Combo DF/GPS with maps

[SteveJ]

I'm thinking about getting one of the above type units and have no experience with these type units, just stand alone DF and handheld non mapping GPS. I would like to have both MS. and Ala. lakes on the map. Don't want to spend a great amount on the unit, at my age it won't get a ton of use. Not looking for SI. Any advice? Maybe I can look at some ones unit at fall camp.

[Release to the Grease...]

This has worked well for me, the gps works a lot better than HB at low speeds also, at least in my experience. There is no base map but it will run the Navionics chips, I've used classic and premium in mine. Good time to buy one, I think this model is getting discontinued so the prices are low, mine cost more than this link 4 years ago

EAGLE FISHELITE 640C T/M HST-WSU DUCER - 123-28 - GPS FISHFINDER COMBO

[SteveJ]

[QUOTE=Release to the Grease...;1218953]This has worked well for me, the gps works a lot better than HB at low speeds also, at least in my experience. There is no base map but it will run the Navionics chips, I've used classic and premium in mine. Good time to buy one, I think this model is getting discontinued so the prices are low, mine cost more than this link 4 years ago

What is the difference between classic and premium? Can you take the chip out of your unit and use it in another unit? Like I said don't know anything about those chips. I have a Garmin GPSMAP 76Cx, anyone know if you can get a chip with good maps for it? Guess I need to look in my manual and see if there is anything I could use on it. Just found this download for it, anyone have it?
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/view-cart.do

[majflyboy]

Steve, I can't answer your specific question but I have Navionics Hotmaps Premium (S). It is VERY good on the lakes that are on it but I am disappointed that there are so few, only the big Corps lakes and the rez. I fished Wolf Lake last and it wasn't on it. I like my HB 788 for a combo unit with built in GPS.

[feelay]

Steve, for the money the Eagle is a good unit. You can go to Navionics web site and see if your lakes are on their mapping cards. I have the Hb 788, like Maj, and like it very much. In my opinion the extra money for color is well spent.

[Release to the Grease...]

Steve, the biggest difference in the classic and premium cards to me is detail.

The classic gives you all the roadbeds, foundations, etc. but not a lot of contour lines, 5 or maybe 10' intervals at best.

The premium, depending on the lake, has as good as 1' contour lines and is a better choice for running actual structure features IMO, it does not give the roadbeds and stuff but bottom features are much easier to find with it.

I use both chips for different things, I think the classic is a little cheaper, both are broken down into 4 regions. I Don't know if they are compatible w/ Garmin but HB & Lowrance (Eagle) both are.

[SteveJ]

This thing sure does have a lot of lakes on it, looks very good. I guess the new ones are platinum and premium now.

NAVIONICS: The Leader in Electronic Charts

http://www.navionics.com/LakeList_HM...asp?RegionID=2

[Wannabe...]

Premium Navionics is enough. Platinum just has more in HD and some 3D crappola.

You got 3 choices really on the cheaper non SI side:

Eagle Fish Elite - Non Networkable for future expansion

Hbird 5 Series - Could be interlinked in the future

Lowrance Elite 5 - This is a step under the HDS

Sending you a PM about your Garmins CSx

Wannabe...