Humminbird ICE 55 Review

James:

Excellent review in that I think you took the general feel and operation of the unit that we all experienced, and put it into words.

Another observation I had when testing the ICE-55 was bottom creep and jump. Every so often, bottom would move slowly upwards and back down again, or outright “jump.” While this never became overwhelming while I was using it, it did concern me that this was occurring with a new unit out of the box with less than a handful of hours on it. I had not seen this reported yet, so I thought I’d offer my observations.

Also, I was extremely dissatisfied with the “dual-beam.” As with James’ observations, the dual-beam was truly a single-beam which you had to switch depending upon the depth of water you were fishing. A school of small suspended perch over 26 FOW all but disappeared when switching to the wide cone angle. Ultimately then, I was forced to use the narrow beam under all circumstances we faced, leaving me with less ability and sonar coverage when hole-hopping and searching for fish.

The larger display was great, but the resolution of the sonar utilized was far from paired with the larger dial. Larger readout is nice, but if I’m forced to choose I take detail and more information every day.

I did find the pink-line which you could move to any part of the water column somewhat useful. However, this bright spot was shadowed by what I felt was overall “fair” performance of the unit at best.

Grade: C+
Pros: Large display, target-line
Cons: Sensitivity, Dual-beam (single-beam in my book), overall performance
Take-home message: This unit isn’t the technological advancement in flashers that it’s advertised to be. Feature for feature, the LX-5 outperforms this unit hands-down.

Joel

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Thanks Wade
I wanted to say something to that effect, but with my history here, my short leash might have gotten REALLY short

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Sorry Wats no offense but that made me giggle a lil.

Isn’t it funny but sad how big someone can be, hiding behind a made up name on the computer. And yet he challenges another guy who puts his name and reputation out on the line in front of thousands and thousands of people each and every day.

EDIT: I guess we will find out how big he is now that he has been called to the table.

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Hey guys

Thanks for coming to my defense but I do ask that we be careful to not turn this thread into one of heated contention. The way I feel about my review is this… opinions are like noses. We all have one. If someone doesn’t like mine, so be it. I think I’ve earned a certain degree of trust regarding the info I share here now so I’ll let the people reading the review come to their own conclusions. I’m not going to get into a heated exchange in an attempt to sway someone’s opinion to which they are entitled.

To everyone, Vexilar, MarCum and Humminbird fans alike… Merry Christmas!

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……The way I feel about my review is this… opinions are like noses. We all have one. If someone doesn’t like mine, so be it……

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I prefer – Opinions are like @$$holes. We all have one and some just stink!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Bos

I have to agree with some of the posts above. The best thing about a new brand on the market will be the manufacturers taking a hard look at their own units to see how they can be made more affordable, durable and effective.

Thanks for the great review James. I was very disappointed I couldn’t make this event. I was on the fence for this product this year. Glad I waited.

I have been using the Humminbird ICE 55 unit for just over 2 weeks now. I am in the process of testing it along side the ICE 45, a Vexilar FL-20 and the MarCum LX-5. It is easy to give an opinion after minimal useage, but that wouldn’t be fair to anyone. I will continue my testing into January. I spent 8 years getting familiar with MarCum units on the ice. Before that I spent years getting to know my Vexilar units. I will continue to use the Humminbird units the next couple weeks to compare the Humminbird units to the others on the Market. I will write up a review when I believe I have done adequate testing on the units.

So far I will offer this, I am very suprised at all the features Humminbird added into their ICE units. Many of the features in the Humminbird units were the same things I was hoping MarCum was going to add to their units. Oh…and I have been able to catch fish with all the units

First, I havent read all of the posts. Having never used a flasher before purchasing this one, this thing is better than sliced bread. I fished today with 3 other guys and caught more fish than all of them combined!!!

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First, I havent read all of the posts. Having never used a flasher before purchasing this one, this thing is better than sliced bread. I fished today with 3 other guys and caught more fish than all of them combined!!!

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Welcome to IDO wyliek

Congrats on your flasher purchase.

Would it be safe to assume that the 3 anglers whom you
outfished were all using Marcums.

Dan

I dont know anything about fishing electronics but I can tell you Toyota makes the best pick-up.

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I dont know anything about fishing electronics but I can tell you Toyota makes the best pick-up.

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Ya, well my dad is tougher than yours!!

The key for me, Hummingbird is producing a product that could challenge the Marcum(which I currently consider #1 in today’s market). We will benefit one way or another. Hopefully Johnson outdoors comes to forums like this to read these reviews from “Joe” public. Side imaging flashers????

I have been using the Bird 55 for a few trips now and so far so good. I will not say at this time the unit is the best on the ice, but I will not say that it doesn’t have a ton of neat features either.

So far everyone that has seen me use the unit has asked to try it and none of them have yet to say that they wouldn’t buy it.

As Scott said, just a few days is not long enough to make a good review. So far, everything that has been frustrating has been because it is different, not worse, not better, but different.

I like many of the features. The 6 color pallette is awesome. Talk about dialing things in. The depth cursor is nice for setting bobbers for suspended fish too. There is no guessing anymore. The fact that the depth range is on a LCD in the center of the screen means you no longer have to calculate what the lines are telling you. As you change depth ranges, the numbers change as well.

THe best thing so far is that I have yet to have interference issues with any other unit. Side by side with Vex FL 8, FL18 and a Marcum that I can’t remember the number of and no interference on any of the units.

Yes, there are a few things that are not the best. I have adjusted the gain instead of the zoom a few times, and turned the wrong dial, but that is just getting used to a new unit.

Enjoy the ice.

I have red through this several times and have been amazed at the expertly done undressing of a competitors product. From the start to finish some one had there nose out of joint. But it was a Marcum sponsered event and I will continue to read different post on this web site. It really makes one thing clear beware of sponsered events and opinions. Reminded me a lot of High School speech class. Teacher doing the grading had to start somewhere picking you apart. Rob Holman Class of 73 lol

It’s funny you mention that Rob! I was just thinking that anyone leaving a comment should post their affiliation to the three companies as James did up front.

It’s not too surprising that most posters can be linked back to the brand that in their posted opinion is the best.

I would strongly encourage anyone in the flasher market to visit one of the Marcum Challenge locations. The guys are friendly and fun, but most of all…you can see the differance in flashers for yourself….and your opinion is what really counts!

Briank, in-directly sponsored by Marcum Flashers.

Well put Brian.

It think being it is a MarCum event and there is every flasher there to look at says MarCum is willing to lay it on the line right there in front of your eyes

As Brian said, anyone in the market should go to an event and see the results for themselves before making the purchase. Kudoos too MarCum for being the ones willing to set there product right along side the others

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I have red through this several times and have been amazed at the expertly done undressing of a competitors product. From the start to finish some one had there nose out of joint. But it was a Marcum sponsered event and I will continue to read different post on this web site. It really makes one thing clear beware of sponsered events and opinions. Reminded me a lot of High School speech class. Teacher doing the grading had to start somewhere picking you apart. Rob Holman Class of 73 lol

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Grey:

It’s difficult to read much of anything nowadays without being suspicious of bias introduced by the author. I truly understand your concerns. That said, what I observed, and what James observed……..was what we observed. At the same time, interpretation of how this affects your fishing, how inconvenient x, y, or z is, and/or what it really means to each individual is always up for grabs.

The best part is that you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it but your own. Attend the event; I’ll be at the Mille Lacs one this weekend. I promise not to make a pitch or sale, and anyone can just take the units off somewhere close and do their own tests!

Joel

The next event is this weekend on Mille lacs. Go check it out for yourself and report back. Looks like some decent weather for saturday also.

Marcum Challenge

I am a newbe here but I just have to make a comment. Why the Marcum Challenge?? The Challange to me appeared pointless. If you want to sell and promote a product, just take it out on the ice and show it off and it will sell itself. But If the Marcum product is so great, why do you have to have a challange?? If the product is so good, let it stand on its own to feet. I feel this is a very bias evaluation, in my eyes. I have not yet had the pleasure of using any of the Hummingbird units but I felt this article was meant as a straight forward attack on one product. I have used Marcum for years and switched to a FL18 last year after getting sick of interference problems with everyone I fish with. Yes you can reject it out but it is a pain to do every time you go fishing with people. Everyone I fish with runs fl18’s and we have no interference issues what so ever. As for the Marcum, of the 8 or so years that I used Marcum products, I had problems three times, each and every time, the customer service from Marcum was second to non. To sum up my comments, one thing a person may want to consider is what types of units he or she may be fishing by on a regular basis, it can really make things much simpler.

I would like to attend such an event just to have a look see. They are much to far from south west Wisconsin where I live. Thanks for your response will continue to observe from afar.

Welcome HWA.

I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut, so bear with me. You and a few others who show up out of the blue to bash James for giving a thoughtful review tend to rub me the wrong way. If you have never met James or know him personally, I think it’s very short sighted to judge him.

He has been kind enough to put his name out there and his reputation. He also very clearly stated he is a Marcum fan. So, for anyone to come along and say these challenges or the review is an attack, simply doesn’t know James.

Look at all the previous threads on the new Hummingbird products. Tons of speculation with little to no factual info. The only people who had used the birds were staff members at this point. So, John Q Public, starts asking more questions. They do look like cool units on paper. I was very intrigued to the point of almost buying one.

Marcum steps up and offers the public several opportunities to try out all the top dogs in one place. In the real world. Tell me of any store who can offer this same scenario. If you think this is a just a chance for Marcum to shove a sales pitch down your throat, you are completely off base. You stated yourself, Marcum’s customer service is top notch. Yet you question the integrity of an event the public has been begging for years?? Thank you Marcum!! My question, why hasn’t Vex or Hummingbird done the same??

I’ve met most of the guys around here personally. They simply want to catch more fish and to do so they empower themselves with the best of the best. In doing so, it’s human nature to also have a bias towards that tool(clearly stated). If I’m a member of Johnson Outdoors, I’d be extremetly excited to see a guy like James, who has nothing to gain, offering up suggestions on how to possibly improve their units.

As I stated before, I’m just happy to see another competitor in the market who is trying to push the envelope. You and I can only benefit. However, I just don’t understand how anyone can read this and call it bashing. I’m glad to see guys like Johnie and Scott giving thoughtful responses!!

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I am a newbe here but I just have to make a comment. Why the Marcum Challenge?? The Challange to me appeared pointless. If you want to sell and promote a product, just take it out on the ice and show it off and it will sell itself.

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Why the Marcum Challenge you ask?

What better way to showcase a product to those who are wondering if the new Humminbird units are as good or better than what’s currently available, or what they are currentyly using.

Humminbird can have their own challenge, so can Vexilar
and the others. Why aren’t they having these on ice demonstrations is the question we should be asking.

If I was on the fence I would much rather see the units
in action on ice as opposed to at a retail counter or at a sportshow.

I applaud their efforts. These are free seminars from people who know how to use flashers. What else could you
ask for if you’re in the undecided column.

The choice is still yours. Marcum is not selling product
at these events so there are no “today’s special” promotions going on or any pressure whatsoever.

Dan

Just so there is no missunderstanding here, I am a newbe poster but visit the site often and value it very much. As I stated I am the user of Marcum products and use them, just thought the article was a little one sided. Even though Vex does not have anyting essentially new on the market, they were left out, and from talking to several others offline who frequent your site, the feeling is quite mutual. If the administrator of the site would like to discuss more in depth with me on this he can gladly access me via email. Thanks all

The nice thing, you are welcome to an opinion on this site, unlike many others. The sad part is most people who are “attacking” this review have the ability to remain anonymous and risk nothing about his/her character.

In case you didn’t catch the weather the day of this event, it was not nice out. So a more focused effort had to be made with the time allowed. Sounds like the Vexilar owners are feeling slighted. If that is the case, go to the next event yourself and perform your own tests. Please put up a review on all the products you tested.

The very best thing about IDO, the post won’t be removed because of the product you are reviewing unless you are blatantly advertising.

Looking forward to hearing more about your ice fishing advetures this winter instead of debating whose dad is tougher. Mine is BTW. Have a Happy New Year.

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I am a newbe here but I just have to make a comment. Why the Marcum Challenge?? The Challange to me appeared pointless.

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If you’re considering making a purchase of a new flasher what could be more beneficial than having the opportunity to test up to a half dozen various models from all the major manufacturers where it counts… out on the ice?

Ice guys have been asking for this type of event for years in response to all the “opinions” offered up on various units. They didn’t care who put it together… they wanted a chance to cut through all the bull and see for themselves.

So… go see for yourself. Form your own opinion. Seems pretty worthwhile to me.

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As I stated I am the user of Marcum products and use them, just thought the article was a little one sided. Even though Vex does not have anyting essentially new on the market, they were left out, and from talking to several others offline who frequent your site, the feeling is quite mutual.

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Vex wasn’t omitted for any reason beyond we ran out of time. There’s always more MarCum challenge events and I’m sure someone will share their opinions regarding a wider range of the available products.

I haven’t seen any mention of the Clearwater Classic…

big G

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I haven’t seen any mention of the Clearwater Classic…

big G

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That was my first flasher… and one heck of a unit for its time.

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Humminbird Ice 55 Review

#12 Gill Pill in 24 foot of Water

To begin the actual performance comparison I headed for deeper water. I wanted to test the sensitivity and target separation in a scenario that is common to the way I fish. For me “common” would be 20+ foot of water and small jigs for crappies and bluegills. The jig I picked was a #12 gill pill from Custom Jigs and Spins (one of my favorites of late )and that jig would be used on the same rod and line in all tests going forward.

The test was started with the Humminbird ICE 55 in the wide beam transducer setting. Gain was turned up enough to return a bottom reading. That reading, if memory serves, was under 5 out of the possible 25 gain settings on the ICE 55. Once the bottom was established I slowly began to lower the jig. After the jig had been lowered approximately 7 – 8 feet below the ice the jig was given time to come in under the cone. After a wait of sufficient time with no mark for the jig showing on the ICE 55 display it was apparent that more gain would be needed.

The gain was turned up slowly with the jig held motionless. The jig did not appear as a steady return on the ICE 55 until the gain had been turned up past 15. Once the signal for the jig had been established at a gain setting past 15 the jig was again slowly lowered deeper. As soon as the jig started to move the ICE 55 unit lost the jig and would only display a very intermittent return on the display.

The gain was again increased to maintain a useable return signal from the jig. As we continued to lower the jig that gain had to be increased. At 20 feet the gain was at a setting of 25. Maxed out for this unit. As the jig was sent deeper to just above bottom in 24 foot of water the ICE 55 absolutely could not display a return for the jig. When the jig was raised back shallower than 20 feet the jig would again be displayed as a flickering return on the ICE 55 display. Clearly the unit has some incredible sensitivity issues in the wide beam setting. So much so that we opted to not attempt a target separation test in the wide beam as there was no way to substantiate performance if the unit was unable to display returns for the targets.

In narrow beam the ICE 55 did a better job. Once the narrow beam was selected the jig was immediately displayed and the gain setting could be turned down to a setting of 3 – 4 depending on depth. The ICE 55 did a acceptable job of tracking the jig as it fell, the signal was fairly consistent as the jig fell in the water column which allowed me to track the movement of the bait most of the time as it fell towards the bottom.

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BACK FROM THE DEAD! I dont know why but when I type up “Humminbird Ice 55 review” James Holst review was the first to come up on google search. LOL…

I thought it be interesting to see what the reviews were on the Ice 55 unit back then. Upon reading further I saw something which didnt sound right? Just for the score im am not bringing this back up to stir the pot. I only want to point out what I think is an error.

Dont get me wrong, im a BIG MARCUM FAN. I have owned at one time the VX1, LX3tc, LX5, and currently the LX6 which is my main go to unit. Sadly my Ice55 is now my backup unit since the release of the LX6 but still gets good use.

I bought the Ice 55 knowing full well it didnt have the target separation or crispness detail that I was so used to with Marcum. But the bird unit was a welcome change and I have learned to come love it even more then my LX5. I liked the backlight for low light, large dial screen, 6 color palette that appear bright & pretty on screen. The auto depth was awesome and one of the main reason why I bought the unit. The digital scale was a welcome for a frequent run & gun hole hopper like me.

I also find most amateur ice anglers especially those who have never fished with a flasher before liked the Ice 55 unit more then my LX5. More more I had used it, the less I had reached for my LX5.

With this aside the flaw I see here was gain in this review. And this may have very well be Humminbirds fault. I remember purchasing my Ice 55 the year it came out, about 3-4 years ago.

In the flasher manual it says “GAIN” has a setting of 1-25 for the Ice 45/55 models. That is false and looks like it contributed to this review? I just liked to point out that the gain on my Ice 55 has been 1-50 from the beginning.

So in part I was wondering on this review if back then the the Ice 55 unit that was tested only had a 1-25 gain range didnt seem right? Could this have contributed to the poor test results here that gain wasnt set properly? Maybe I am wrong? Did Humminbird change something in the current models that the 1st year gen Ice 55 model units didnt have? Im pretty sure I have a 1st year model, if not 2nd year.

The gain numbering was changed. Not sure when but you’re right. It used to be 1-25 and now it is 1-50.