I am looking for opinions on which unit to purchase. Marcum LX3 versus 5? Is it necessary to spend the extra money to get the 5? Or the Hummingbird ice model 45 or the showdown dual cone angle? Anyone have any information?
All depends on what your fishing for and depths and so on. All of those units listed are good.
Zoom on lx3 and lx5 are the same… only thing the lx5 have is dual transducer and smaller target separation.
I’d get the lx5, the narrow beam on that unit can be priceless.
I have the LX-5 and do like the dual beam when you are on a steep drop, or to see or get rid of your neighbors jigs. It is a great unit and probably worth the money if you will use those features.
If you can spend the extra money to get the LX5 do it.
If you can’t, the LX3 is a fine unit, it’s just that the more you fish with it the more you will realize that you should have bought the LX5 (or 6, 7 or 9).
when I had my 5 the fine line is what separated it from all others that was until they came out with the 6,7&9. If you can swing it I would go with the 6 or 7. I have the 7 now and when the new unit came out I never felt like I needed to upgrade. It also depends how much you plan on using it. Out of your selections though the 5 would be my choice hands down.
i have been doing some research myself here lately . my view is get the best bang for your buck .an lx5 is going to run 500 or so depending where you get it from . an lx 6 is 550 to 600 and a lx7 is 650 to 700 . the lx 6 has downloadable upgrades and should last a long time and gives you different viewing options and zoom anywhere in the water column . lx5 very little for options and noisy . im leaning towards an lx6 or 7 .my thoughts are get the one you want its only money but time on the ice is priceless!!!!!
Chevy. 
Showdown. Love mine
Tom, what are your applications?
The lx3tc will do all you need and take care of business for bottom huggers.
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