Need some advice

[Wishin I was fishin]

I need some advice. I am looking to purchase a new fish finder/gps combo for my boat. I would prefer something with color sonar/gps and an external chip slot for lake maps, but of course money is an issue and I would appreciate any help with pointing me in the right direction. I am looking in the $300 - $500 price range. I have been looking online a lot and have decided that I need an opinion from someone who knows more about them than me, and that would be just about anyone! Thanks in advance for your help.

[steffanf]

I believe the Lowrance X-522c is in the upper class of what you are looking for... around $500. Also, if you can find one, try to get ahold of the just discontinued X-332c. They stopped making them last year, but (I believe) there is no difference between them and the new X-522c. Someone tell me if I'm wrong here. Since it has been superceded and discontinued, you can get ahold of one of these for $300-$400 and it comes with everything you are looking for.

-Gregg B.

[buddha]

I think you are correct seffanf on the 322, the only diff is the 522 has radar. The 522c is a great option and the one I would choose with a limited budget.

[Sandmannd]

I've been looking into these myself. I believe the 522 series are around 650 from what I've seen online. If you buy them before July 7th you get a rebate for a free lakemaster chip which is an $80 value. Let me know if you find any deals out there though.

[Central Bassman]

I would go with the 522. It might be a little more money then what you want to spend but in the long run you will be happier that you did it. I don't think you are going to find a unit with chip capability for around $350. You will find gps/sonar units for that price but most of them don't read chips. Lowrance makes great products and i have been really happy with all the lowrance units i have used. Hummingbird makes some good units from what i have been told, but i dont know for sure.