View Full Version : High End Locator Opinion
Road King
03-14-2002, 10:14 AM
I only got a couple responses to a previous question on this so I thought I would try this one more time. I am in the market for a high end locator and would like to know what some of the top choices would be. My electronics are the most important part of my boat to me so I don't mind spending more for a great product. I have used Pinpoint, Bottomline, Humminbird, and Garmin. Should I stay with one of these or is anybody using something else they think is better. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks again.
Captjoe
03-14-2002, 05:10 PM
Lots of good units out there. Just remember --- you get what you pay for. I've been doing lots of looking also -- Lowrance 15 & 16 have been my favorites.
Just bought a different boat and it has a Genetron G-9. Haven't had the chance to use it yet, but by reading many of the threads, sounds like an awesome unit to most people. As with any unit, some people have experienced some problems or had disagreements with others opinions.
My experience --- buy the best you can afford. Most companies will be very competitive with the rest or they wouldn't be in business
Good luck!
Capt. Joe
targa2
03-14-2002, 08:45 PM
Other than a Genetron I don't think anything can touch the Lowrance X15. When it comes to service they are also amazing. I hit something on the water with my transducer and it came off the boat. This caused a short in the unit when it hit the splashwell. I took it to Lowrance and after one signature they handed me a brand new unit and transducer with no questions asked.
Keith Kavajecz
03-14-2002, 10:19 PM
I have used both the X-15MT (monochrome) and the X-16ci (color), both are great for walleye fishing. The most important characteristic in any unit is vertical pixels. The more you have, the more definition you get (assuming the computer behind the scenes can drive the pixels fast enough). The X-15 has 350 Vertical pixels, the X-16 has 480. Both of these units will show you "bumps" on the bottom. That is, the widening of the bottom signal to indicate a fish sitting belly to the bottom. Both are easy to read in the sun, both have fast scroll speeds, both have great zoom features, both are GPS capable if that is a feature you want that.
One thing - I heard at the Milwaukee Sentinal show last weekend that the number of X-16's is getting low - Lowrance will only be making so many this year - I don't know if that's a rumor, or truth - I know I'll have two on my boat this year.
Good Walleye Fishing
Keith Kavajecz
With maybe the exception of Hummingbird, you listed some good brands. Was there anything you liked about them? Or did you have bad enough experiences with all of them to make you consider a different brand once again? You said you want the best and each one of those brands has a top line model that competes with everyone elses top line model.
Keith,
Is it true that on the x16 your way points can be saved in different colors?
Red-Monday, Blue-Tuesday, etc???
Nordicron
03-15-2002, 09:02 AM
Don't discard the new Legend 3000 from Hummingbird its the same thing as the old Zercom lpg. Well actually it is better than the LPG2000 because it is cheaper and has a few more features and power. Check it out.
Road King
03-15-2002, 09:23 AM
I feel the Pinpoint(7520) and Bottomline(Tournament HR)are good units. I would not have a problem sticking to either brand. I have had some problems and issues with the Humminbird (Wide Paramount) and probably won't ever buy another. I like the networking feature of Pinpoint(to eliminate interference) and run two of them in my present boat. I plan on installing at least one in my new boat, probably two, but I also want to try a new locator, especially if there is a "must have" unit out there.
fisherman
03-15-2002, 10:48 AM
You might want to check out the Vexilar 'Edge'.
WCoyote
03-15-2002, 09:01 PM
The Vexilar Edge is fantastic.
RVRRAT
03-16-2002, 12:27 AM
Vexilar Edge gets my vote also.
My vote goes to Bottomline. I have a Tournament Master HR w/ GPS and love the thing. If you can swing it go with one of the Bottomline NCC units. 5300 or 6500. Among the many features on these units is the ability to control up to 6 downriggers from the helm. Good luck with your purchase and have a great fishing season.
d_rigger
03-16-2002, 07:13 PM
Perssonal preferecne, all RayMarine(raytheon)combo fishfinder/gps,sportpilot + also with independent gps,interfaced.
Why independent gps? If fishfinder goes out send in for repair there goes your gps.
ron
chadk66
03-16-2002, 07:18 PM
The edge is my choice also.