Is it worth it?

[Sandmannd]

There have been a few threads on these and didn't want to hyjack them. I have a lowrance x17 gps/sonar and works fine. I'm thinking of getting the lowrance 522c. What are the pros/cons of getting this? Six bones is a lot for me. Is it going to be a big improvment? Right now I have a hard time marking fish on my x17 so thinking of upgrading but before I do I wanted some opinions on it. I'm going to move my x17 up front if I get the 522c.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I'll ask you this, if you say your x17 works fine for you, then why upgrade? Just a question you need to ask yourself.

I dont have a 522c but the boat I was in for the Sturgeon Excursion had one. I'm not an electronics savy guy. Heck, while in the lounge, Shamu taught me how to use my digital camera. The 522c was very easy to operate and it marked both fish and bait balls very well. Swtiching screens was simple as was marking waypoints. This was my first time using this unit.

I'm in the process of reworking my boat. I'm very seriously thinking about getting the black and white version, I believe it's the 520 but I'm not for sure. That's how much I liked the unit. Personally, since I can't see colors it's not worth the extra $$ for me to purchase a color unit.

[Sandmannd]

 Originally Posted By: boilerguy

I'll ask you this, if you say your x17 works fine for you, then why upgrade? Just a question you need to ask yourself.

Well, it works OK.. I think I am not marking fish as well as it should. I've heard the newer models are much better and the color screens help a lot. Just looking to see what folks think and if it's worth it. Maybe I just need to take someone in the boat that really knows how to work mine right.

[buddha]

I went from an X-15 to a LCX-37 and once you make the switch you will wonder why you didn't earlier. If it works for you keep going as long as you can. My X-15 was losing GPS and didn't seem to pick up as many marks especially when I was in other boat with newer sonar/gps units. It is a lot of money but you need to decide if it is worth it to you, besides Lowrance is giving away a free Lakemaster chip right now.

[hanson]

Is it worth it?

IMO... Yes!!

I run an LMS-334c (which is the older version of what you are looking at). The color screen is awesome. Its bright and easy to read, even in the sun.

The LMS-520c has the external GPS antenna while the LMS-522c has the internal GPS antenna. My 334 has an internal antenna and I like it alot. If its the only GPS you are putting on your boat, the internal antenna is a good choice. If you have multiple GPSs and Lowrancenet networking, you'll need an external GPS antenna.

I'd try and buy one when Cabela's has their Club Member discounts. Spend $500 or more and get $100 type of deals.

[davesfriend]

I have the 525c, and yes these things really mark fish well. I love the color. The 525 and the 522 are basically the same. I use it alot and I love it. Very easy to controll. I am computer savy, but you don't need to be with these. If you can use a cell phone this will be easy to learn. Woth every penny!!

[TrophyEyes]

I got my 520c for $550 and it was worth the upgrade. Ask around and wait for a sale or one of those save 10% events.

[Sandmannd]

Where'd ya find it for that price? Best I've found is $609. Saw one on Craig's for $550, but I'd rather buy something like that from a store.

[muskiechaser]

Check HSOList, I got mine there (522c) last year from a guy who runs one of those stores there, $600 for the 522 and new lakemaster chip. I do really like it, but I don't think I'm using it to it's potential.

[Sandmannd]

 Originally Posted By: muskiechaser

Check HSOList, I got mine there (522c) last year from a guy who runs one of those stores there, $600 for the 522 and new lakemaster chip. I do really like it, but I don't think I'm using it to it's potential.

I love hsolist but for $9 more I'll just go to Thorne Bros and get great service from them as usual.

[TrophyEyes]

I got the 520c at GM because they price matched cabela's price of $599, then I had a 10% off coupon when I use my GM credit card. I also got a $25 gift card in the mail because of the purchase.

[JohnMickish]

Why not keep the X17 and use it as a GPS only and get a color sonar? You already have the GPS and a color sonar is cheaper than a color sonar/GPS. That way you will get bigger screens for both. I currently run a 7" GPS and a 5" sonar and wouldn't have it any other way.

[Sandmannd]

Well I pulled the trigger on it yesterday. Cabelas in Rogers had them for $599 and Saturday and Sunday they paid the tax. So I picked it up and moved the x15 (wasn't an x17) to the front. Did the install today and it didn't take too long. I thought the 5" screen would bug me, but it's got such a nice pic, I think it's going to be great on the water.