combination fish finder-gps

[bulldog]

I have looked in the old posts on this subject and didnt find exactly what I am looking for. I currently have a simple Lowrance x71 depth/fish finder. I am considering upgrading to a combo gps/depth/fish finder.I wouldnt mind a color display but that is not a must.I would like to have all the western river maps loaded or the ability to load.I have never used the gps except when flying and that was some time ago. Do any of you have any suggestions on models to look at. there seems to be lots available. thanks

[Pete]

I'd start by going to the Lowrance web site, reviewing their models and downloading the simulators for the ones that most interest you. They operate just like the real thing, except it shows fish swimming under your desk that aren't really there.

[Pickles]

Here is the one I wanted just could not talk the wife into it!




Lowrance LMS-335CDF Color Dual-Frequency Combo


Deep-sounding 50/200 kHz sonar to 2,500 feet and precision GPS+WAAS chart recorder with super-sharp 320x240 pixel display and unique memory card versatility.





LMS-335CDF FEATURES


Display
5.0" (12.7cm) diagonal 256-color, 1/4 VGA liquid crystal TFT display
High-detail 320 x 240 (h x w) resolution
Wide viewing angles in all light conditions
Advanced cold-cathode screen and keypad backlighting


Sonar/Sounder
Depth penetration to 2,500 feet* (760 m)
4,000 W peak-to-peak power
Dual frequency 200/50 kHz Skimmer® transducer with built-in temp/speed/distance readings
FishReveal™ and HyperScroll™ features
Resizeable windows and sonar/GPS overlay data
FlashGraf™ LCD flasher mode
Special standard features — COLORLINE™, programmable Windows, Advanced Signal Processing (ASP™), Advanced Fish Symbol I.D.™, and FishTrack™


GPS/WAAS/Mapping
Precision 12-parallel channel NMEA GPS with WAAS
All-new, built-in, exclusive Lowrance background map with enhanced detail and nav aids
Optional MapCreate™ Accessory Pack to create higher-detail mapping
Compatibale with optional Navionics® CLASSIC™, GOLD™, and HotMaps™ electronic charts
1,000 waypoints/1,000 event markers/100 routes
10 savable plot trails/10,000 points per trail
42 different graphic icons to mark your favorite spots
37 map zoom ranges, 0.05–4,000 miles


Plus

Back-up memory saves customized settings
Protective cover
Sealed and waterproof
Full one-year manufacturers warranty

[bulldog]

Fish, It looks likethe main difference between the 335cdf and the 480mdf is in the screen. The screens are the same size but the 335 is color and the 480 has a higher resolution mono screen.And the 335 is about +100$. Is that about it? thanks bill

[NorthRiverRick]

bulldog,

I've got the Lowrance LCX-19C. Had it since August, just got the Navionics Gold charts for Xmas. THE COMBO IS AWESOME!!


Having your chart on the screen is an unbelievable tool. Just GPS or even the chart software that comes with the unit is no comparison.

Go to Rogers Marine and look at all the models and have them demo each one for you. They are really nice folks and it's a relaxed place to spend some time, you will be glad you went. Since you're obviously going to spend a fair amount of $dough$ make sure you get the right unit for yourself.

Rick

[Pickles]

Yes the definition on the 480 is higher, but you are limited to 16 shades of grey versus 256 colors on the 335. If you want to maximize your charts, color is the only way to go. I have a mono unit, with A Navionics Gold chart and the detail is limited due to the monochrome display. I wish I had forked out the extra cash for color. Additionally if you subscribe to STS the summer issue has a great article on color sounders versus monochrome. You might want to take a look.

[blubeast]

bulldog, I fished with several folks who had combo units... they were constantly switching back and forth... I was not impressed.

When it was time to outfit my boat, I got a charting gps that was seperate from the fish finder. That way if one malfunctions, I have the other. Also both can be set to show the level of detail I desire for each.

[ 02-08-2004, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: blubeast ]

[5-Cents]

I got this Lowrance LXC-104C put in my new boat. I have to tell you color makes all the difference in the world and if you are on the fence about it you should go with color. You can actually see what are snags and what are sturgeon on the bottom. This thing was a big part of those 21 keepers we put in my boat last week

This particular model comes with a very detailed map of the U.S. and waterways you that you can download to the unit... very easy to use.

Go for it man you wont be let down

Here is a link!

[Fish mojo]

Fish-addict, funny that is the exact one I have targeted for my next unit. I talked to the Lorance people at the show and it won't be on the street til March. I'm waiting another year- already spent my boat play money budget for this year. Let us know when you get it. Garmin is having a new color unit that looks comprable.

[bulldog]

thanks pete i will give that a try. bill

[Pete]

Bull, I ended up with the LMS-320 DF ... I love it. It's been replaced by the LMS-480, which is more machine for the same price. I had one problem with mine that was solved by downloading and installing updated software. It was really simple after I bought a flash card.

If you end up liking a Lowrance, do your shopping well. There are a couple catalog places that have significantly better prices than most. Also, the memory cards are standard size, so don't pay what Lowrance wants for them ... you can get them at about 20% of the list price by getting them at an Office Supply type store.

[bulldog]

thanks for all the good input.quite a range in the features and price. I will look at some garmins too. bill