Been saving basspro cards since last christmas and after this one i finally have enough saved up. my questions is “us basemap” or “lake insight” or “nautic insight” for the mapping system. what is the difference of quality for these. the unit will be used mainly in freshwater so i will be getting the 83/200. i believe the nautic insight is only available in 50/200, but not for sure. which is the best mapping system…thanx
Best mapping by far is to get the unit without preloaded charts altogether and purchase a navionics platinum plus chip.
Nautic Insight would be the only one of the 3 you mentioned that I’d consider…
You will not regret spending the 30-40 bucks more on the 50/200 ducer either- even if you’ll be working in fresh water. You’re handicapping yourself going with the 83/200, but if you do need the lake insight built in charts, you’re right the only way to get them is to go with a unit that’s got an 83/200 skimmer. The 83/200 puts a lot less energy into the water than the 50/200 even with them both running 200mhz. I’ve used both, and the 83/200 is inadequate for saltwater past 75ft depth IMO.
Navionics hotmaps platinum may be the charting product you’ll want if you’ll be exclusively in fresh water and can get a 50/200 unit without charts built in (usually 200 or so bucks cheaper).
Send me an email if you have anymore questions. I’ve had several of the HDS units and now the new Simrad NSS. All very similar.
The HDS version 2 units just came out, btw. They have the same processor as the Simrad NSS units. Significantly faster performance…
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Luke 8:22-25
my 50/200khz HDS-8 came with Insight USA (Lake Insight and Nautic Insight together) and it seems like when I was looking that was definitely the most readily available combo w/ the 50/200. That said, I’m sure you can find it with just a base map but it might take a little more looking.
I don’t regret the little extra $ to never HAVE to get an upgraded chip. Might be nice to have the extra features (photo overlay, 3D views, etc) on the Navionics Platinum+ and I may still get one someday, but the Insight USA maps are pretty darn detailed and comprehensive, IMO. To be fair, I haven’t been out on any of the lakes, but the maps look to be just as detailed as the coastal maps, which are definitely spot on so far.
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