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Hand held gps device for ice fishing?

HeIsLegend

Asked by HeIsLegend,

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HeIsLegend Enthusiast

HeIsLegend

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Looking to purchase one before the ice hits. I can spend around 300. What would you guys suggest?

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Sandmannd Grand Master

Sandmannd

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H2O or H2Oc is the way to go. I don't have the color, but it's a great unit.

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caseymcq Veteran

caseymcq

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Sandman is right on with the H2O or H2Oc. If you shop around you can get an H2Oc for a little over $200. If you are going to use it for fishing getting a map chip (eith LakeMaster or Navionics) would be another good investment.

If you like Garmins you could get a GPS Map 76Cx for a little over $300. LakeMaster offers a version of their chip in a MicroSD card that is compatable with this unit.

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jwhjr Mentor

jwhjr

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Definitely make sure you shop around. I was able to get a H20C (comes today I can't wait smile.gif) and Lakemaster chip both for just under $300. The prices you can find online for the H20C vary pretty widely. Good luck with whatever you choose!

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solbes Veteran

solbes

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H20C with Lakemaster if your favorite lakes are there. Otherwise H2OC with Navionics North. I've got the Navionics because I fish a lot of smaller waters. Some of the DNR surveys are really old, but you can find the general area your looking for and then mark the hot spots when you find them.

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BobT Grand Master

BobT

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Okay, just to be fair I'll recommend the Garmins. You'll find the GPSMap76 is a nice unit and coupled with the Minnesota Lakemaster software you'll find it very useful. There are many versions to chose from ranging in price. The CSX added to the name includes features like color screen, electronic compass, etc. and they do come with memory card slots. Another less expensive model with most of the same comparable features is the GPSMap60. I believe the only difference might be in the available memory but don't quote me on that.

Bob

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Big-Al Rising Star

Big-Al

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Thanks BobT, I did not want to be the only Garmin fan to chime in. It is a great product and they back it up 100%. If cost is not your only consideration, Garmin GPSMap76CSX is a tremendous unit.

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BobT Grand Master

BobT

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I didn't want to go that far but since you already did. If I were in the market to replace my current hand-held it would be the GPSMap76CSX for sure. Plenty of memory, lots of features, easy to use, and from personal experience their service has proven second to none.

Bob

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Cheers Rising Star

Cheers

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Hands down 76 csx all the way. But what ever one chose to get make sure it is color ! Sure is nice to be able to hook into pc and move data around . Real easy with the 76csx and map source

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Hookmaster Mentor

Hookmaster

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My first 2 gpss were Garmins. My third was an H2O so I could use the Lakemaster. This was before Garmin had the Lakemaster chip. I compared the H2O and H2OC side-by-side and the H2O is easier to see in bright light whether it is direct or indirect. I had originally purchased the H2OC but sent it back for the H2O. In low light the H2OC is nicer.

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BobT Grand Master

BobT

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One thing I cannot do is vouch for the Garmin color units as far as how visible they are in sunlight. The closest experience I have is that I own two Lowrance sonar units and the color version is far easier to see in bright light or after dark.

Bob

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Eckie Community Regular

Eckie

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Side question on the Lowrance units regarding the H20 and the H20C...is Color the only difference between these units? Or, are there other options within the H20C that the H20 cannot perform?

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