I have an 80lb Terrova with US2 and good hearing... I have never heard it "tick" while deployed. Although I havnt payed much attention, Im sure the slap of water on my aluminum hull drowns it out some, but I still havn't noticed it. I do hear the transducer when its above water though. Spot lock is sluggish at times. Great for open water.... so-so for trying to hold near a tree top or something. I'll never own anything but a Terrova now... I can't hardly use the giant cable steers anymore.