I’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from the FL8 to a new technology. As I’m comparing Vex, Marcum, Lowrance and Hummingbird, I’ve started to lean towards the new ICE series.
Here are the specs on the two units I’m considering:
ICE 45
Cost: $ 399.99 msrp
Cone angles: 9° and 19°
Power level: 1600 watts peak to peak, 100 watts RMS
Interference rejection: 10 levels (steps)
Zoom: Allows 2X magnification anywhere in water column.
Target separation: .5″
Transmit frequency: 240 KHz for 19°, 455 KHz for 9°
Battery: 12 volt/7 amp sealed lead acid
Battery current draw: unknown at this time
Battery charger: included
Display colors(strong, med., weak): Red, Orange, Green
Depth ranges: 0 – 200 feet, 4 manual settings: 20′, 40′, 80′, 200′ 7 Auto settings: 20′, 40′, 60′, 80′, 100′, 120′, 200′
Cases:
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: Digital % Battery status indicator on LCD. 4 backlit keypad control buttons: Zoom, Gain, Noise, Beam. 3-color 526 segment fiber-optic flasher display delivers excellent sunlight readability
ICE 55
Cost: $ 499.99 msrp (available August, 2008)
Cone angles: 9° and 19°
Power level: 2400 watts peak to peak, 100 watts RMS
Interference rejection: 10 levels (steps)
Zoom: Allows 2X magnification anywhere in water column.
Target separation: .5″
Transmit frequency: 240 KHz for 19°, 455 KHz for 9°
Battery: 12 volt/9 amp sealed lead acid
Battery current draw: unknown at this time
Battery charger: included
Display colors(strong, med., weak): Set 1 – Red, Orange, Green Set 2 – Red, Green, Yellow Set 3 – Red, Orange, Yellow, Lt Green, Green, Blue
Depth ranges: 0 – 200 feet, 4 manual settings: 20′, 40′, 80′, 200′ 7 Auto settings: 20′, 40′, 60′, 80′, 100′, 120′, 200′
Cases:
Warranty: 2 years
Miscellaneous: Large, 526 segment bright 6-color fiber-optic display delivers excellent sunlight readability. Can choose 3 different color palletes for display. Adjustable Target Line. Digital % Battery status indicator on LCD, 6 backlit keypad control buttons: Zoom, Gain, Noise, Beam, Target cursor color(This is a unique purple target line which icefishermen can set at a specific depth so they know exactly how deep to lower their bait or lure). Patent-pending backlit LCD display. Soft sided carrying bag.
Here is what I see as the difference between these two units:
1. Overall power – 1600, seems plenty sufficient for any type of fishing I’ll be doing.
2. 3 color vs. 6 color – not sure what value in 6 is??
3. Adjustable target line – a specific depth marker to key in on – I really don’t see the value in this, since I’ll see where the fish are suspended and I’ll be able to see my jig.
4. Carrying Case – I would have to pay extra for it with the 45(which I’m leaning towards).
Does anyone see any other difference between these units? I’m thinking for may shallow lake fishing I do around here the 45 is more than sufficient and it saves me a few bucks. I have yet to find out what the soft side case is worth yet though.
I have not fished with the new FL20’s, I have fished with both LX3’s and 5’s(great units). I don’t see myself ever going to a Lowrance for ice(not saying they are a bad product). Add to the fact, I’m cool with trying new technology, the Hummingbird is really intriguing!!!