h20/h20c ?'s

[griz29]

Does anyone out there use their h20 for highway navigation and fishing? I am looking at buying one but I would like to buy a unit that can do both - I was considering the lorance XOG but then I found out it was not WAAS enabled(no better than the etrex that I currently have) I have a bunch of gift cards and want to get something that I can use more than just when I am out fishing - let me know what you think

Thanks - Griz29

[jigglestick]

the garmin gps v had the road navigation feature if I'm not mistaken, telling you turn right in 200 ft etc.

but it did not have a means to insert the chips. it was ahead of the game six-seven years ago.

the h20 as far as I know does not do that, but it has all major and secondary roads as well as most forestry roads and goat trails, + it as you might know has the chip capabilitites also.

if you dont need something to tell you where your next turn is, and can follow the map on the screen, then the h20 is the way to go.

their customer service sucks though, in my opinion.

[griz29]

Thanks jigglestick - I don't need it to tell me were to turn just a good map is helpfull from time to time. I am considering going with the black and white h20 - was going to get the color but last night went load the wheeler into the truck and the wheeler slid on the ramp and I caught my rear tire on my roll up cover rail - cut 2 1/2 in gash in the side wall of my mud lite xtr tire a 160.00 fix so I might have cut back on getting all the bells and whistles. - Griz29

[Eastwind]

I'm sure that there are people that will share a differing opinion regarding this (that's why we are all here anyway) but I use a B&W H2O and see no advantage to getting a color model. Save the money and go with the monochrome.

[PerchJerker]

I have the b/w H2O, I've had it for years since before the color ones were on the market. If buying now I would go with color, it makes it much easier to distinguish the detail on the map chip.

iFinders and map chips give you a great overview of the roads in the state the chip is for, but you need to be zoomed in very close to see much detail. IF you're zoomed out to see a larger area you will lose much of the detail. I used mine for driving from time to time and it works, but is not very convenient. My wife has a Garmin Nuvi in her vehicle and that is MUCH better for driving and navigating, but is no help on the lakes.

[Rope]

Right now,I'm using my H2Oc for a speedometer.Mine is broken in my pickup and I just haven't made to the repair shop.Got mine from Pro Fishing Supply.Good guy to deal with.

[Esox_Magnum]

IMO color makes reading the unit so much easier. Best I can describe it is, would you watch TV in B&W? Once you go color on anything there is no going back. Downside is the color will eat up battries faster. I use Energizer Lithiums, some prefer rechargables. Both work better and last alot longer than any regular old battery. BTW Lowrance claims with Lithiums the unit will float, I haven't tested this but could save a spendy accident if true. I'm sure I'm not the only one the ice hole gremlins have visited.

[MasterClear]

I like the H20 except it lacks the Electronic Compass feature. The Expedition has that feature. Both accept chips from Navionics and LakeMaster. Color is a definate advantage. Just my opinion.

[Esox_Magnum]

Expedition also has the barametric pressure on it. A helpfull thing to have.

[Northlander]

Go color! Its MUCH easier to tel what is what on the screen. I like seeing the buoys in green or red. I had a black and white and took it back for the color. I have the H2Oc. If I were to get another I would get the Expedition for the compass. It makes getting on that spot on the spot a bit easier.

I use mine in the truck with a Lakemaster chip. It shows roads much better than my Navionics chips. I hear that the 09 Navionics Chip will be better in this area though.

If you want both fishing and driving your pretty limited to a hand held or the XOG. The XOG doesnt have WAAS and its not waterproof so it would have to be covered in a boat if you chose to use it there.

[FISHINGURU]

don't remind me lol...i wanted the expedition but they were sold out and back ordered for 3-4 weeks so i went with the h20c.