Is the card really needed?

So, I just ordered my first humminbird. I went with the helix 7 g2n si. I’m seeing a lot of talk about the lakemaster or Navonics cards. Is this something I need to have? From what I understand they show topography and depth charts for the lakes. I guess it’s personal preference but I’m wondering if it would be worth it since this is my first time using a unit like this. This will be a huge step up from the Garmin striker 4cv I was using. I’m really excited to get my new unit and play around with it. Just not sure if I should go ahead and order a card or not. Any info is appreciated. Thank all.
Jman


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lakemaster card. worth every penny. I wouldn't be without it.

Are the lake master and navonics basically the same thing? From what I’m seeing their regions are divided differently and the navonics seems to cover more of the states I fish with one card, where as I would have to purchase several with lakemaster...?


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Just remember ... in order to see the map (with or w/o the card) you'll have to lose some screen space if you split-screen the map with the SI image.
I ran my Elite 5DSI w/o a map card for years ... then when I got the Hook 7 I got a map card from a West KY member, but I rarely use it (since I pretty well know the lakes I normally fish).

You might want to wait & see how good you get your SI unit to work for you, before you spend the monies on a map card. :dono

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Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

You might want to wait & see how good you get your SI unit to work for you, before you spend the monies on a map card. :dono

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That was my plan. Plus I don’t really know where to start on adjusting setting and stuff. I’ve never used a unit like this before so I’m sure it’ll be a steep learning curve




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Take one step at a time. Get the unit installed, learn how to put in demo mode. Then you can go from one screen view to the next. Play with it learning about making adjustments. Learn what the installed charts will or will not show you. Don’t listen to all the you have to have this that or the other thing. Figure out the basics first. Then as you run into things you don’t understand come back and someone can help you with a specific issue. Once you have got the basics figured out then you can move onto which if any map card you might or might not need.

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Originally Posted by Cray

Take one step at a time. Get the unit installed, learn how to put in demo mode. Then you can go from one screen view to the next. Play with it learning about making adjustments. Learn what the installed charts will or will not show you. Don’t listen to all the you have to have this that or the other thing. Figure out the basics first. Then as you run into things you don’t understand come back and someone can help you with a specific issue. Once you have got the basics figured out then you can move onto which if any map card you might or might not need.

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Great advice!


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Very simple to go to maps or split screen ! Lakemaster cards are awesome in the hummingbirds ! my lake is one of the Hd lakes so that gives you 1’ contours . Also with the card the Chanel’s are marked and are very accurate! The lakemaster card helps define the ditches ,cuts, underwater points ,shallow water ,deep water etc ,etc. well worth every penny to me. On my lake Navionics isn’t that accurate I have both! :twocents

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Originally Posted by Jman5626

Are the lake master and navonics basically the same thing? From what I’m seeing their regions are divided differently and the navonics seems to cover more of the states I fish with one card, where as I would have to purchase several with lakemaster...?


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The Lakemaster card has a bunch of options that the Navionics will NOT give you.

Jman,
Make sure ur lake is available on the card whichever one you choose. I went with navionics for just one particular lake not listed on lakemaster.
And I will say that adding a contour lake map was one the best decisions I made when night fishing and navigating.