance IFINDER map & music. It's exactly the same as the H2O, the only difference is while the H2O is "waterproof" the map & music has an MP3 player built in. Both accept the Lakemaster chips.

Best deals I found so far from "Tiger GPS"

M & M = 132.86

H2O = 137.08

Lakemaster Pro MN = 79.99

I was wondering if there was an accessory available that you could use to connect the unit to the battery in the boat? I guess either using a cigarette lighter adapter and cutting off the plug or finding a female cigarette adapter to hook to the battery. I don't have one built into my boat. Any thoughts?

[newoodhntr]

They make a female cig. plug with clips to clamp on battery. I use it for my 12 volt TV in the ice house.

[eurolarva]

be careful cutting off the cigarette adaptor. Somewhere in that cable the voltage is dropped from 12 volts to 3.2 volts. I dont know if the voltage divider is in the connector to the H20 or in the cigarette adaptor. I do know this voltage is dropped before it gets to the H20. I measured it with a volt meter with the GPS disconnected.

[mossoak]

where did you find the h2o for 137.08. thanks for your help.

[lotsofish]

Thanks for the info. The female cig adapter with clips for the battery was the preferred way to go anyway. I thought someone probably made something like that.

mossoak, see my post above in the "quotes" as to where you can find it. There is a shipping charge though also. I think it was 5.95 or 6.95.

[mossoak]

thank you

[mnfishman]

Shipping is free right now at that site. I would probably call them first before ordering I don't think the color unit is included for that price.

[Flaco651]

Just tested my buddies new H2O C w/ the chip last night. I was definately impressed with it. Probably gonna pick one up for myself soon.

[Hoytmystic]

I think I am going to pick up the lowrance expedition c with a lakemaster chip. I was also going to get a ram mount for it.Thanks for all the info guys.

Thanks

Kyle

[Dan Brelje]

i would highly recommend a lowrance ifinder unit. I was looking for a unit about a month ago and ended up getting the H20. The thing i like best about ifinder units are the chips you can get with/for them. Can't wait to throw the lakemaster in.

[Orlip]

I hope you did not get the expedition I returned. I bought one from the bargain cave the beginning of february and when it was outside in the cold you could not scroll around on the map.

Check it out right away to be sure and I hope it works for ya.

[Gordie]

I got my lowrance expatition c+ off of HSOList and Its the best thing since sliced bread in my opinion and I also got the 2007 lake master chip with it. cabelas has lake master chips 2006 for 69.99 and 2007 for 99.99 the 07 has twice the lakes than 06.

this gps is very easy to use and the instuction manuel is real easy to navigate thru glad that I went with this unit.

[danwilliams]

"The female cig adapter with clips for the battery was the preferred way to go anyway. I thought someone probably made something like that."

my Rapala filleting knife has one.....works perfect with h2O.

and has the 120 volt adapter with 12V cig plug in..... . Very handy when working with computer and H2O.

The knife is real nice too.

[youngie22]

did you pick up another type orlip? WHo knows the difference between the hunt C & Expedition C?? Bigger screen on on the expedition, camo and mor storage on the hunt?? Anything that I am missing?

[Phred52]

Hoytmystic, Reeds online! H20C w/2007 Lakemaster chip for $340.00 tax included and free shipping. Got mine about 2 weeks ago, learning since! Also, for the poster wondering about the cig lighter female plug. IF you have a Walgreens Drug store nearby, check in their automotive isle. I've looked at the ones here at our store and I think it's just what you're lookin' for. Phred52

[lotsofish]

Thanks for the heads up on Walgreen's. I'll check it out. Isn't there a Walgreen's on pretty much every corner? I guess you never know what you'll find there...

[hip_hop_fisherman]

I got the expedition for the same price as the H20 at Prince Bait. Like stated before however, I do have problems in extreme cold seeing the screen. Other than that I love it. It's nice having the barometer on there...

As for color or B+W, like a guide told me last summer when showing me the Vexilar Edge he had on his boat, if you add color, its one more thing to go wrong, and does the color really help you out?? I'd have to say no.

[TMT]

I am buying my father-in-law a GPS unit, and I was going to get him one with larger screen (he has bad I sight). I am familiar with the h2o. I like what that has to offer. Does anyone know what Lowerance or Garmin has that is comparable to the h2o with a larger screen? (also needs to be user friendly)

Thanks!

[hip_hop_fisherman]

as far as hand helds, i don't know that there is one with a bigger screen, but the lowrance units are very user friendly.

[TMT]

Any ideas on the non-hand held units?

[minnow_03]

You said that color is just one more thing to go wrong, but why would a color lcd screen be any more prone to damage than a grayscale lcd. Their are advantages to having a color screen. Resolution is higher per size of screen. and color screen usually have 256 colors wheras black and white are usualy around 16 levels. Color is also easier to read in the daytime. I have a color depth finder and feel it is easier to read and clearer than B&W. That being said, a B & W gps will get you where you want just as good and at a lower price.