Lowrance x85

[mtheis]

I am like you in that I am using my Eagle Optima this year for ice fishing. My only worry is that Eagle recommends that you not use the depth finder 4 degrees below zero or less. I am building a carrying case at work and plan on using two six volt batteries in series that I can also get at work. They are the sealed emergency lamp type. I will share how it works when it is all together. I just can't justify a Vex when I have this Optima at home.

[Guest]

I've been using an Eagle Ultra-Classic portable for years.

I like it better than a flasher. I have a "fast-trak" on it, that gives the response similiar to a flasher. What I like about it more, is that you have the history of what is going on with the screen and you can also work your "grayline" to see "below bottom", for the fish that are traveling outside the imediate circle.

I do keep mine warm in the portable, and I do not let it sit on the ice.

As long as I have this, I won't buy a flasher.......

Main point is to keep it from freezing......

[Swamp Scooter]

I have used my Lowrance x-87 on the ice. Last year I used that and my Zercom CC. They worked fine together but I did get the different puck transducers. I mounted them in a plastic tackle boxes with the battery zip tied in. Makes a nice case, an extra work area that will not spill.

[Guest]

Just an FYI

8 D cell batteries come out to 12 volts. That is what my portable holds. That may be cheaper than 2 6 volts. Don't know, but it works good and I can get a lot of hours out of my 8 Duracells......

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Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[Cheers]

I rigged up my x65 on the weekend and it worked very well. In 23 feet I could pick out my minnow and split shot clearly. I used the battery from my aqua view, a pistol case from K Mart ( $9.50 ) and bolted the trans ducer on a 12 inch long metal tube attached to a 12 inch dowel forming a T shape that sits over my 9 inch hole . Works great and all fits into the padded case.

[Roostertail1]

I've heard everything and have fished under Vexilars and Marcums, and will probably own one someday. However, I have a Lowrance x85 that I am dying to try on ice. I have it just about ready to go, made a little carrying case for it, got the battery, new transducer, etc. I figure I'd give at the ol' college try and if I don't like it I'll pony up for the LX-3 or Fl-18 (I'll cross that bridge when I get to it). If there is anyone that has experience using this for the ice please reply with any comments...I would love to hear feedback. I'll be taking it on the trial run this week.

Thanks

[Roostertail1]

Thanks for the replies, I'm sure I'll have some other questions after the trial run, hopefully Wednesday eve.