Anyone have any thoughts on which is the better option? I know the Garmin will come preloaded with g3 maps which means I wouldn’t have to buy Lakemaster chips.
Garmin is also touchscreen but that doesn’t really matter much to me.
Let me know your thoughts, thanks.
I was in the same boat and settled on the Garmin. From the research ive done they seem easier to navigate with less confusing settings menus etc.
B-Man has posted this a few times and really sold me with the touch screen zoom abilities.
Still looking for a deal on one…nothing from Reeds yet.
Can’t speak to Garmin, but I love the Humminbird.
I gotta say, it would be nice having the preloaded maps (if they are any good).
The awesome thing about the Hummingbird for me is the autochart feature. I’ve never bought a Lakemaster because I’ve mapped all the lakes/spots I fish myself, probably to better accuracy. That along with side imaging in the summer have helped really narrow in on “the spot on the spot.”
I also love being able to split screen a flasher/sonar with the GPS mounted on the wheeler or walking with the auger when searching for fish. Not having to flip back and forth between screens, gloves on and off, etc.
Not sure how often I’d use a touch screen ice fishing.
I have no doubt they’re all great units. Those are just some things I like about the bird. Garmin may have the same functions. When it comes to the flasher/sonar function when you’re just planted with a transducer down the hole, the brand doesn’t matter at all anymore in my opinion. Everything from bird, Marcum, Vex, Garmin are all good these days.
I believe bman has the gt10 ducer on his that allow for more detail than the GT8 which is sold with most garmin packages ive seen.
Be interesting to compare apple to apple seperation with stock ducers from both companies.
I was going to order the parts but then found out why I hadn’t years ago, garmin really has expensive parts. At this point I’m also really struggling with just getting a helix 5, striker 4, or dropping the dough on a gt10. I run an hdi5 now and is happy with it, don’t need details on the ice IMO. But doesn’t mean you don’t want it 
I believe bman has the gt10 ducer on his that allow for more detail than the GT8 which is sold with most garmin packages ive seen.
Be interesting to compare apple to apple seperation with stock ducers from both companies.
I was going to order the parts but then found out why I hadn’t years ago, garmin really has expensive parts. At this point I’m also really struggling with just getting a helix 5, striker 4, or dropping the dough on a gt10. I run an hdi5 now and is happy with it, don’t need details on the ice IMO. But doesn’t mean you don’t want it
The Garmin 73CV ice package comes standard with the GT10 thankfully. The 63CV has the GT8.
Thanks for all the info. Still leaning towards the Garmin just for the maps. Anyone have any information on the pre-provided maps?
I was in the same boat and settled on the Garmin. From the research ive done they seem easier to navigate with less confusing settings menus etc.
B-Man has posted this a few times and really sold me with the touch screen zoom abilities.
<div class=”ido-oembed-wrap”><iframe title=”Garmin Touch Zoom 2D Ice Fishing” width=”850″ height=”478″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/E6vnIv61w0o?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””></iframe></div>
Still looking for a deal on one…nothing from Reeds yet.
Thanks! Yea, I have not seen any deals from Reeds yet either.
I know there is a good deal on the Helix from Ice Forts but the kicker for me is the maps. If I have to buy mapping chips the price goes up.
I can’t find any experience with mapping on the Garmin’s. I’m especially wondering about Canadian LOTW. I truly hate the interface on my Helix 7, but I need someone with rel life experience who can give me a comfort level with the Garmin mapping.
I can’t find any experience with mapping on the Garmin’s. I’m especially wondering about Canadian LOTW. I truly hate the interface on my Helix 7, but I need someone with rel life experience who can give me a comfort level with the Garmin mapping.
Why do you hate the interface on the Helix 7?
Isn’t garmin with navionics now? It was the weakest link for me with my 73, well that and the DI, but if mapping is pairing with nav maps it’s gonna be a great unit
Man, am I missing something?
The 93sv I picked up doesn’t have any maps preloaded just has generic line contours. Had to buy the LakeVu East chip. Haven’t had a chance to install the chip yet but now i’m so confused.
A lot of the new Garmin units come with LakeVu g3 maps.
For example the ice bundle for the 73cv
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>fishinfreaks wrote:</div>
I can’t find any experience with mapping on the Garmin’s. I’m especially wondering about Canadian LOTW. I truly hate the interface on my Helix 7, but I need someone with rel life experience who can give me a comfort level with the Garmin mapping.Why do you hate the interface on the Helix 7?
I find the menus and views very not user friendly to navigate. Changing views and finding settings is very counter intuitive after using Lowrance.
What is the difference between Garmin U.S. LakeVü G3 and Garmin LakeVu G3 Ultra
Digging as little deeper – Is “pre-loaded” a software item or is it a card?
Digging as little deeper – Is “pre-loaded” a software item or is it a card?
I am assuming the Ultra would be better but I do not know. I also thought these did not have a card, just preloaded.
olas88 – if you’re still looking for the 73cv UHD kit this might interest you. Sportsmans Guide has the 73sv UHD on sale for $451. Add the small portable ice fishing kit with the GT-8 ducer for around $170 and you’ll have your set up for about $620. Could sell the GT-54 ducer that comes with the 73sv UHD and get another $100-200 back.
Digging as little deeper – Is “pre-loaded” a software item or is it a card?
Pre loaded and update through software.
My garmins all have the same mapping. I only been on a few bodies of water that didn’t have much detail. And then I map it out myself. Then the next time I go its all mapped out.
i have had a helix and bought a 73cv and prefer navigating the Garmin. add in the fact i can add panoptix and it was a no brainer
I’m extremely happy with the Garmin preloaded maps, they seem to be pretty accurate.
The fact that you can add Panoptix or Livescope to the Echomap is gamechanger…puts the Garmin in another league…
olas88 – if you’re still looking for the 73cv UHD kit this might interest you. Sportsmans Guide has the 73sv UHD on sale for $451. Add the small portable ice fishing kit with the GT-8 ducer for around $170 and you’ll have your set up for about $620. Could sell the GT-54 ducer that comes with the 73sv UHD and get another $100-200 back.
thanks! this was the route I ended up going. Got the GT10 transducer for 145 and the 73sv for 450. I have a Marcum shuttle so now I just need to find a ram mount. I do not want to cover the Marcum charging port.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>vinella wrote:</div>
olas88 – if you’re still looking for the 73cv UHD kit this might interest you. Sportsmans Guide has the 73sv UHD on sale for $451. Add the small portable ice fishing kit with the GT-8 ducer for around $170 and you’ll have your set up for about $620. Could sell the GT-54 ducer that comes with the 73sv UHD and get another $100-200 back.thanks! this was the route I ended up going. Got the GT10 transducer for 145 and the 73sv for 450. I have a Marcum shuttle so now I just need to find a ram mount. I do not want to cover the Marcum charging port.
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