01-02-2009, 05:56 AM
I researched fish finders with avid anglers who standby their flashers and heavily on the net for about 2-3 weeks (including pos and neg posts). I chose the Showdown 10 days ago because it makes sense - the same leading technology used in all on-board boat fish/depth finders, plus it just seemed too easy as compared to personal experiences with Vexilar, Marcom, and other flasher models.
I've used the Showdown now 5 times and am very impressed. Set it on the ice (pre-drilling) and immediately find my depth. Drop it in the hole and find the fish immediately with distinct separation. It seems to also differentiate between hard and soft bottoms and standing weeds. I can manually control Sensitivity and Noise levels and Range, or set each to "Automatic" (my pref). I watch the fish move up and down and can coax them off the bottom. the built-in LCD heater not yet needed (I live in MN). I also run 3'ft LCD light string off the Showdown battery for night fishing.
In my humble opinion, I think the ice fish-finder "market" will change. I would expect to see Vex, Marc, Lawr and the others introduce their own version in the very near future – next season? I am far from "pro" status - Rather just a guy who loves to fish and appreciates good gear. The Showdown is good gear.
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I've used the Showdown now 5 times and am very impressed. Set it on the ice (pre-drilling) and immediately find my depth. Drop it in the hole and find the fish immediately with distinct separation. It seems to also differentiate between hard and soft bottoms and standing weeds. I can manually control Sensitivity and Noise levels and Range, or set each to "Automatic" (my pref). I watch the fish move up and down and can coax them off the bottom. the built-in LCD heater not yet needed (I live in MN). I also run 3'ft LCD light string off the Showdown battery for night fishing.
In my humble opinion, I think the ice fish-finder "market" will change. I would expect to see Vex, Marc, Lawr and the others introduce their own version in the very near future – next season? I am far from "pro" status - Rather just a guy who loves to fish and appreciates good gear. The Showdown is good gear.
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