Furuno 600 or Lowrance x-18 ??

Miles Offshore · #1 01-22-2004, 07:01 PM

Some of yall probably saw my post on THT. Im still on the fence, Lowrance looks 100% better in the store but most all swear on the 600L furuno, but i hear the furuno is hard as hell to see in the sunlight. Also the resolution appears to be much better on the lowrance. Im leaning towards the lowrance but im scared Im going to f-up after I put down my $$$$$. Will get a real good deal on either one when I get back from seattle next weekend and im buying one of em. What sayeth the board?? Also anyone know if there is any catchin in seattle this time of year??What I thought,lolol. thanx for any help!! craig [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Finster · #2 01-22-2004, 07:37 PM

Miles,

I have a an x16ci which is the same as the x19ci (the 19 has a faster processor at mapping) and I think you can't go wrong with the Lowrance. They have much more detail and higher resolution then most other units on the market.

I've compared most of the machines side by side and found all color displays stink in direct sunlight. Thats the price you pay for color. On the flipside you can't beat the high deffinition.

The only other machines I might consider is a Raytheon with the 10" display, but the Lowrance 104 is equality as nice.

I am sure the Furuno fine, but I have never been a big fan.

madmax · #3 01-22-2004, 10:17 PM

i have used both recorders and the furuno is a much better recorded for bottom fishing, the resolution is much better. lowrance makes a model for a while then discontinues them, when you need them repaired the offer you a deal on a newer model.
mad max

Scott · #4 01-23-2004, 01:34 AM

Craig
I agree with Chris ..... Direct sunlight will wash them all out. Your T-top will help a lot. I don’t know much about the Lowrance (except that I have an old thermal recorder that was a good unit in its day) and have heard favorable of the newer stuff. I see mostly Furuno stuff up here ... Its the stuff the big boys use ... I'm Biased as I grew up using Furuno ....

Chris …we may need to discuss the Furuno / Lowrance thing over a beer !!! [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I will say that I have seen the 600 and the 582 running side by side in direct sunlight in Consumers showroom and the 582 did much better (I don’t know if the screen could have been adjusted to show more contrast) Grant you the 582 is almost twice as much as the 600 .... the x-18 color $800-900??

If you've got other questions or want other opinions I would call Consumer Marine .... several of the salesmen were/are boat Captains and seem to give every unit its due when appropriate … they have said stay away from this or I like that ....Plus with the boat shows running their already good prices are discounted even more... buy from them during the AC show or the Miami show (even over the phone ) Both in Feb. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] Wouldn’t hurt to see what kind of prices they are offering up ….. Good luck !!!

GetReel · #5 01-23-2004, 03:49 PM

Craig: I like Furuno better and havn't heard great things about Lowrance, but, I have a Sitex CVS 106 Mk11 and its a great unit for the money, dual frequency, easy to use and really marks fish well. Also has a temp "graph" that will visually indicate on the screen any temp movement. So you automatically can see the temp without having to look for a decimal or number, very effective when trolling. Also, you can now get this unit in a LCD version for visibility in direct sun, CVS 106L. Sitex also has a bundled special with this unit and a chart plotter for a great price. Just my 2 cents. Sitex will also "factory" service their product and I just sent mine in for routine maintainence. Great product.

Captn C · #6 01-26-2004, 02:36 PM

I too am a Furuno guy. A buddy of mine is up-dating his "stuff" and ask three different boating shops...all three said to go Furuno.

I have two Lowrance units (160map GPS/depth and 350A GPS/depth)on my boat and I don't even turn them on any more. They are there for back up only now. They don't interface well either.

Garmin and Furuno are much more user friendly. IMO

jw · #7 01-26-2004, 11:50 PM

Furuno Furuno furuno, On the Banshee, I have a Furno 292 depth finder, a Furuno 1764 64 NM radar and a 1850 dgps chartplotter. All nice stuff. As far as radios, ICOM.

My .75 worth

JW

you can also find deals on closeout stuff, as most of my IS, at consumer marine electronics. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Miles Offshore · #8 01-31-2004, 03:14 PM

Thanx again guyz, I went and bought one today, final choice and my money went to the Furuno 582. Didnt buy the ducer yet but also got myself a new set of Lee's lay-down outriggers for my t-top. Ive been sick for the last couple of days so I do feel a little better..... [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]