So I just installed my new Helix 9 Mega SI G2N, and been out on the lake once. I would like to maximize my maps. I have googled and read numerous threads on Lakemaster vs. Navionics. Here is what I gleaned.

1. Depending on the lake, one may be better than the other.
2. Navionics has a great website and App.
3. It appears either chip will work in the HB Helix 9.
4. If the LM has HD for your lake that is the chip ya want, but if not Navionics is better.

So. . . I mainly fish Ray Hubbard and Cedar Creek. I need to make a decision on which to get. I have no idea. Any insight, thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

John

I love my Navionics. Sadly, when I went from the 898 to the Helix 7, my files didn�t transfer. Probably lack of knowledge on my part, but....

The Navionics has worked really well for me on Hubbard , and that�s the only lake I fish, and it�s also pretty user friendly. Also, like you said, the web site and the app help a lot too, like when you�re bored in a conf call you can pull them up and wish you were fishing.

I have been using Lake Master for the last few years, they just came out with version 4 MidSouth States. All the main lakes in North Texas are pretty much there and with great detail. I have version 3 but soon hope to get version 4. What is great about Lake master, is you can do so much with it. Examples would be if the lake you are on is down you can set the offset and it will be the right depth for that day on the lake, also if you just want to fish 10 to 20 feet depth that can be set and the areas will be highlighted so they are easy to find on the lake you are on. I really like Lake Master. Hope this helps.

Lakemaster is my favorite for the reasons above, I have mine set with 4 different shades for depth. it also has roadbeds and creeks very well marked and they are spot on. And I think they are less expensive.

I have he same unit as u and fish those lakes a lot. Very much so like the lakemaster. I bought the 10 dollar navionics app for the phone so if I want to compare both while I am on the water I can do so. I now have both pretty much for the price of one due to the navionics on the phone. That�s the way I�d tell ya to go. Best 10$ u will ever spend in the App Store.

I like the LakeMaster as well. I use the Depth offset and highlighting specific depths a lot. The one feature Navionics has that I wish LM would incorporate is Navionics shows the boat houses, marinas, road beds, timber etc. LakeMaster does not.

Thanks Guys. . . I�ve read great stuff about both, but think I�m going to to with Lakemaster. With the ability to get the Navionics on my phone, I�ll go with the LM and have the features y�all talked about.

Thanks for the replies. They helped a lot.

If you're talking about your waypoints, have the latest version of HB for PC installed on your computer. Load the waypoint file to a card, then upload to your PC. Remove all routes or tracks. Load the file back to the card. The file should then upload to the new HB unit.

As far as your files not transferring, that has nothing to do with your mapping card. The card is read only and all of your waypoints, trails etc were saved to the hard drive of your 898. As mentioned above, if you still have the 898, power it up and go in and save all of your data to a blank sd card and load them on your new Helix 7. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a PM.

Both mapping cards are great tools and each have their strengths. If I were you I would check out the available data from each card for the lakes or areas you fish and go with whatever one seems to have the best data to help you. As long as great contours are available from each, you cant make a wrong decision. As you stated above you have looked at the Navionics webapp, so it sounds like you are familiar with what is offered from Navionics, if it is detailed info I for your areas I would recommend checking out the Nav+ regions card for that unit. It has the same Nautical data (1' contours and sonar chart layer) as the Platinum but will save you $50, it only lacks the overlay and 3d capabilities.

It's a bad day then... The magic smoke left the 898... It's not going to power on again.