New locators

[Zee]

I am going to buy a new locator this spring and I could use some info from owners of units. I would like a unit with GPS combo. Also does anyone have a dealer that has a good price? I plan to go to the Cities sport show this spring to see as many units as I can. I have read some of the coments posted and I am getting a little jumpy about the L word. A friend has had one in the shop for 5 months and no word from them yet, just wait!:howdy:

Thanks

Zee

[Phil T]

1. Decide your budget.
2. Decide which features are most important to you. Extra features cost money. See #1.

I'm happy with my Humminbird. Reeds is one good place to shop.

[yarcraft91]

Our local shops don't seem to discount marine electronics, so I buy most of mine on-line. My recent purchases have been from:
Jolly Ann Marine and Outdoors http://www.jollyann.com/ (http://www.jollyann.com/)
BOE Marine http://www.boemarine.com/

My experience with both has been very good. They differ in which brands are stocked, because BOE (Maryland) caters to saltwater boaters, Jolly Ann (Iowa) to freshwater. Both carry Lowrance and Humminbird sonar/GPS combo units.

The advantage of buying locally can be the support you get from a local shop. There is often someone on hand who knows the product well and will show you how to use some features. If the unit quits working soon after purchase, some shops will give you a replacement on the spot and they deal with the process of returns and repairs. While you're shopping, discuss how the vendors handle user training and equipment returns.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

I am going to buy a new locator this spring and I could use some info from owners of units. I would like a unit with GPS combo. Also does anyone have a dealer that has a good price? I plan to go to the Cities sport show this spring to see as many units as I can. I have read some of the coments posted and I am getting a little jumpy about the L word. A friend has had one in the shop for 5 months and no word from them yet, just wait!:howdy:

Thanks

Zee
As stated before, I would suggest settling on your budget first. That will give everyone here a good place to start offering advice. If you have a higher budget, I highly suggest Humminbird 998cSI or 1197cSI. I've got a 997cSI at the helm and a 917c in the bow and I love them.

Lowrance has similar technology at similar prices. However I hear Lowrance's customer service is simply terrible where I've heard Humminbird's customer service is very good.

Don't take my word for it. Go to the IDOfishing website and look in the Toys for Big Boys forum for Lowrance and Humminbird. You'll see what I'm saying. I was talking to a buddy yesterday and he said he ordered a Lowrance HDS10 seven days ago and he can't get Lowrance on the phone to even confirm his order. He's one day away from canceling his order. I sure won't spend 2k - 3k and get bad customer service.