Thread: Do cards change that much?

They change with technologies. Cards of 2006 were built to be read with the fish finders of 2006 (and their technologies). They have come a long way since then. Sure your fish finder will probably read it however they have since come up with 3d imaging and many other features not available in 2006.

I wouldn't get a new one after a year or two but when they come out with a new card, they usually have new lakes and updated depth tables. Water depth of 2006 could very greatly in 2015. Every chip has its issues with some lakes (showing eronious depths). I wouldn't go back that far but that is just me

Good point. I bought my unit in 2012.

I have read on another site that some of the Navonics charts up until 2008 had much better stuff on them like bridges and road beds that the newer ones don't have. Better definition of drops and channels. Something about proprietary mapping they had bought from other company's that contract ran out on them being able to use.

Originally Posted by cray

I have read on another site that some of the Navonics charts up until 2008 had much better stuff on them like bridges and road beds that the newer ones don't have. Better definition of drops and channels. Something about proprietary mapping they had bought from other company's that contract ran out on them being able to use.

This is true.....They changed their basemap provider ...... I think in 2009, so the 2008 would be the last one with a lot of features that the newer ones don't necessarily have.
There is a BIG difference in some lakes......Those old features are worth as much as the depth contours in my opinion.

I have a 2008 chip (E4) for that reason.

Ya better snatch a 2006 if ya can find one ...

I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing higher priced "used older cards" than what the new ones sell for ...

Rickie

2006 is the best that I have found for the east region

Originally Posted by metalworx

2006 is the best that I have found for the east region

I had a 2012 platinum card that didn't do lakes in so.Illinois justice. Even tried the download freshest data from Navionics, to no avail. In my opinion, the older cards are the best for pertinent information on the lakes you use them on.

So, is this true of the other card making companies as well? Will the older cards ( 2008 or prior) work in a newer, 2013 unit?