What are you guys running in your birds ? Like and Dislikes Navionics HotMaps, lakemaster ? and witch version
thanks
DL
At least on the West side of the state the Lakemaster chip is by far the superior product. These maps are very detailed and very very accurate.
I am curious as to whether anyone is using the Fish N Chips from Navionics and what they think about them. Supposed to be highly detailed. I don't want to buy the wrong one, though I think you can't go wrong with either of them.
1jav
I have the newest Lakemaster chip. I've only gotten to look at it in my garage so far, but it is VERY detailed, and it has a lot of nice features. Can't wait to use it outdoors!
Another Lakemaster vote.
Lakemaster just announced yesterday they have a new Michigan Humminbird chip that has Erie and Detroit River in 1' contours and St Clair in 3' contours. I haven't seen the maps yet so I can't comment other than that it's available. I've always used Navionics Premium on St Clair/Erie because I felt the maps were better, so it'll be interesting to see how the new Lakemaster looks. It could be awesome with then Humminbird exclusive shaded depth range feature.
I'm using the Lakemaster chip too...
You guys that use lakemaster, have you tried navionics before? My hot maps seems pretty detailed but am I missing out on extra details?
Are you u guys mainly talking great lakes and big water or small lakes as well?
thanks
HotMaps has LSC and Erie in 1' increments.
Never seen Lakemaster - it would be cool to compare them side by side.
I've got Navionics East from a few years ago and not going to change every year to keep up with the jones. I don't know for sure but when I purchased my first chip, within a year, it needed upgrading and this practice by all those companies is still the same. They would add this or that and want you to trade it in for the better one. I didn't want to upgrade my electronics, but it due. I've spent almost $ 2400.00 already on electronics, battery, livewell covers and bunks and the money pit hasn't even touched water. Gas is $3.50 and you know it's going to be $4.00. My wife better not hear about this either........... whew
Seth, which HotMaps has Lake St Clair in 1' increments? I've been using a Hot Maps Premium East that's a few years old, but I hadn't heard they'd updated anything on St Clair. I know they did a few reefs on Erie in 1' contours.
I use a lakemaster on the bow unit and a Navionics on the dash. The lakemaster is much more detailed, but it is way to slow to use for navagating as I am driving. Not enough HP in my Humminbird I guess.
Navionics Platinum Plus for Erie and St. Clair is number 649P+
I believe this is the specific chip Seth is referring to.
Quote from: t-bone on March 31, 2011, 08:22:11 AM
Navionics Platinum Plus for Erie and St. Clair is number 649P+
I believe this is the specific chip Seth is referring to.
Yep!
Both of my units are pre-loaded with the Navionics software. As a bass guide, (Traverse City Bass Guide Service) I have a lot of customers asking about the Humminbird units. Here's what I know. I've used Navionics forever, and have never had a problem with them. I also have used the LakeMaster chip. It takes a LONG time to load as the boat is moving--slow enough that I switched back to the pre-loaded Navionics. Also with the LakeMaster, it is a must to set the unit correctly with the chip--make sure the depth off-set is correct; make sure the water level off-set is correct, make sure the unit's software is up to date... The LakeMaster chip is incredibly detailed, but probably better for slow-speed use than moving from one spot to the next when up on plane.