“New” Panoptix 22if

First day out on ice with my new panoptix 22if. Fully understanding that this is mostly old technology packaged a bit differently, was very happy with first use.

I liked not having a pile and using the direction turner. It took a little getting used to but worked well. The transducer did not sound in water but take a little time to get used how to position the transducer relative to the turning device

Had a Vexilar sitting in next hole over to compare as loves being able to see fish coming in-which of course is applicable to any “live” system.

Of course not as crisp of image as true lives scope but I have been trying to catch little red line for years so okay catching “blobs”.

We were on fish so really did not have to use forward but did play around with it and was good. Probably a little more messing around than if had pile but much more compact

Things not thrilled with include the bag-need an opening for handle-will be going to local tailor shop and get that taken care of.. I like the concept of the snap on lens but it is a bitch to get off-hopefully this will get easier over time. Also, not much for directions but is fairly intuitive

Overall I would rate 9.5 based on first use. I picked up at ice show at reeds after talking to Garmin guys – saved a couple hundred bucks

Back on this ice tomorrow to practice forward view. Rigged up a couple 1x6s – drilled hole at top and put on big zip ties that will secure on hub house stakes and drop board into the water and practice finding them. Probably a better way to do this but want to get more comfortable with the panner arm used to spin the ducer

Will post more updates if find anything informative

I have fallen victim to “I told you so”….

After quite a bit of time on ice, returned the panoptix unit. In water under 20 feet, I was very satisfied but in deeper water, hard to find lure without gain cranked to point screen of a lot of clutter. Tried all combos of settings and finally through in flag.

The transducer mostly stayed in place in down view but had to keep eye on it. Took more monkeying around in forward view

Returned to Scheels and walked out with the livescope 32 set up it has on sale. This unit with battery upgrade is a few bucks less than the panoptix.

With Scheels return policy, will be able to try this unit out risk free – just like did with the panoptix. Still a bit leery about the size of the system but with the “free” trial, I thought made sense to try it.

Will likely upgrade pole and put on shuttle so a few more bucks to maybe spend if keep unit.

Very good service from Scheels. Return line was wrapped around the corner and observant employee saw me with the panoptix and pulled me out of line and called ahead to fishing to let them know I was coming and fishing guy was waiting for me when got to second floor. The return was very efficient and while did not walk in planning to walk out with the livescope unit, he did a great job laying out facts/considerations. No pressure at all but did what a sales guy is supposed to do – on behalf of Scheels and for the customer. Is no wonder their lots are always full

Thanks for the review.

Scheels is a dangerous place. Hard to walk out empty handed!