12-05-2016, 04:33 PM
I prefer sonar. Flashers bother my eyes and the sonar gives me more display options. I really like the real-time water column along with traditional sonar screen, which a lot of anglers use. I will say that there's nothing wrong with a flasher though since many people still love using them. It's a personal preference but my preference is sonar.
If I were buying today I'd first consider my budget and intended use. Sonar units can easily be set up for both ice and boat use. For ice use only and if money isn't a big deal I'd buy the MarCum LX-7. It can be used on a boat but it's geared toward ice for sure. Another good option in that price range is the Humminbird Helix 7. Not quite as many adjustments/features that are ice specific, however you can buy models that are better equipped for boating (gps, down imaging, side imaging, navionics). For the lower price point (down around $300-400) I like the Helix 5 or Lowrance Elite series. Both of these have good ice fishing features and can be used effectively on boats. You can also get the Helix or Elite sonars already configured for ice fishing with the right transducer and a case/battery pack. If you buy a sonar without the ice setup you'll need to either A) Buy the ice fishing transducer, shuttle, battery and case, or B) Make your own case and something to hold the boating transducer in the ice hole. There are plenty of write-ups on how to do this.
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If I were buying today I'd first consider my budget and intended use. Sonar units can easily be set up for both ice and boat use. For ice use only and if money isn't a big deal I'd buy the MarCum LX-7. It can be used on a boat but it's geared toward ice for sure. Another good option in that price range is the Humminbird Helix 7. Not quite as many adjustments/features that are ice specific, however you can buy models that are better equipped for boating (gps, down imaging, side imaging, navionics). For the lower price point (down around $300-400) I like the Helix 5 or Lowrance Elite series. Both of these have good ice fishing features and can be used effectively on boats. You can also get the Helix or Elite sonars already configured for ice fishing with the right transducer and a case/battery pack. If you buy a sonar without the ice setup you'll need to either A) Buy the ice fishing transducer, shuttle, battery and case, or B) Make your own case and something to hold the boating transducer in the ice hole. There are plenty of write-ups on how to do this.
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