Garmin 172c Vs. Lowrance Globalmap 3600Ci ?

[mjc85]

The lowrance 3600ci has 480x480 (as opposed to 320x320 on garmin) and also a 5inch screen opposed to 4.5" on the garmin. T?he lowrance is probably about $100 cheaper and is new for may/june 2006.


Garmin 172c Specs

GPSMAP 172C features 320 x 320-pixel, 256-color CFTN screen with adjustable CCFL backlight
3.2" H x 3.2" W (4.5" diagonal) viewing area
4.9”H x 6.3”W x 2.8”D unit dimensions
State-of-the-art 200 MHz processor makes data acquisition, panning, and zooming virtually instantaneous
User waypoints are automatically tagged with the date and time of creation
10,000 active track points and 1000 saved track points; database information can be stored on removable data cards and transferred to a PC or another unit
Sends, receives, and displays positioning data with DSC-equipped VHF radios
TracBack™ mode helps guide you back to points along a route
Tracklines can be color-coded for trolling or cruising applications
Additional Specifications


Lowrance Globalmap 3600Ci Specs



Display
SolarMAX™ enhanced 5" diagonal (12.7 cm) 256-color TFT display
High-definition 480 x 480 pixel resolution
Wide viewing angles in all light conditions
Fluorescent cold cathode backlit screen & keypad
gps/waas/mapping
Precision internal 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS antenna
All-new, enhanced built-in background map continental U.S. and Hawaii
Waterproof slot for one MMC/SD memory card (not included) to record GPS data files and load optional custom mapping
Optional MapCreate™ Accessory Pack includes MapCreate™ USA Topo CDs, USB memory card reader, and one memory card
Compatible with optional plug-&-play NauticPath™, and Navionics® electronic charts
1,000 waypoints/1,000 event markers/100 routes
100 savable plot trails/10,000 points per trail
42 different graphic icons to mark your favorite spots
40 map zoom ranges, 0.02–4,000 miles
Plus
NMEA 2000® compatible for LowranceNET™ networking
Back-up memory saves customized settings
Protective cover
Sealed and waterproof
Full two-year manufacturers warranty

[finding_time]

I'm not trying to compare the units as i haven't seen the lowrance but from my perspective you would be hard pressed to find a unit more user friendly the the 172c. The 172c has basically a button for every major function and is simple to work out. It also redraws very quickly on zoom in and zoom out and keeps you centered in the screen. As i have not seen the lowrance i cant comment on it but you should look at these functions as they are important.

Ian

[Lucky_Phill]

I have to agree with Ian. Having used a few Lowrances, but not the 3600, they are not as user friendly as the Garmin. Lowrances used are 107, 125, X85 , X28 and the 350LMS

I have used the 172C Garmin.............fantastic. Also used the 128, 126 and 120.

Blue Chart is pretty accurate as well.

Bought the 172C from the US, but got the Card from here !

Landed the 172c for $740 inc ins, but I believe they are cheaper now.

Just my opinion...then again, that's what ya wanted !

There is a option on the 172C which I believe is a great innovation, and that is the option of a " North up " screen. Makes life simple and easy while drift fishing.
CHeers Phill
Cheers Phill

[DALEPRICE]

just went through the same options myself,
garmin with blue chart vs lowrance with navionics.
ended up with the lowrance 5500 global map and
im wrapped with it, cost a little more for the 5500
with bigger screen but its like chalk and cheese after
having it installed and seeing the difference. just my
2 cents.
cheers dale

[DALEPRICE]

also, the north up option should be available on just
about every unit i thought ? either north up or track up.
lowrance has it as well.
hope this helps
dale

[fish2eat]

bump

[finding_time]

Yep North up is a great function!!

[gotya]

I have a 3500 global and i am wrapped in it .
It's only a month old so i'm still learing to play with it but its improved my catch along with a 136df they make a good pair. :) Lowrance all the way! ;) ::)

[mjc85]

Anyone else out there had experience with the lowrance 3500 or 3600Ci Vs. the garmin 172C ? I need to decide this week as i have to have it ready for the dealer for fitout.

[finding_time]

What unit have you got at the moment mjc85?

[mjc85]

I don't currently have a chartplotter, but i own a Lowrance X125 sounder which eventually will be upgraded to a Furuno Colour.

[revs57]

mjc,

I've got a 172C...as previously spoken ease of use for a techno challenged bod like me is a winner. I think the blue map is very accurate, has not let me down and mapped depth contours very accurately. Don't really notice the screen size as the information is redrawn so quickly. Plenty of ancillary features like tide and moon phase.

Groups new marks in alphabetical order, not just tack them on the end like Navman. And has a nearest mark function...not sure if Lowrance has these features.

Jason from Sundown Marine told me recently that Garmin had restructured their pricing very favourably on the 172c so its even more bang for the buck. I reckon it would be hard pushed to beat...put it this way...If anything happened to mine tomorrow, I'd go and get another one exactly the same...you cant go wrong.

Cheers

Rhys

[eugah]

I have a 3500 & find it a great unit, i compared all in this price range & the 3500 stood out above all others. Have seen alot of bad posts about the lowance but so far mine has not had a problem.


Adrian

[jack_attacks]

mjc
which way did you end up going - the garmin or lowrance?

Also, whats the first impressions of the new TC? I just ordered my new 5.4 profish last Saturday ;)

Matt

[seapup]

I just received my Lowrance Globalmap 3600Ci on friday and am installing it tomorrow. Will let you knwo what I think of it by the end of the week.
Ben.

[mjc85]

I chose to go the Garmin 172c, i havn't read a bad thing about it and it worked out to be $200 cheaper for the total cost of buying the unit and map than the lowrance.

I still havn't got my boat yet playtime, it hasn't even arrived at the dealers yet :(

[revs57]

I'm sure you'll be happy with it mjc...and Garmin has software for a desktop to enable the planning of trips, uploading and downloading, storing of marks etc. I'm hoping to get access soon to check out this feature too.

Cheers

Rhys

[jack_attacks]

I chose to go the Garmin 172c, i havn't read a bad thing about it and it worked out to be $200 cheaper for the total cost of buying the unit and map than the lowrance.

I still havn't got my boat yet playtime, it hasn't even arrived at the dealers yet :(

mjc - where did you end up getting the best price on the 172c...? I am almost convinced this is the gps I will put in my newwy... 8-)

I got an update from Cunningham's today on delivery date - I will pm you...

Matt