Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

GPS question: What would you do?

jpaulson

By jpaulson
in Ice Fishing

 Share

Recommended Posts

jpaulson Enthusiast

jpaulson

Posted
Posted

I am going to get a gps and chip this year. Here are my options: Buy a lowrance h20c new or get a garmin etrex legend for basically free. I would probably have to wait awhile if I am going to get the lowrance where I could get the legend right away. This will be my first GPS unit. Also I have not decided between the lakemaster and navionics for sure so if anyone has input on this it will make my decision easier being the navionics is not compatible with garmin. I will be fishing minnesota mainly. Thanks for all your help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CJH Grand Master

CJH

Posted
Posted

I can't tell you what to do and don't have any experience with the Garmin. However I bought the H2O (black and white) about 1.5 years ago with the Lakemaster chip and love it. Its my first GPS and is pretty easy to use. No problems to date.

However, getting basically a free one is tough to pass up.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jpaulson Enthusiast

jpaulson

Posted
  • Author
Posted

It doesn't look like the model is compatible with the chips according to garmin's HSOforum. Looks like I might need to dig around some more and see what I can find. Gotta love a semi part time job that lets you work for merchandise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
TurnUpTheFishing Veteran

TurnUpTheFishing

Posted
Posted

Id highly recomned the h2os but if the Etrex is free pick it up. Its better than nothing. Save your pennies and buy the H20 later. There is lake mapping software available that you can download through your computer to your garmin gps unit but it wont take any data cards.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CFRay Community Regular

CFRay

Posted
Posted

I use a Garmin Etrex Legend Cx. It has a micro SD card for storage of lakemaps from my Lakemaster CD. The maps are transferred from my desktop computer to the handheld GPS. I like being able to see the lakemaps (large size) on my computer monitor. I can pick spots, and manage that info. on the computer. All that then transfers to the Etrex.

Good Luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Orlip Rising Star

Orlip

Posted
Posted

Quote:

I am going to get a gps and chip this year. Here are my options: Buy a lowrance h20c new or get a garmin etrex legend for basically free. I would probably have to wait awhile if I am going to get the lowrance where I could get the legend right away. This will be my first GPS unit. Also I have not decided between the lakemaster and navionics for sure so if anyone has input on this it will make my decision easier being the navionics is not compatible with garmin. I will be fishing minnesota mainly. Thanks for all your help.

The Legend CX will accept data cards the legend has to be synced with your computer to put the maps in. Some people like this so they can look at the lakes on the computer screen first.

If you are just going to be in MN than I would go with Lakemaster and you can get it in DVD or chip. Navionics has more coverage but on High definition lakes I found you cannot zoom in close enough to separate the contour lines on the H2O's.

You also would have the option of getting Garmins US inland lakes cd but I would go to there HSOforum to see if that would be right for you. Also if you can go with legend cx it will do turn by turn routing with the city select cd.

Hope this helps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
looneyducer Community Regular

looneyducer

Posted
Posted

Quote:

If money is an issue go for the H2O monochrome version. It's much easier to view than the color one in direct sunlight anyways.

Really?

I own the monochrome version and I have a tough time seeing anything on it in direct sunlight. I always thought the color would be better. Interesting.

By the way, as far as the free GPS goes, go for it. What do you have to lose? You mark some spots, you catch some fish, you decide you want the Lowrance... just transfer your spots and keep right on fishing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
hanson Grand Master

hanson

Posted
Posted

Quote:

I own the monochrome version and I have a tough time seeing anything on it in direct sunlight. I always thought the color would be better. Interesting.

Its worse in direct sunlight. With the color unit, you always have to have the backlight on which eats the batteries up really fast. Alot of guys running H20c's run them off auxiliary 12v power, through the cigarette lighter adapter.

I used a Garmin Etrex before I got my H20c and I really didn't like that unit at all. I thought it was small, cumbersome, and really not that user friendly as far as menu navigation is concerned.

The Lowrance products on the other hand are very intuitive and user friendly on a basic level, plus there are more than enough features to keep a computer tech busy when you dig into them.

The Lowrance products are ready to go for accepting a lake map chip, that old Etrex doesn't have the "plug & play" capability with lake map chips that you are desiring.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
prov1900 Mentor

prov1900

Posted
Posted

Speaking from experience on fishfinders only, you can see better in sunlight. You can also read the numbers, i.e. contour lines, etc with color, IMO. Actually, that is probably fact, because with monochrome, your eyes are differentiating between dark gray and light gray. Color units, whether they are fishfinders or handheld GPS units, or whatever, are more pleasing to the eye, therefore easier to read. OK, I made that part up...but I think that is somewhat of the scientific answer. Bottom line, they are easier to see in the day light and even easier to see at night. Spoil yourself if you can with color, I know I will never go back to monochrome.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Wallyeyes Enthusiast

Wallyeyes

Posted
Posted

I just bought the H2Oc last week, my first GPS, and I already love it. I've used my buddy's B&W H2O and I liked that unit, but the color, if you can afford it is the way to go. Still gotta get a map chip, but I like that I can see the blue water with the color one. No guessing, I guess.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CrappieAttitude Experienced

CrappieAttitude

Posted
Posted

Quote:

Color vs monochrome what does everyone like? Pro's Con's all that.

Here is a few to start the list off...

Color pros..

1. Very easy on the eyes

2. Seeing the different shades of blue to determine deeper water/shallower water

3. Seeing state forests and other wildlife areas in green comes in very handy when using the unit for hunting purposes

4. Being able to save your trails with a different color, so you know what route you took what day....PRICELESS

Color cons...

1. Hard to see in daylight without backlight on

2. Harder on batteries

3. More expensive than the monochrome

Monochrome pros...

1. It does everything the color version does

2. A little easier on the wallet

3. Easier on the batteries

Monochrome Cons....

1. It's not color smirk.gif

2. Everything is in a shade of gray. Harder to determine what you are seeing without zooming in.

Whichever way you go, you will be getting a great unit.

CA

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cletus Contributor

Cletus

Posted
Posted

I have the H20C with 2007 MN pro lakemaster chip. I couldn't be happier. One thing to keep in mind, however... go with what YOU are comfortable with. It is better to have ANY GPS and be confident than going with what you are "unsure" of and always be second guessing yourself. The more time you spend with your line down a hole... the more fish you will catch!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      Random Daily Pics

      By smurfy · Posted

      Truly sorry to hear that duffman! I know that feeling.  Keep the good memories  
    • Duffman
      Random Daily Pics

      By Duffman · Posted

      Chamois passed away this weekend a couple days short of her 13th bday. What a great dog to hang out with here at home and on distant adventures. Gonna miss ya big time my little big girl.
    • Crow Hunter
      New boat question

      By Crow Hunter · Posted

      Sounds pretty sweet, alright. I will check them out, thanks.
    • Wanderer
      New boat question

      By Wanderer · Posted

      If you really want to treat your wife (and yourself) with a remote operated trolling motor, the Minn Kota Ulterra is about easy as it gets.  Auto stow and deploy is pretty awesome.  You just have to turn the motor on when you go out and that the last time you have to touch it.   24V 80lb.  60 inch shaft is probably the right length for your boat.  They ain’t cheap - about $3k - but neither one of you would have to leave your seat to use it all day.
    • Crow Hunter
      New boat question

      By Crow Hunter · Posted

      Wanderer, thanks for your reply. I do intend for it to be 24 volt, with a thrust of 70-80. Spot lock is a must (my wife is looking forward to not being the anchor person any more).  With my old boat we did quite a lot of pulling shad raps and hot n tots, using the trolling motor. Unlikely that we will fish in whitecaps, did plenty of that when I was younger. I also need a wireless remote, not going back to a foot pedal. We do a fair amount of bobber fishing. I don't think I will bother with a depth finder on the trolling motor. I am leaning toward moving my Garmin depth finder from my old boat to the new one, just because I am so used to it and it works well for me. I am 70 years old and kinda set in my ways...
    • Wanderer
      New boat question

      By Wanderer · Posted

      Dang, new content and now answers.   First, congrats on the new boat!   My recommendation is to get the most thrust you can in 24V, assuming a boat that size isn’t running 36V.  80 might be tops?  I’m partial to MinnKota.     How do you plan to use the trolling motor is an important question too.     All weather or just nice weather?   Casting a lot or bait dragging?   Bobber or panfish fishing?   Spot lock?  Networked with depth finders?  What brand of depth finders?
    • smurfy
      Time for a smoke

      By smurfy · Posted

      Nords!
    • smurfy
      Time for a smoke

      By smurfy · Posted

    • Crow Hunter
      New boat question

      By Crow Hunter · Posted

      We have bought a new boat, which we will be picking up this spring. It is an Alumacraft Competitor 165 sport with a 90 horse Yamaha motor. I will be buying and installing a trolling motor,  wondering if I can get some recommendations on what pound thrust I will want for this boat?  Also, I will be selling my old boat, is there a good way to determine the value on an older boat ( mid-80's with a 75 horse 2-stroke  Mariner motor)  I will appreciate any help with these questions.
    • smurfy
      What's on the grill

      By smurfy · Posted

  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept