Handheld GPS

[Brade04]

I'm looking to buy a handheld GPS. I would use it for ice fishing mainly maybe some hunting and summer fishing. I don't really want to spend more than $250-$300. But I would like something with good graphics and simple to use. What do you suggest? Thanks

[MUSKYMAN1011]

I'd take a close look at GARMIN

[BigWadeS]

you can do a search in here and find out a lot of information. I personally use a Lowrance H2O and love it, the H2OC is the same but color, good luck

[Brade04]

Any thoughts on the Garmin Etrex Venture HC. I can get it at Cabelas for $160.00. Can I download maps of lakes on this GPS?

[toughguy]

I have a lowrance H2OC and I love it. Best unit for ice if you ask me. Just make sure that whatever you get takes a lakemaster or navionics chip. These make the unit 2 or 3 times more usufull as they show you the depths on many of the lakes in the state.

[DTro]

Far and away the favorite among fisherman the past few years has been the Lowrance IFinder H2O and for good reason. It works great and is simple to use. Toss in a Navionics or Lakemaster Chip and you are ready to roll.

[Brade04]

I'm on the Cabela's HSOforum right now but it doesn't say if it has the lakemaster or navionics chip

[dan z]

thats an extra deal they dont come with the unit.

[Brade04]

But almost every unit is capable of having it?

[IcePro]

Lowrance I-Finder Expedtition C plus has all the bells and whistles that you need.

Takes Lakemaster or Navionic map chips. The plus version comes with additional card reader and map create.

[Note from Admin, please read forum policy beofre posting again, thank-you.]

[Brade04]

What state is this HSOforum out of? Is it safe to trust it? Or is it a scam HSOforum?

[IcePro]

Out of Chicago, IL.

Orderd one myself last week and was notfied yesterday it was shipped.

I called the order in instead on-line.

[Brade04]

Did you have to order the lakemaster chip separate?

[IcePro]

Brade04

No matter what gps unit you buy you will need to order the map chip seperatley.

[Brade04]

I understand that. But where on this site did you find this chip

[IcePro]

They do not sell the maps. You will need to go to a local retailer or order on-line from someone that does.

[croixflats]

Check out "ProFishingSupply" He has garmin and the lowrance. PerchJerker has realy good prices.

[Brade04]

Out of Waconia, MN?

[polarsusd81]

Yeah, Perchjerkers Pro Fishing Supply will have great prices. One thing that happens often with online discount retailers is you end up getting just the unit and none of the included accesories, wont happen at PFS. They normally come with the 12V acc. plug so you can run it off the bigger battery on the wheeler, sled, or truck.

Many people have been on the rotten end of a "deal" gone bad with discount on-line retailers and camera purchases.

[dan z]

both chips are nice but they seem to be a little off but they do help a lot on the hard water. I have both of them the lakmaster has everything on it. the navionics (regional) chip shuts off roads to show lake details. and for you information the lakemaster (minnesota) has all the public lands and such on it.

[croixflats]

Garmin has there own make of the Lakemaster chip.

The Garmin 60cx will run you about $289 where as the The I finder H2O run you $149. ProFishingSupply will sell the map chips also.

I'm going to get the Garmin being I already have the garmin Lakemaster chip.I think with the garmin you getting better quality IMO. And they have been doing the GPS thing a lot longer.

With ProFishingSupply you get a price cut on the navionics or the the lakemaster chip when you buy a GPS unit.

[riverrat56]

I'm a Lowrance fan, H20c for me, I paid $270 for it plus the Lakemaster 08 chip, tack on another $100 and tax and your over $400, but if you go with greyscale version it is only $170, so around $300 total. If that is your max price range then that is my recommendation, but the color sure is nice on sunny days.

[citypaddler37]

i have the ifinder and love it. my dad got one the week after using/seeing mine. the biggest surprise was the battery life - very, very good.

the lakefinder chip is PRICELESS, especially ice fishing. the price seems a little steep, but imagine how much it would cost to buy paper maps of every lake in MN that you can't use w/ the GPS. I looked all over when I bought the chip and found about a $5 difference at most from different places, so I bought it locally.

[Brade04]

If I want the Garmin Etrex Legend Vista HCX what card should I get?

[Sandmannd]

I have the H2O and love it. If you have the money go to color, if you are tight on budget, get the B&W and go with a chip. IMO the chip is more valuable than the color. But if you can afford both, then go that route.