I have never owned an underwater camera but will be purchasing a Marcum Recon 5 or 5+ for this season. I am wondering how useful the onscreen information would really be on the 5+? The 5+ will show you (Depth, Temperature & Camera Direction) I have no real interest in recording though cool to have I guess.
Have a 5+. Been using it the past 2 seasons. Compass and Temp have always been flaky even after resets and re-calibration. Still like the unit though as for me I use it mostly for checking weed edges and transitions.
Just bought a larger 7″ unit for the wheelhouse this season and trying to come up with a reason to keep the Recon for everyday run-n-gun because it was so handy/portable.
Thanks Jamin
If it doesn’t perform as it should I would easily just pick up the standard 5. I will be using it to hole hope, also thought it would help engage my grandson if he could see things under the ice.
That’s been my experience at least. If it says anything, I just ordered the new AquaVu version without the compass and depth and saved myself $180. To me the compass/depth wasn’t worth the additional money. And I got the AquaVu for the same reason, to give the kids some visuals in the wheelhouse (and I’ll admit, it’s fun for me too to watch the fish react to different presentations).
will you be using the camera in any current? if so, the Recon might not be the best choice as the thin camera wire and small camera head will move in the current, might not be an issue for some, but I want my picture steady…
I don’t plan on much current but I am curious how many use the Recon 5 or the Aqua-Vu Revolution 5. I have owned several Marcum flashers and just gravitated to the camera.
I’ve had a 5+ for 2 years now. It’s been to Marcum twice for the blue screen of death. Both times was covered by them, but I’m nervous the third time will be the charm…The temp is spotty and the compass jumps all around, even when stationary. It’s been calibrated multiple times with no fix. I can’t bring myself to recommend the 5+ anymore. Image quality is great and portability is awesome, however…
…Image quality is great and portability is awesome, however…
Agreed! Assuming the 5 has the same screen and resolution, if you’re going Marcum, consider saving a few bucks.
I’m contemplating selling my 5+ and dropping my Dakota Lithium battery into the new 7″ AquaVu to reduce heft. I realize it’s still bulky compared to the Recon, but does a guy really need both?? 
have had the 5+ for a few seasons now. Same as the others the temp and navigation gauges never work. Marcum replaced it once and still did the same thing. Still like the unit but save your money and get a 5.
I think I may give a look at the Aqua-Vu, have heard a few reliability issues with the Marcum that’s making me nervous. Just not sure how I will attach it to the Marcum Shuttle…..
Not 100%, but I believe they have the same 1/4-20 threaded hole in the back.
They have the 1/4-20 on the top of the unit because of the reel on the back. I wish it was on the bottom, then I could use the 1/4-20 insets in the Shuttle and a flexible arm and have it set right above the Helix.
I bought the aqua vu just for the line management system. Been a great camera.
I’ve had a 5+ for 2 years now. It’s been to Marcum twice for the blue screen of death.
Mine does this if it gets too cold. Always works in the house though. 
My + features never worked reliably either.
I’m definitely NOT going with the (pro or + models) after the input from you guys. I think I would go with the Aqua-Vu Revolution but plan to mount it above my digital on a Marcum Shuttle. For whatever reason Aqua-Vu decided it best to install the 1/4-20 insert on the TOP of the unit. Been racking my brain how the heck to mount it.
Ram claw
Short ram arm
Ram ball with 1/4-20 stud
(On phone so no links right now)
Clamp claw to Shuttle handle?
I’m definitely NOT going with the (pro or + models) after the input from you guys. I think I would go with the Aqua-Vu Revolution but plan to mount it above my digital on a Marcum Shuttle. For whatever reason Aqua-Vu decided it best to install the 1/4-20 insert on the TOP of the unit. Been racking my brain how the heck to mount it.
Like this? Not sure it would work on the Aqua Vu if like you say the 1/4 20 insert is on the top. for me there is just too much going on with this set up. I still don’t like the phone hanging there even if securely mounted.
Agreed “Ice Cap” the phone is just a bit to much and I would prefer the camera sitting over the top of the digital. I have a few weeks to figure things out while waiting for a sale….(I hope)! 
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