Lowrance X135 vs X125 vs X96

[Catfisher]

I'm really sold on the Lowrance X135. From what I've read here, the extra power results in a clearer bottom image and better resolution on the structure as well as the fish.

When I look in the catalog for the 135, 125, and the 96, the Comparisons are:

Model: 135 125 96
PK to PK 4000 2400 1500
RMS 500 300 188
Depth 1000ft 900ft 800ft
Pixels 480x480 480x480 320x320
Price(temp only) $399.00 $299.00 $239.00

There's the three in a nutshell. I mostly fish lakes up to 100 feet deep. I can't imagine staying out in 100 foot water in my little 14ft boat. Anyway, the salesman at Cabela's said if I'm not fishing in 1000 foot water, don't worry about the wattage. I like the Lowrance products, so will most likely chose one of the above. Is the X135 really worth the extra 100 dollars?

1. Will the extra wattage affect the resolution in 10-100 feet of water?

2. What are the advantages of the 500 WT RMS vs 300RMS?

3. If the tX135 and X125 were compared side by side, could you tell any difference between the two displays?

4. I can understand choice between the X96 and the X125. How about the 135 vs the 125?

Thanks for your time and for the considerable knowlege continually divulged here on the BOC!

Gary

[duxsrus]

I have a 125 and if I were to do it all over again, I'd have got the 135. As far as the displays though, I think the only difference is the 135 is white backlit and the 125 is amber backlit.

[jim]

Power does make a difference in definition.Go to their website and play with the emulators and you will find out if the extra 100$ matters.Its kind of like should I get a 25 hp motor or a 35?Virtually everyone ends up wishing they had gotton the bigger motor longer baot and more powerful finder.

[turtle1173]

I went from an Eagle Fishmark 320 to a Lowrance X125. It made a world of difference. The Fishmark was only 1500 watts. I got a great deal from a good friend of mine here on the BOC who was getting rid of his X125. I actually sold my 2 year old Fishmark for more than what I paid for his X125.

Anyway, sure I would like the X135 but (for now) I'm content with the X125. The wattage of the X135 is almost double that of the X125. You just have to decide if that's worth an extra $100 to you or not.

I don't believe the way the salesman you talked to believes. If you just want to see the depth and nothing more, then maybe. However higher wattage is going to penetrate better and give you a more thorough view of what is down there.

[Mutt]

I have both the 135 and 125 and like them both a lot the 125 for me is a better unit for clarity etc but if the cash is a bit streched you cant go wrong with the 125. if money is not a issue then get the 135.