I have had an 8″ ION for three years and its just easy. Its nice to be able to move around with a flasher and the ION and scout out fish before you set up. Its light and there is no hassle of restarting it. Even when the ice is deep I have never had a problem with it getting through. One tip is to not leave the battery in and lay it on the ice. It will drain quicker. I take it out and leave it in the truck. Well worth the extra $ and makes it easy to want to go out more. Hope this helps.

I got a Clam six pack and its awesome. Takes about 5 mins to set up with the drill bit ice anchors and we have a ton of room. Just sit on lawn chairs and be comfortable. I had my doubts before I got it but its proven to be a great way to ice fish. In the wind you have to get that first ice anchor in and then pop it up. Learned that the hard way.

Well I made my choice. Marcum VS825SD.

Its more than double what I wanted to spend but the reviews say that the cheaper Aqua-Vu models are hard to see in the daylight. What good is that? I need to be able to move around and drill holes and look for fish before I pick a spot. The tripod camera pan thing looks useful. Bigger and brighter screen is the key from what I’ve heard. I hope it lasts along time cuz it aint cheap.

So.. any thoughts? Am I making the right choice?

Third year with my ION and it just works. Like the man said. Pull the trigger and drill a hole. Makes it easy to want to go out more.

Thanks Tim! I really appreciate the update. Looking like I will head up third week in Jan. I will send an update after that.

Any word on the Crappies?

Thank you for the update! Going to be up there in two weeks.