Kicking around upgrading from my Marcum LX 3. Have looked at the Helix 7 really intriguing having the mapping capabilities, but not really finding any feedback good or bad. Looked into the Marcum LX7, see a lot of them for sale not sure why if people don’t like them or what’s up. Love the Garmin, but out of my price range. Any input on a good way to go or look into and why much appreciated! Thanks in advance
The Garmin’s are very affordable (relatively speaking-new for $550) with the standard gt10 ice transducer. Then you always have the option to add Panoptix later.
If you get a Garmin, make sure to update the maps within the first 12 months. It’s free and has all the latest Navionics mapping.
The only thing I like better about the Helix is the ability to buy Lakemaster maps.
I bought my LX6 5 or 6 years ago and then one night we were out on LOTW when fog rolled in. MAN!, I was never happier to get back to the resort. I went out and picked up a Helix 7 for navigation only. I’ve only used it for mapping until this summer, then I started using the ice ducer for vertical jigging over crappies – loved it. Since I have both and absolutely love my Marcum if I had to only have one it would be the Helix because it is much more of a multi tasker.
I really like my Helix 7. It took me all of last season to get it dialed in to the way I want it and to where I could see my jig clearly but once you get it dialed in it’s really hard to beat.
Just make sure you read the manual so you know what does what and how to adjust the different settings. It can be an overwhelming unit to run if you don’t know what things do on it.
Just sold my marcum lx3 this season, Debating between a Garmin and a Vexilar.
Probably keeping my lx3 for the boys plus nice back up plan. Just torn on which way to go! Some really good options out there! Thanks again for all the feedback!!
I got a used LX7 for a smoking deal on FB Marketplace. Upgraded from the LX3-Tci. So far I really like it. Not using the dial at all and just using the graph and vertical zoom. Like how customizable it is. Debating on keeping the LX3 for a backup and for people who dont have one that come out with me or if I should sell it to put into more fishing gear 
I honestly don’t think you’d be disappointed in either. Comes down to whether or not having Lakemaster maps IN the unit you’re using matters, which display you like better, which mounting system you like better, etc etc. Make sure you know the features and weigh them to what you want in a flasher.
Seriously… My Garmin Echomap 73cv comes with navionics maps, touch screen, side view, clear view, is expandable to panoptix livescope ducers, and it has wifi connectivity for updates. I get free maps on my phone with activecaptain, it’s fast and responsive, and I even get text messages on it. No other machine from any other brand comes close for the money.
try a Helix unit…….year round use, can’t beat that!
Seriously… My Garmin Echomap 73cv comes with navionics maps, touch screen, side view, clear view, is expandable to panoptix livescope ducers, and it has wifi connectivity for updates. I get free maps on my phone with activecaptain, it’s fast and responsive, and I even get text messages on it. No other machine from any other brand comes close for the money.
I’ve had Garmin Echomaps as well and the Navionics chips are not near as accurate at the Lakemasters in my opinion. Otherwise I like the Garmins as well. But you just can’t beat the Lakemaster maps. I also have no wish to carry around all that added gear for panoptix and I don’t care for touch screens. The second it stops working or your the touch gets misaligned there goes your unit. Now, I don’t know if that happens but it definitely has the possibility.
It’s not a bad set of maps, but I agree on the detail of the Lakemaster chips. You also have to be willing to spend $600 on a unit then another $100-200 on the chip.
HINT HINT to any Garmin reps reading this. You will destroy everyone else out there if you just nail these maps.
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