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Posts: 2024
| Folks that use the aforementioned units, what are your thoughts on them? Pros, cons? How did it compare to your last unit?
Right now I'm running a Garmin GPS/Sounder 168 that, IMO, just isn't cutting it. |
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Location: Minnesota | i use the 332c and it works perfect, the screen is a little small but otherwise ok, my dad put the 334c on his boat this year and had nothing but trouble with the built in Ant., so he switched to the 332c and no trouble, in my opinion the external ant. is the way to go |
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Posts: 1270
| I have a 332 that I bought to replace a 30 that I had. I use it in my truck, on the bow of my boat, and for ice fishing so I use it ALL the time! I love this little unit. I does everything that my 111 on the console of my boat does but only with a smaller screen. With the price that they are going for now I would not hesitate to pick one up if you are looking for a nice do-all unit. |
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Posts: 2024
| With the smaller screen do you lose detail? Problem I'm having with mine is that I'm never 100% sure what I'm looking at. 240/240 vs. 480/480 sounds pretty good. Is the next step up a 111? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i have a 334c that is too small to see unless you're under 17 years of age, lacks any level of detail with a chip so there's no way to reasonably fish off of it and even if you wanted to the sonar works fine but GPS function is a fond reminder of it's inability to make up its mind. you can take away a glider cadence from the constant blips of "signal acquired" ... followed soon by the "signal lost" chirp... but, i will say that the 25c is amazing though!!!! .... my 334c was a $700.00 or whatever number of dollar waste of time and money. i wish i just would have ponied up another $400 or so to go from being taken to being exceedingly pleased.
anybody saying they can fish off the lakemaster or navionics chips on a 334c screen doesn't spend much time in the boat or is lying to you to make somebody feel good for not buying the bigger unit.
it's just aggrevating to spend that much money and see someone going there with their own. at least give the satisfaction of making the potential buyer aware.
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Posts: 1438
| 332c for two years now.
I love mine, but don't spend as much time on the water as the Sled man. My only complaint is the small screen. I zoom mine when I'm fishing and back it off when I'm running. The detail hasn't been a problem for me. I have the FHS map chip.
I know that I've heard numerous complaints about the internal antenna.
Besides, that huge orb on top of Sled's shoulders has probably interrupted the time/space continuum and refracted the satellite signals in a less than compatible way.
Scott |
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Posts: 786
Location: Minnesota | I have heard they fixed the 334 problems of crapping out on the signal? Is this true? It used to be if you tilted the unit much it woudl lose GPS siganl. Other than that I thought the 332 and the 334 were the same unit (size, map potential, screen, etc.)???
TIA,
James |
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Posts: 2024
| Thank you, John! That's exactly what I was hoping someone might say. I wanted opinions of both good and bad.
Looks like I might need to stand on a street corner in downtown Chicago and man up with the extra $$$. |
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Posts: 5874
| Bigger is better. I have a 334 for the bow, and the X111 for the console. I bought the 334 because I will use it on the ATV while on the ice this year. Alot of people had issues with the GPS not locking in. I did, too. Sent it in, and they returned it. Works flawlessly, now.
Would I want the 334/332 for my only sonar/GPS? No. I'd rather have my X-15, as the screen is that much bigger. But for the bow sonar, and as a backup GPS, I am happy with it. Would I put one on the bow and the console? No. I'd go with the X-25/6 on the console, at a minimum.
Sled, get that 334 in to Lowrance this winter! It will work fine. |
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| anybody saying they can fish off the lakemaster or navionics chips on a 334c screen doesn't spend much time in the boat or is lying to you to make somebody feel good for not buying the bigger unit.
sled, are you running yours with a split screen?
if so, it's your own dang fault for thinking you'd be able to use the map in that way. especially with those old squinty eyes of yours...
i spend plenty of time in the boat, and i'm not lying.
i love mine, but notably, i have a 3600 dedicated GPS and a separate 102c dedicated depth finder that i run side-by-side. so i don't have to split the screen like you do with the 332/334. i run the Lakemaster chips and have been extremely satisfied. i also haven't had any of the troubles other people talk about with finding/keeping a satellite signal - i believe there was a problem in initial units but that Lowrance fixed it quickly.
split screens are a trick to think you're getting twice for your money, but the viewable size it tiny. go with the separate units, no matter what brand or model you prefer. why by a giant screen (like the 111) just so you can split it in half? penny wise, pound foolish.
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | The 334 had problems initially, Lowrance sent out 700 bad units. Since Mid-June, I'd say they have the problem fixed. It was a software issue that led to dropped signals.
We have the 334 and 332 on Clearance for 550.00. I bought a 334 and 102C (also on clearance) for the new Tuffy.
If you're planning on using this for serious trolling, you'll be dissapointed...to me, the screen is too small. When you split screen, you do have the ability to re-size, but running both the sonar and gps at the same time is sort of fruitless.
The negatives are a zoom that isn't all that great and screen redraws, with the chip being in it, being slow. |
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Posts: 479
Location: Eden Prairie & Pine Island | 332c on the dash--great unit! I formerly had a 19 on the dash...larger screen but B&W...color on 332c makes up for loosing the larger screen, but hey, in this sport bigger is still better. A 25c is sweet. |
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| GMG,
How much is the 102c on clearance for???? |
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Posts: 2024
| Ok so I don't want to start another thread, but what then do you guys suggest I get to replace my current console GPS/Fishfinder (Garmin 168)? Try and find a deal (if you know of any please PM me) on a bigger X-25C or 111? Thoughts? |
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Posts: 469
Location: Downers Grove, IL | Shep...
where did you send the unit? My does the same thing that Sled described. Drives me nuts. Seems to work OK on pewaukee though.
thedude |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Bukes - 11/3/2006 9:49 AM
GMG,
How much is the 102c on clearance for????
400.00 |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | esox50 - 11/3/2006 10:51 AM
Ok so I don't want to start another thread, but what then do you guys suggest I get to replace my current console GPS/Fishfinder (Garmin 168)? Try and find a deal (if you know of any please PM me) on a bigger X-25C or 111? Thoughts?
If you can find a 111 on the web, they're going for 1200-1300.00 I've seen. |
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Posts: 385
| Good info. Just persuaded me to run the other way from the lcs334. Maybe I'll go lms 332 on the bow. Running a lcx25 at the console. I wanted a more compact option for the bow to conserve on space, but still have GPS for quickly logging a spot while fishing. |
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Posts: 476
Location: WI | I have the 334c on my console. I don't have the signal problem as it is on a Ram mount on the gunnel with an unobstructed view. I have heard of people w/ problems getting a signal, but most are in an obstructed view sitiations. For me, the 334C works okay on the console, but it would be too small for the bow. I will use it in split screen or GPS only, but I also have a back up graph on the console. Plan on using it ice fishing this year, we'll see how the signal works for that this season.
If I were looking to buy it I would avoid it. I have heard more bad than good with the 334c, my situation is good, but seems that I am in the minority.
GotOne |
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | I've had no problems at all w/ my 334c; it works great in my smaller boat where a bigger unit or multiple units are not practical. Add to that, my ABU Record is still functioning quite well too. 
S. |
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Posts: 5874
| My advice to anyone that wants a 334 is to go ahead and buy it. I believe they are shipping good units now. If yours does not lock on with the internal antenna, send it to Lowrance, and they'll fix it. There should be an address sticker in the box. Call them up, and get an RGA, UPS it, and you'll have a working unit back soon.
Mine would not lock in at all, on the internal antenna. Seeing as how I didn't see getting my boat for a while, I sent it in. It came back, I powered it up, and it locked in, inside my garage, with only two windows to peak through. Just like my big X-111 with the external Receiver.
If you are looking for an X-111, Boatersworld. com has combo's for $1299. I saw Cabela's had X25's on sale a while back. Look in the bargain cave. |
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Posts: 69
Location: oak lawn IL | when buying mine lots of people had said the 334 had problems with the int ant but it was fixed now, i still went with the 332 to be on the safe side and i'm glad i did....i'll be putting a 102 on the bow this spring.
shure the 111 has a big screen but are we fishing or watching tv?? |
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Posts: 1270
| At first I also thought the 111 had a screen that was more for bragging rights than for actual use. That was until I put one on my boat. You can split the screen and each screnn is still bigger than the screen on a 332 or most other units. When you are running wide open it is really nice to have a huge screen like the 111. |
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Posts: 2024
| Ok, so fellas... anyone selling their 111 or 25/26C?  |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | heard the 25c's are on sale at Gander for around $800.00. before you even consider buying the 334c put the chip in it on simulate the distance you will be from it, put a sun simulator over your shoulder and tell me you can see the little line and read the number ... and lambeau that's with the full screan. now, i am getting older and have a little white on the chin although not nearly as much as Shep. next do the same with the 25c. i'd love to have the 100 series but they're just too expensive for my boat budget ... the 25c is rock solid awesome and is so much better than the smaller screens with so many more usable navigational and fishing utility because of the visibility and detail that comes out of the mapping chips that if you can afford it you should buy it over the smaller screans if you can.
otherwise, i'll sell you a 334c if you need one with a discounted price. here's the tell of the tape ... i bet i get zero serious offers for it!
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | maybe magruter or anyone else in the boat with me can attest as well. my 334c mounted in front with the 25c at the helm and when we're fishing i've got the guy in the back keeping me on my path looking at the 25c ... otherwise i get a feel for the spot based on the shape on the 25c screen ... go up front and fish ... and then every once in awhile put the rod down and go check where i am against the spot ... using the depth part of the 334c to move on the spot. it's good exercise, but come on!
when you're talking about the difference between a good and bad day being boat control and having the boat on the right spot there is no argument to support the 334c's with any chip in it .... unless you've got a school of suckers under you and you're face is right in front of the screan. |
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Posts: 814
| Sled and Reelman are right on the money!!! I have a 110c by the tiller in the back and a 334c up front on the bow....I can split my 110 and still have 2 larger SPLIT screens than one whole screen on the 334....plus being that the 110c is a MUCH higher powered unit the color on the map chips is ALOT better than the same chip in the 334..such as sub. vegatation, different water shadings also show up alot better...if you don't believe me call Lowrance for yourself they will tell you the 110c and the 25c are way more powereful than the 332 or 334 and therefore show greater detail!!! Do yourself a favor and look for the best deals for a 111,110,26,25c and you will be happy! No need to run 2 units, excess wires,more clutter,2 ram mounts, 2 low powered units I don't get it. |
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| there is no argument to support the 334c's with any chip in it...
there is a difference in how close the zoom goes between the Lakemaster and Navionics chips.
sled, aren't you running the Navionics chip? it doesn't zoom nearly as close as the Lakemaster, as previously discussed in other threads ad nauseum.
my experience is that on a lake such as Leech where the Lakemaster chip has 1 foot contour lines, i was able to see very subtle changes on the map quite easily and adjust the boat accordingly. it became a game of seeing it on the map, and then watching the depth finder rise or fall by 1 or 2 feet exactly as the map showed. and gee, all while standing up and casting.
have you even tried adjusting your settings?
one trick with the Lowrance units that helps bring out contrast for easier visibility: put it in "night" mode, even during the day...
is it a huge screen? no.
but be realistic: at $400 vs $1200 it's more than functional.
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | thanks for the reality mskyhntr ... i've got both chips, doesn't matter. detail is ridiculously different with the higher powered units and the ability to see details at a glance is there. the smaller underpowered units aren't realistic to fish off of.
i will say though that with the higher powered units i prefer the navionics chip to the lakemaster chips. plus, we were able to pick up eagle lake on my navionics which saved us some time and money last year. |
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Posts: 5874
| Yep, I got a bit more white on the chin than you, Sled. So listen to your elders, and don't talk back! hehe
I like my 334, but I don't use the boawmount for it's GPS. I use it for sonar mostly when I'm on the bow casing. I did use my 334 on a friends boat several times this summer, and also on other's boats that had the same combination. I do use the GPS mode when running to spots, and put the Ground speed up in BIG letters. East to see that way. I don't use a map in mine either when casting.
Now, if I could have bought the 25 for the price they are now, I probably would have. Maybe I still will, but I'll definately use the 334 for Icefishing. If you have not sent it back to Lowrance, do it, and stop the complaining about the antenna losing lock. They will fix it. I suspect you might like it a bit better. |
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