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There has been a lot of talk lately on Bass Boat Central and Walleye Central, and a little on Crappie.Com about the new Garmin echoMAP series electronics. I have a copy of a rebate form that begins Monday for a $100 rebate on basically all the new echoMAP models.
The Power of Simple....? We will see.:dono
Floyd, I can't wait to see the responses. I'm pretty frustrated with both HB and Lowrance. So, I'm sitting back hoping both Garmin and RayMarine compete in the fresh water market!
Why the frustration Bob?
Reaper, you probably don't want to know. It would take me days to vent all my frustrations. But, basically, back in the day, before Lowrance moved all their manufacturing to Mexico, I thought they were a great company. They were constantly spending their profits developing newer products and quality was fantastic. I don't see that anymore. I don't find knowledgable people in customer service. I don't see an attitude that they even care about their customers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper
I definately understand making a profit. As much as possible! Not a thing wrong with that. But, you've got to reinvest a portion of it to keep a flow of new technology and have the idea that 'we are going to be the leader and offer our customers the best possible product and service'. I don't feel either L or HB
have that attitude anymore. They sit back and rest of their past accomplishments and to heck with the customer.
That's about as short a statement to answer your question that I can give you.
Now I'm jumping down off my soapbox.
Well, I had hoped to get out and try out the new stuff but the springtime chores have kept me from it. After I installed them I did run out to Draper for a couple of hours to make certain they worked. They did work fine and I like the looks of them. I still have to hide the wires for my NMEA 0183 connections so I could share waypoints. That works also. If I can remember to pick up a micro SD before I go to Sardis next week I'll try and capture some screenshots. I put a echoMAP 93sv on the console and a 73 up front for 2D and mapping. Both have very clear pictures and simple menus. One thing I noticed right away is that the 93 reads better at speed than any of my previous Lowrances on my old riveted Lund. I still have too many chores to take care of before next week so any more testing will be done at Sardis then. (I do the yardwork for two widow ladies who are trying to make a iiving - my daughter and d-i-l.) I don't miss the touchscreen at all due to the excellent keys and menus. It was pretty nice to get $200 in rebates as well. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will continue to like them,
Thanks Floyd, please keep me (and others) posted on how you feel after more time on the water, I'm very anxious to hear!
+1 on wanting to hear more results.
+2. I am not liking my HB's so much anymore. Almost 4 yrs old. Having intermittent problems with gps on one of the units. Cost way to much to send it in for them to check. Not much more to buy a newer better unit.
Well, I am pleased with them to date. I got a chance to wring them out at Sardis (OK) Tuesday and then Eufaula Wednesday thru Friday. Actually I didn't wring them out - I just turned them on, selected a screen combination and ran them in auto mode the whole time. There are adjustments that can be made but, for now, I'm going to learn to use them the KISS way. Later, I'll get more into them. Some early observations: I like the smaller single transducer for SideVu, DownVu and 2D. The SideVu in auto mode is gives much more detail than I ever got out of my Touch 9 (probably because I didn't have it tuned in well enough.) I really prefer the non-touch screen. I liked the Touch 9 at first but found I much preferred using the simple home and select buttons on the 93sv. Screenshots were simple and turned out well. I posted a couple in the Oklahoma thread on screenshots. I have a few more but have erased them from the card as I plan on returning to Eufaula on the 20th for a week or so. I liked the way the units remove from the cradle instead of having to unhook the cables. Probably won't fish before returning to Eufaula as I have lots of chores. The 93sv is on the console and I put a 73dv on the front but only use the built in transducer on my Xi5 so don't get DownVu. That was the plan tho' as I like to scout from the console seat and mark waypoints from there, then go to the front for vertical jigging. The 2D makes that easy. Waypoints are shared between units.
BTW, I was just as pleased with the Xi5 trolling motor. The Pinpoint system makes it sing! I used the anchor function repeatedly during the trip in strong swirling winds and mild winds and it never failed me. Sat by one bush for almost 30 minutes in strong swirling winds. Another great feature for me is when I need to change terminal tackle I just park it and take my time. Easily done. Before I would have to move way out to open water or tie up somewhere to change. It was like having another person in the boat to take over the TM while I modified my equipment. I'm learning to use the foot control but a dislike (for me) is the fact I can't hear the on-off sound on the foot control. I have to check to see if it is actually working. I'm sure I'll leave it on someday and run the batteries down.
Looking at 93SV
Well drooling and looking
X2!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Machine
Garmin was mapping Ft. Gibson as of a couple of wks ago. They were up the river around maize landing at that time.
I picked up a 53dv last weekend. This is my first modern sonar unit so I will have a but of learning to do.
One of the things on the echoMAP 93 and 73 series I really like is the quick release from the bracket/holder. I must admit I was a little concerned that they might pop out but had heard of no problems, until today.! A guy up on BBC said he had a 93sv that came off his bow in really rough water and now resides at the bottom of a lake. I immediately went out to the garage and hooked large Velcro straps to my brackets for very rough water rides. That would certainly ruin my day. I still think the quick release is great but would suggest a safety measure if you have one of these.
I haven't had a chance to play with them any more due to the rain/high water. Hope to give them a real workout at 10killer and Gibson next month.
Floyd, I picked up on that mount, first thing. Really like it and the quick release. Never understood why Lowrance can't offer something like this. HB does but, not as good as Garmin. I saw Sonny Boy's on his boat. He has it on a large 2" ball mount and I don't think it would come off in the rougher water.
The more I see of Garmin, the more I like it.
Absolutely love my Garmin. Incredibly easy to learn and get setup, even for someone with very little experience with modern sonar.
Got two $100 rebate checks in the mail yesterday.
So is Garmin the way to go just got a new boat with some old lowrance on it and need to upgrade.....but man they are high!!!
Fishokla if your not in a hurry you ought to do a ride along with people that have HB, LOW, and Garmin see for yourself.