Garmin or Lowrance

[Trapper]

I'm putting a new GPS/locator combo in the boat this year. Does anyone have any input on the Garmin 168? It looks like it has everything I need for a good price. The screen looks small, but the mapping capability seems to outweigh that. What about high speed operation? I don't know if it beats the LMS-160Map or not. The new ones from Lowrance look like they're way more than I need or could use and they're twice the money. If they're worth it, I'll take another look. So far, I don't know of anyone that's used one. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

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Just trying to keep this around to get some response. Lots of new topics to keep people busy these days. Thanks.

[Bison]

I have been looking at this same unit. At one point I though about running a Pinpoint 7420 sonar along side a Garmin GPSmap 162, but I decided to go with a Lowrance LCX-15mt instead.

A few things I noticed:

1) The screen is small as you mentioned, but not that small. I think its 3.3" x 3.3", the same as a Lowrance X85 or GM1600. The resolution is 240 x 240, which is better than the GM1600's 160 x 160, and the backlighting is better (brighter) as well, although not as good as the cold cathode lighting on an X85.

2) The sonar in the GPSmap 168 is a relatively low-powered affair, 150 watts RMS I think.

3) The backlighting on the GPSmap162/168 is better than on Garmins 160 and 240 sonars, at least the ones I've seen. Not sure if there has been a running change on the sonars to the better display or not.

4) Some people have posted problems with Garmin sonar transducers; search the archives for more info.

I had a Garmin GPS 128 (non-mapping) for a couple years, and although I didn't have any trouble with the unit itself, I had problems with the inline fuse holder shorting out, the power cable connector falling apart, the pin in the antenna cable collapsing into the cable, and the antenna eventually failing to work entirely. Seems bad, but as I said, the unit itself worked well, so I would probably buy another Garmin, if somewhat hesitantly. I should note that the antenna has been redesigned on the newer units.

Conclusion: the GPSmap is probably a very good mapping GPS unit with a so-so sonar.

[Trapper]

Bison,

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your honesty and detail. I'll look through the archives to find out about transducer problems since that is one of my areas of concern. I've had good luck with Lowrance and Eagle transducers. We're going to get into tournaments (USFA)in earnest this year (I probably should have mentioned that) and I don't want to get a lot less unit than I need. I certainly don't want a lot more unit than I need. I'd rather spend the extra $400 on cranks and prefishing gas. Thanks again and if anyone has any more input, feel free.