IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Ice Fishing With Electronics => Topic started by: bpiatt on Oct 13, 2012, 03:55 PM
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Bean did an excellent job on his thread that includes all of the manufacturers info on mechanical flashers. This is my attempt to do the same for the LCD units. I've gathered all of the manufacturers information on them and compiled them in one location for easy comparison. Some information wasn't available online so I went ahead and contacted the manufacturers.
**Note** All prices are MSRP, most of the products can be found cheaper.
MarCum LX-9
(http://imageshack.us/a/img42/691/marcumlx9.png)
Cost: $1199.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 800 x 600 pixels, 8 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 8° or 20°
Power level: 4800 watts peak to peak / 600 RMS
Interference rejection: 12 levels (steps)
Sensitivity/Gain: 25 Levels
Zoom: Selectable (5’, 10’, 20’ and 40’) Zoom Windows. Bottom Lock or Infinitely Adjust in selected Zoom Window Size
Target separation: 1/2 inch
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt/9 amp sealed lead acid
Battery current draw: 700 milliamps per hour. (A Fully charged 9 amp battery can last up to 12.5 hours of continuous use).
Battery charger: 3-stage automatic charger
Display colors: Four user-selectable color palettes, can have up to 6 colors to display size/hardness of return signal
Depth ranges: 0 - 240 feet, Can adjust to any increments desired
Cases: Comes standard with a weather resistant, embroidered, padded, soft pack carry case on a plastic shuttle with gimble bracket and adjustable transducer arm.
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: Sony Super HAD II CCD underwater camera, DVR for recording and on-screen playback, Can Record Video to SD card for uploading to computer, Darkwater LED lighting technology, Comes with free camera panner, 75ft camera cable, Exclusive Dynamic Depth/ Range, Exclusive Sonar Footprint Display, Water resistant, Target Adjust Image Magnifier, Adjustable Night-Vis Backlight, 8ft Transducer Cable, High Speed Transducer sold separately for open water use, Has an open Water mode with traditional graph for marking fish and structure, Upgradeable via USB port, LCD is heated, No moving Parts
MarCum LX-7
(http://imageshack.us/a/img826/11/marcumlx7.png)
Cost: $699.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 800 x 600 pixels, 8 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 8° or 20°
Power level: 4800 watts peak to peak / 600 RMS
Interference rejection: 12 levels (steps)
Sensitivity/Gain: 25 Levels
Zoom: Selectable (5’, 10’, 20’ and 40’) Zoom Windows. Bottom Lock or Infinitely Adjust in selected Zoom Window Size
Target separation: 1/2 inch
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt/9 amp sealed lead acid
Battery current draw: 700 milliamps per hour. (A Fully charged 9 amp battery can last up to 12.5 hours of continuous use).
Battery charger: 3-stage automatic charger
Display colors: Four user-selectable color palettes, can have up to 6 colors to display size/hardness of return signal
Depth ranges: 0 - 240 feet, Can adjust to any increments desired
Cases: Comes standard with a weather resistant, embroidered, padded, soft pack carry case on a plastic shuttle with gimble bracket and adjustable transducer arm.
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: Exclusive Dynamic Depth/ Range, Exclusive Sonar Footprint Display, Water resistant, Target Adjust Image Magnifier, Adjustable Night-Vis Backlight, 8ft Transducer Cable, High Speed Transducer sold separately for open water use, Has an open Water mode with traditional graph for marking fish and structure, Upgradeable via USB port, LCD is heated, No moving Parts
MarCum LX-6
(http://imageshack.us/a/img407/2294/marcumlx6.png)
Cost: $ 599.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 640 x 480 / 6 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 8° or 20°
Power level: 4800 watts peak-to-peak / 600 RMS
Interference rejection: 12 Levels
Sensitivity/Gain: 25 Levels
Zoom: Selectable (5’, 10’, 20’ and 40’) Zoom Windows. Bottom Lock or Infinitely Adjust in selected Zoom Window Size
Target separation: 3/4 inch
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 9 amp hour
Battery current draw: 600 milliamps (A fully Charged 9AH battery can last up to 15 hours of continuous use)
Battery charger: 3 Stage Automatic
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 240 feet max
Cases: Soft Sided Carry Case
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: Exclusive Dynamic Depth/ Range, Water Resistant, Exclusive Sonar Footprint Display, Target Adjust Image Magnifier, Adjustable Night-Vis Backlight, 8ft transducer cable, Upgradeable via USB port, LCD is heated, No Moving Parts, High Speed Transducer sold separately for open water use, Has an open Water mode with traditional graph for marking fish and structure
ShowDown 5.6 Dual Beam
(http://imageshack.us/a/img534/9749/showdowndualbeam.png)
Cost: $ 399.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 6 x 1 inches
Cone angles: 8° or 20°
Power level: 8000 watts peak to peak
Interference rejection: 10 levels
Sensitivity/Gain: 25 Levels
Zoom: Auto Bottom Lock Zoom – adjusts to the bottom 25% of the water column, Moveable Zoom – Infinitely adjustable, anywhere in the water column
Target separation: 1/2 Inch
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 9 amp hour
Battery current draw: 400 milliamps (A fully charged 9AH battery can last up to 22.5 hours of continuous use)
Battery charger: 3 Stage Charger
Display colors: Grey Scale, Darker = stronger signal
Depth ranges: 240-foot Range with Auto Depth Scale function
Cases: Comes standard with a weather resistant, embroidered, padded, soft pack carry case on a plastic shuttle
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: No moving parts - Maximizes run-time between charges, Ice-Mode activates Internal Heater to aid LCD in extreme conditions, Surface clutter elimination, Daylight Viewable Backlit Display, Water Resistant, Overall dimension of Actual Unit head is 8 x 2.75 inches
ShowDown 5.6
(http://imageshack.us/a/img715/2084/showdownsinglebeam.png)
Cost: $ 349.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 6 x 1 inches
Cone angles: 20°
Power level: 8000 watts peak to peak
Interference rejection: 10 levels
Sensitivity/Gain: 25 Levels
Zoom: Auto Bottom Lock Zoom – adjusts to the bottom 25% of the water column, Moveable Zoom – Infinitely adjustable, anywhere in the water column
Target separation: 1/2 Inch
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 9 amp hour
Battery current draw: 400 milliamps (A fully charged 9AH battery can last up to 22.5 hours of continuous use)
Battery charger: 3 Stage Charger
Display colors: Grey Scale, Darker = stronger signal
Depth ranges: 240-foot Range with Auto Depth Scale function
Cases: Comes standard with a weather resistant, embroidered, padded, soft pack carry case on a plastic shuttle
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: No moving parts - Maximizes run-time between charges, Ice-Mode activates Internal Heater to aid LCD in extreme conditions, Surface clutter elimination, Daylight Viewable Backlit Display, Water Resistant, Overall dimension of Actual Unit head is 8 x 2.75 inches
ShowDown Troller 2.0
(http://imageshack.us/a/img193/1271/icetroller.png)
Cost: $ 199.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 5-inch Digital Vertical LCD
Cone angles: 20°
Power level: 4000 watts peak to peak
Interference rejection: 10 levels
Sensitivity/Gain: 25 Levels
Zoom: Auto Bottom Lock Zoom – adjusts to the bottom 25% of the water column
Target separation: 2 Inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 6 AA batteries (upgradable to 12v with performance pack)
Battery current draw: Runs 20 Hours on 6 AA
Battery charger: Sold Seperate (with Performance Pack)
Display colors: Grey Scale, Darker = stronger signal
Depth ranges: 120-foot Range with Auto Depth Scale function
Cases: Comes with none, One is available for purchase with performace pack
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: No moving parts - Maximizes run-time between charges, Ice-Mode activates Internal Heater to aid LCD in extreme conditions, Water Resistant, Surface clutter elimination, Daylight Viewable Backlit Display, Can add the Performance Pack (includes battery, 3 stage charger, Waterproof soft neoprene case, transducer arm, wiring harness, and mounting bracket) for an additional 49.99 (MSRP)
Lowrance Elite 5 Ice Machine
(http://imageshack.us/a/img338/799/lowranceelite5icemachin.gif)
Cost: $ 649.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 480 x 480-pixel / 5 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 20°
Power level: 4000 watts peak to peak / 500 RMS
Interference rejection: 4 Levels (Low, Medium, High, Off)
Sensitivity/Gain: 20 Levels
Zoom: Yes
Target separation: 3.4 inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 7 amp hour
Battery current draw: 750 milliamps (A fully charged 7AH battery can last up to 9 hours)
Battery charger: Charger Included
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 1000 feet max
Cases: Weatherproof soft-side pack; zippered access and storage pockets; mesh stow pouches; adjustable display platform riser
Warranty: 1 year
Miscellaneous: Precision internal 16-channel GPS antenna, built-in basemap with U.S. waters detail, and microSD card slot for LakeMaster®* and Navionics® cartography options, Adjustable Back Lighting, Waterproof, Can buy High Speed Transducer to make excellent open water unit, No moving Parts
Lowrance Elite 4 Ice machine
(http://imageshack.us/a/img100/7076/elite4icemachine.jpg)
Cost: $ 399.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 320 x 240 / 3.5 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 20°
Power level: 2100 watts peak-to-peak / 262 RMS
Interference rejection: 4 Levels (Low, Medium, High, Off)
Sensitivity/Gain: 20 Levels
Zoom: Yes
Target separation: 3.4 inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 7 amp hour
Battery current draw: 750 milliamps (A fully charged 7AH battery can last up to 9 hours)
Battery charger: Charger Included
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 800 feet max
Cases: Weatherproof soft-side pack; zippered access and storage pockets; mesh stow pouches; adjustable display platform riser, includes 2 tackle trays
Warranty: 1 year
Miscellaneous: Precision internal 16-channel GPS antenna, built-in basemap with U.S. waters detail, and microSD card slot for LakeMaster®* and Navionics® cartography options, Adjustable Back Lighting, Waterproof, Can buy High Speed Transducer to make excellent open water unit, No moving Parts
Lowrance Elite 4x Ice Machine
(http://imageshack.us/a/img211/1320/elite4x.jpg)
Cost: $ 299.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 320 x 240 / 3.5 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 20°
Power level: 2100 watts peak-to-peak / 262 RMS
Interference rejection: 4 Levels (Low, Medium, High, Off)
Sensitivity/Gain: 20 Levels
Zoom: Yes
Target separation: 3.4 inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 7 amp hour
Battery current draw: 750 milliamps (A fully charged 7AH battery can last up to 9 hours)
Battery charger: Charger Included
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 800 feet max
Cases: Weatherproof soft-side pack; zippered access and storage pockets; mesh stow pouches; adjustable display platform riser, includes 2 tackle trays
Warranty: 1 year
Miscellaneous: Adjustable Back Lighting, Same unit as Elite 4 except does not have GPS, Waterproof, Can buy High Speed Transducer to make excellent open water unit, No moving Parts
Humminbird ICE 597ci HD Combo
(http://imageshack.us/a/img10/7246/ice597cihd.jpg)
Cost: $ 649.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 640 x 640 / 5 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 20° or 60°
Power level: 4000 watts peak-to-peak / 500 RMS
Interference rejection: 5 settings ( Low, Medium, High 1, High 2, High 3)
Sensitivity/Gain: 20 Levels
Zoom: Yes
Target separation: 2.5 inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 7 amp hour AGM Battery
Battery current draw: 615 milli amp (A fully charged 7AH battery can last up to 11.5 hours)
Battery charger: Charger Included
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 1000 feet max
Cases: Soft Sided Carry Case
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: 50 Channel Internal Precision GPS, Chartplotting, Humminbird UniMap, SD Card Slot for adding new Maps, Backlight, Waterproof, Can buy High Speed Transducer to make excellent open water unit, No moving parts
Humminbird ICE 385ci Combo
(http://imageshack.us/a/img515/2605/ice385cicombo.jpg)
Cost: $ 449.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 320 x 240 / 3.5 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 20° or 60°
Power level: 2400 watts peak-to-peak / 300 RMS
Interference rejection: 5 settings ( Low, Medium, High 1, High 2, High 3)
Sensitivity/Gain: 20 Levels
Zoom: Yes
Target separation: 2.5 inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 7 amp hour
Battery current draw: 480 milli amp draw (A fully charged 7AH battery can last up to 14.5 hours)
Battery charger: Charger Included
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 1000 feet max
Cases: Soft Sided Carry Case
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: 50 Channel Internal Precision GPS, Chartplotting, Humminbird UniMap, SD Card Slot for adding new Maps, Can buy High Speed Transducer to make excellent open water unit, No moving parts
Humminbird ICE 345c
(http://imageshack.us/a/img805/3031/ice345c.jpg)
Cost: $ 329.99 (MSRP)
Screen Resolution/size: 320 x 240 / 3.5 inches Diagonal
Cone angles: 20° or 60°
Power level: 2400 watts peak-to-peak / 300 RMS
Interference rejection: 5 settings ( Low, Medium, High 1, High 2, High 3)
Sensitivity/Gain: 20 Levels
Zoom: Yes
Target separation: 2.5 inches
Transmit frequency: 200 KHz
Battery: 12 volt 7 amp hour
Battery current draw: 480 milli amp draw (A fully charged 7AH battery can last up to 14.5 hours)
Battery charger: Charger Included
Display colors: Full Color Display
Depth ranges: 1000 feet max
Cases: Soft Sided Carry Case
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: Same Unit as 385ci except does not have a GPS, Can buy High Speed Transducer to make excellent open water unit, No moving parts
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Customer Service
MarCum: I called MarCum to verify my information and to figure out how big the screens are on the ShowDowns. I called their customer service number and Chris answered the phone almost immediately after it started ringing, no menus or button pushing, and he spoke perfect english. He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of my questions. He was unsure of the exact dimensions of the screen on the ShowDowns so he put me on hold so he could go measure. I was on hold for less than 60 seconds and he was able to give me the numbers I was looking for. Based on my experiences with MarCum's customer service I give them an A+ rating.
Lowrance: I called Lowrance because I could not find the interference rejection, exact cone angles, target separation, or battery draw of their Ice units online. When I called I selected the options necessary to get someone on the phone. After the last option I was instantly connected with Bob, I did not have to wait on hold at all. Bob spoke perfect english and knew the answers to all of my questions and he was very nice and helpful. I explained what I was doing on this forum and he took the time to verify all of my numbers and filled in the blanks I had. At one point in our phone call we were disconnected, Bob called me back before I could even finish re-dialing their number. I have never had an issue with a Lowrance product where ive had to ship something to them so based on my limited experience with Lowrance's customer service I give them an A+ rating.
Humminbird: I was having trouble finding information about the sensitivity settings and interference rejection of Humminbird's ICE units. I called their support number and after entering a few options I was connected with Matt. Matt spoke perfect english and he was helpful and was able to answer all of my questions. He was caught a bit off guard because he had just learned that the ICE 597ci went on sale as I was on the phone with him. He quickly found the answers to the questions I had and also informed me that I can download all of the user manuals to any of their products right on their website. He never put me on hold and my overall experience was excellent. I have never had to return a Humminbird product to them and based on my experience with their customer service I rate them A+.
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Alright, this was a chore but its all done. I have verified all of the specifications with each company. I hope this helps anyone who might be in the market for a new LCD flasher this winter. Just incase anyone is curious about which I own, i chose the LX-7. I am slightly biased towards MarCum just because of what they have done for me in the past, but the specs of the LX-7 really are a notch above the competitors. I really like the 1/2 inch separation, the super crisp display, the 8° or 20° transducer and the fact that this unit was designed with the ice angler in mind.
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Thanks for putting this together BP, should help people make a choice between the LCD units with the facts laid out all in one spot. Good job!!! :thumbsup:
I also chose the LX-7, they had a rough start last year but the update made up for it.
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Thanks for putting this together BP, should help people make a choice between the LCD units with the facts laid out all in one spot. Good job!!! :thumbsup:
I also chose the LX-7, they had a rough start last year but the update made up for it.
Thanks Gill, I've been wanting to do this ever since I read Beans thread. The lx-7 definitely was definitely a little rushed but they made it right. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.
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Thanks for the great post. I'm sure it'll help out lots of people in the market for a new maching, I know it would've saved me hours of research last year when I was buying my first machine. I ended up buying a Showdown Dual Beam and am very happy with it.
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Did you ever ask anything about the Elite 5 with down imaging? Is it possible to use that unit on the ice? It would be nice to have this unit for open water then be able to use it on hard water also.
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Did you ever ask anything about the Elite 5 with down imaging? Is it possible to use that unit on the ice? It would be nice to have this unit for open water then be able to use it on hard water also.
No I did not, I would imagine that as long as it has an ice mode that you'll be able to use it ice fishing. I know that their ice ducer fits most models.
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well done my hats off to ya
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Very nice job and a lot of work putting it all in one thread. I went with the LX-7 last year and didn't regret it although the LX-9 has me interested.
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I cannot tell you how helpful this was! Well done! :) By reading people's comment from ice shanty and this post I purchasesd the Lowrance elite 4 IceMachine for $397, waiting for its arrival.
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Thanks guys! Happy to have helped
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Received my Lowrance Elite 4 IceMachine today! Straight forward set up though unsure what the extra washer and wing nut was for. Called customer support twice both times received immediate response and friendly service. Issue with sonar (small scratch) they are sending new one, no return needed. Also have a minor flex on mid layer screen. They sent RMA to my email address while on the phone. Answered many other questions I.e snap system into base it doesn't just sit there loosely, wing nut is for another unit packaged together etc... THANKS Lowrance if it wasn't for their support I would have been concerned. BTW....system appears to be everything I'm looking for especially in the flasher and battery meter.
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What an outstanding job of putting all this info together!!
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Wheres Vexilar?
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Back in 1995
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MARCUM LX 5
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You will be very happy with the humminbird.
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What's the difference between the elite 4 ice machine and just an elite 4?
Also what is the difference between the garmin 300c and the garmin 300c echo.
Thanks.
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This is fantastic...I've been going back for a few weeks between the lowrance elite 4 and the humminbird 385ci
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my question is is the lx 7 worth $100.00 more than the lx6 ant the only difference is more pixel's, a 1/4 inch target seperation, and a bigger screen thats inch bigger per side? just would like to hear if it's worth it? i now own a lx5 and am looking to upgrade in the future?
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I just used my new lx7 this week after using a lx5 the last 3years and all I can say is this thing is great. I did look at the 7 and 6 side by side and I think the bigger screen was worth getting. Also can upgrade to having camera like the lx9 if I ever decide to go that route.
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well I pulled the trigger on an lx6 and all I can say is wow I'm very pleased with the unit so many options and for the screen being smaller I really like it it's really not that small imo you can really tell the weight difference from the lx5 so if the lx7 is heavier than the lx6 then I think it would be a pain to hole hope with all day long just my two cents about it.....
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Why would anyone like a flasher?? All you see is Red,Green or Yellow lines???
;)Humminbird makes the best fish finders now with RTS window- Real Time Sonar so when you jig you see your jig move and when a fish shows up you actually see it as a fish and you move your jig to him or if he comes to you- you see him right on your jig. Not a red,green or yellow line moving around..
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Just read all the above and wondering if there is any thing new on the market that should be looked at? I have always used a flasher but am intrigued by these units. I currently use a Vex 22 and I am not convinced it is the best thing for me.
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Still kicking around buying the Fl-28. $660.00 is still to much for a flasher.
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Still kicking around buying the Fl-28. $660.00 is still to much for a flasher.
It is a lot of money, but such a great investment. Bought mine midway through last season & couldn't be happier with it.
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sjensen,
Check out Vexilars website for their refurbs. My Dad bought a refurb FLX28 for over $100 less than normal sticker price and you couldn't find a scratch on it!!! Also comes with a full warranty and Vex's excellent customer service!!!
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I would like to have a good sonar for ice fishing with GPS. My Lowrance Elite 7 HDI works well sometimes but not near another sonar IR set on high or low really doesn't make any difference. I would rather not drag two sonars around on the ice but I have been bringing my Showdown along too because it is often much easier to use and gives a more usable display in some situations. A friend is using my Vexilar fl8se and the Vexilar can be used near the Showdown without interference problems. The best that can be done with the Lowrance is looking through massive clutter and only seeing my jig some of the time. I want to spend my fishing time fishing not pressing buttons to make adjustments so much. Flashers are more user friendly for me on ice, quick easy adjustments and effective. The Lowrance can work well sometimes but can be a pain in the butt. Anyone have suggestions for one that would work better and have effective interference rejection.
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Anyone have an extra soft pack for a Marcum vx-1 they would be willing to sell?
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I have a Showdown 5.6 but my son wants to start ice fishing with me. I also have a Lowrance elite-5 on my boat. I would like to get the ice pack so I could use the elite-5 on the ice. But there are two different versions because lowrance changed connectors on the ice packs from a uni-plug to separate plugs for power and transducer.
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looking at the new Marcum finders. They are pricey and they don't even include GPS mapping. Can spend the same for a Garmin EchoMap DV ice kit. Just wondering why they are so much more when you are missing the GPS feature.
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Anyone have an extra soft pack for a Marcum vx-1 they would be willing to sell?
add your location I have a OVS Bag identical other than Logo
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Has anyone played with the Garmin?