Electronic's Question

[jigncraw]

So I had a chance to use a Humminbird 45 and 55 last season courtesy of Jeff Chisolm. Both units are awesome, but I have found a great deal on a Lowrance Ice Machine. How do these compare? I would consider a Vexilar FL8 as well. I am looking for the best bang for my buck around the 300 dollar mark.

Thanks all!!

[BenBeattie]

This is a well discussed topic.....  My advice would be 'try it before you buy it'. 

[icejunky]

thats sound advice. From what I have seen on the ice, the humminbird is much better unit then the lowrance, but thats a look and not touch opinon.

[Snakehunter]

I got the Ice35 last March for around $300 delivered. I love it.

[IceFisher64]

only used lowrance x67 ice.fantastic machine wont leave home without it

[seabass81]

Ice 55 user here and love it . If the lowrance you are reffering to is the same as the showdown I have heard negative things against them but once again I have never used one .

Sometimes in cases like these you get what you pay for

[walleyepro1]

Never have used a electronic device but i am hoping to pick one up this year.What would be a good device looking to spend no more then 300 to 400 dollars on one.

[jigncraw]

Thanks for the tips, still looking for a deal, hopefully a H-Bird 45 or 55 pops up somewhere cheap!!

[viciouscircle]

I guess i have to chime in being an x67c owner.

Love mine...best value out there for $300 or under. Has a flasher, graph and can be used on a boat too. It is nothing like a showdown and people saying units are bad without tying them are not useful.

I've heard good things about the 35 and 55s, even seen 'em in action. I have used an old vex and dont like the noise or the flashing swirly lights...freaks me out lol.

I love using my graph....thats just me.

[sig]

Nothing brings up more controversy on the form than the make of sonar.  The guys that use Marcum say they are the best,  the guys that use Hummingbird swear by theirs and the guys that have Vexilar think they are the
rolls royce of sonar if you don`t have vexilar you have no class.  It`s like the Ford/Chev wars.....mine is best,
Me I just open up a hole and holler down any fish here,.....Good luck on your quest they are all good just get whatever you can afford, PLUS A GUARANTEE.
CHEERS Sig sends VVV

[Ice Cream Headache]

Performance-wise, I think the FL8 and the X67c are very similar.   I think it depends on whether you prefer an LCD screen or the LED flasher screen.     

I have a Marcum flasher, but my buddy has the Ice Machine.  I think I prefer a standard LED flasher, but the Ice Machine is still a really nice unit.   It definitely worked when we fished for both panfish and whitefish/lakers.    The added bonus of the Ice Machine is you can choose between a flasher mode and the standard side-scrolling sonar.

I think the Ice Machine is the best bang for the buck right now.

 

[Snakehunter]

People are right when they say you should have some experience with a product before expressing an opinion.
I used to use a Fisheasy 3 portable graph. Worked great as a depth finder and would mark large fish no prob.
Deep water and smaller fish = forget it.
Over the years I have either used, or a buddy has used, a Marcum LX5, Vexilar 12 and 20, Simon's Ice Machine above, and my last purchase,  a Humminbird Ice35.

All are great machines. I would have bought a more expensive unit if I could have afforded one, but I am very happy with the Ice35.
It is incredibly sensitive. Easy to learn how to use. As cheap or cheaper than just about any other unit. It works every bit as good as the entry level Vex or Marcum IMHO.

I researched the heck out of flashers and graphs before putting my cash out for mine. I would suggest any person do the same.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
Glen.

[Fisherman 1]

I went to look at a few of the "rotary" models this morning in a new store that opened.  The one model in particular Humminbird 45 was flickering so bad, if I had to look at that thing for more than 2 minutes in my hut, I would smash it, again and again and again.  It was like staring at a tri coloured strobe light.

[perchslappinmy]

Thanks for the tips, still looking for a deal, hopefully a H-Bird 45 or 55 pops up somewhere cheap!!

The 55 can be had for $351.20 after shipping,tax and mail-in rebate. The 45 is $298.46 likewise but you don't get the soft case with the 45. Prices are in the US.

[walleyeburner]

The 55 can be had for $351.20 after shipping,tax and mail-in rebate. The 45 is $298.46 likewise but you don't get the soft case with the 45. Prices are in the US.

the HB ice 55 is at 351$ can you tell me what store? the cheaper one i find is 420$

thank you

[RickOnt]

My$.02

I have a HBird Ice 55 and really like it it is a Great machine and I would Highly recommend it.

However right now for value and a unit that works as advertised you can't beat the Lowrance 67 Ice Machine! Most Dealers are blowinf them out at very reduced Prices to make room for the new and improved 2012 units

But!!
If you can get a HBird Ice 55 for $352 Buy it Quick!!!

Rick

[step2jimi]

I got the showdown ice troller last year and i love it. I have hear good and bad things about it but i cant say enough about it. It works through the ice to find depths but doesnt mark fish all that well through the ice. But more often then not i just drill a bunch of holes and bop around. Drop a jig down watch the screen and when it hits the bottom i bounce a few times and wait if nothing shows up on the screen i leave. I limted out many times on perch with this unit after years of only catching a few a day. It makes all the difference. Im sure there are better but for 200 bucks you cant beat it.