Those of you that own one, tell me about this unit...like it, dislike it, why? Can you run both Navionics and Lakemaster chips in them? I don't mean at the same time, but does the unit take both types of chips...!

I bought one last Spring and I like it a lot. Be advised, I've only used it for fishing the Great Lakes, so I haven't tested mine to see if it works in shallow, weedy water (several reports say "No", a recent software release may have resolved that problem). I have both Navionics Hotmaps and Lakemaster chips for it. The Lakemaster chips are a bit easier to use because the maps load automatically at startup. There's no point having both chips in the unit at once and I've settled on the Lakemaster Michigan for mine.

I like the bigger screen (compared to the 5" screen Lowrances). GPS works well. All around, I'm happy with this unit for my application. I'll probably install an Airmar P66 transducer for dual frequency use next summer in Lake MIchigan (I bought mine with the 200 KHz Skimmer which is fine for Saginaw Bay).

Lowrance is introducing a new line of sonars this winter. The X27C may become a discontinued model as a result. I'd watch for serious sales if you really want one.

Thanks Yarcraft. Need to hear stuff like this. My other question is, will I be able to use the "ethernet" with these units if I were to buy two of these? Thanks and keep the info coming!

I have been using one networked with a LCX 522 this year and it works great from my view. I was very impressed with the screen visability compared to the older color units. Networking two units via Ethernet is a snap, just one cable. It enables both units to view the transducer of either sonar unit if both have transducers connected.

I agree with yarcraft. I have 2 networked together and love everything about them. Only problem is every once in awhile, I'll turn them and and they seem to "lock up". Just have to hold the power button down and let them restart. If they do discontinue them and they get REAL cheap I'd buy another to put on my little 14' boat.

Does the X27 take all the most "recent" mapping chips? I'm not talking about the top of the line chips, but stuff that is still made and sold within the last 3-5 years.

I would guess so. My 28c hd takes older maps

Thanks Perchjerker,
I have some older chips that I was hoping to still be able to use but also was thinking of getting some updates on newer chips on bodies of water not yet fished. Keep the opinions coming!

Is that true about the shallow water concern o the 27c I was seriously considering buying one this winter.

Stay tuned. Lowrance has released some software for test purposes and it seemed to solve the problem in the LMS-527 I tested. I'm sure there will be reports on the X27C.

The new software update (2.4.0) seem to have solved the "shallow water/weedy bottom loss" problem on my LCX 27C, I never had a problem with the GPS part.
I really like the performance and high resolution detail 7" screen on this unit now and am happy with my purchase,
I don't have it hooked up/net worked with any other device though.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147739

Here is a good post to follow. I purchased 2 x27c's last May and have had issues with them from the start. But working with my dealer I have been able to work with some of the issues so far. I have not updated past 2.4 and am waiting for the final consensus on the new bata update. When they work, they work great! Love them! But I have issues with shallow water and units locking up and screen with total clutter top to bottom. I am in the process of sending pictures to Lowrance in the next few days so they can see what I am seeing. I am confident with the new up-dates they will correct these issues. The link above seems like they might already have it done.

Does the X27 take all the most "recent" mapping chips? I'm not talking about the top of the line chips, but stuff that is still made and sold within the last 3-5 years.


I would check to see what maps fit in what units, for example, black and white chips do not work in color units, at least the ones that I have don't.