2015 Lowrance Models (new)

There is something to be said about first generation ANYTHING; the bugs are not worked out but the release date is here so they ship. 
On second thought; I'm glad I got the OLD technology, the one where the problems have been identified and fixed.  Not the new technology, the one where the problems are denied and ignored because there just isn't anyone other than some engineer and programmer in some back room that has a clue how the product works. 

No hassle guarantee ??

I have been going through a nigtmare with West Marine in San Carlos. 

I bought the Elite-7 Chirp , with the product plus protection plan.

HUGE Mistake. GPS doesn't work and they won't let me exchange it or return it. 

Worst customer service experience of my life.  I wish I never walked into a West Marine or been unfortunate enough to get stuck with a faulty unit.

Feel free to hit me up if you have questions.  The first time the unit is initialized, it WILL take a few minutes to locate.  This must be done outdoors where it can get satelite access.  Make sure you Dont have it in demo/simulator mode.   I was just in the Sam Carlos store (twice) today.  Its possible something could be wrong, but fairly unlikely.  If you need help, just let me know.  I might be able to offer a few thoughts to try or check.

Bill

The 30 day no hasstle exchange is offered directly thru Lowrance.

West Marine offers their own 'Guarantee', etc.  For what its worth, the manager you have been working with at the store has only been with them for about a week or two. 

As far as product support, feel free to reach out to me or Wingshooter ... We are both with the Lowrance Pro-Staff.  If its above our 'pay grade', we have the contacts at Lowrance who have authority to make things happen that we pro-staff guys can't.

There is something to be said about first generation ANYTHING; the bugs are not worked out but the release date is here so they ship. 
On second thought; I'm glad I got the OLD technology, the one where the problems have been identified and fixed.  Not the new technology, the one where the problems are denied and ignored because there just isn't anyone other than some engineer and programmer in some back room that has a clue how the product works.

Nice part is most (all) of the new Elite series units announced so far for 2015 are built on a platform that has been on the market for about a year now already.  They are expanding the screen size assortment and adding at least 1 more to the Mark series as well.  The HDS Gen3 units are new-new. 

 I just bought a Elite 4 HDI  flack friday as well.
Still in the box , amazon $303,  Wow

HDI is a great unit.  I love mine.  I'm also looking forward to getting my hands on the CHIRP as well for longer than a "play period".   Always something new coming out. You can't hold out for the next greatest when your holding something great already.  Just happens that the next advancement is chirp.

I will be out at port of sac sunday 12:00 till? with my new chirp unit... Brother is trying out a hobie... Striper fishing!!!

Sorry for being uninformed, but what exactly is CHIRP?

nevermind FFTC, saw your 12/24 post! nuff said!!! looks amazing!!! I have not even used my elite 4hdi and already want the newer model!!hahaha

No hassle guarantee ??

I have been going through a nigtmare with West Marine in San Carlos. 

I bought the Elite-7 Chirp , with the product plus protection plan.

HUGE Mistake. GPS doesn't work and they won't let me exchange it or return it. 

Worst customer service experience of my life.  I wish I never walked into a West Marine or been unfortunate enough to get stuck with a faulty unit.

It might be  a long drive for you, but maybe worth you time; go to the West Marine in Antioch. See the store Manager Vikki; she's NCKA and goes by the name "Red Snapper".  She'll take care of you!

No hassle guarantee ??

I have been going through a nigtmare with West Marine in San Carlos. 

I bought the Elite-7 Chirp , with the product plus protection plan.

HUGE Mistake. GPS doesn't work and they won't let me exchange it or return it. 

Worst customer service experience of my life.  I wish I never walked into a West Marine or been unfortunate enough to get stuck with a faulty unit.

Feel free to hit me up if you have questions.  The first time the unit is initialized, it WILL take a few minutes to locate.  This must be done outdoors where it can get satelite access.  Make sure you Dont have it in demo/simulator mode.   I was just in the Sam Carlos store (twice) today.  Its possible something could be wrong, but fairly unlikely.  If you need help, just let me know.  I might be able to offer a few thoughts to try or check.

Bill

I bought the unit in October, got really busy with work and it took a little time to get battery's set up on it and figure out how I was going to mount it on my kayak.

Finally get it all powered up and the GPS doesn't work.

It won't lock onto a satellite,  it's stuck in Ensenada.   I spend a few hours and give up, and go to West Marine to get help.

The sales guy is horrible,  has no idea how to work with the unit.  I tell him 6 times it's not a touch screen as he still tries every time to push holes in the screen to use the menu.

Then his answer is,   Well , you will have to send it back to Lowrance.  My head almost popped of.  I spent all this money for something that is brand new and in the box, and that I paid a protection plan for,  and I am supposed to call Lowrance.  I get pissed talk to the manager who is nice enough guy but is also incompitant.  One of his comments is " You've waited this long to use it, I think you can be patient, what's the big deal".
The big deal is that I bought something that either, works and the store can't get the Satelite to turn on, or it's broken and I want to go fishing and use it.   It may not be a lot of money for this guy but it was for me.   Anywhere else would give me a no hassle exchange so that I can get on the water.   

I have to call them and bug them and stop by the store to find out what is up.  I guess I wasn't important due to the Holidays.  West Marine, takes a week to get back to me to tell me come pick up my unit,  and that someone from Lowrance will schedule an appointment to meet with you at your boat.    It's a stupid kayak not a super schooner!

So now I have to go through a direct tv style situation with Lowrance.

Beyond frustrated.

I'm offering assistance and will drive up to San Carlos if you want the help.

Have you been trying to initialize it outdoors and are you receiving sattelite signal (how many SATs are you receiving?)

I understand your frustration.  The assistance is there if you need it.

Bill

I'm offering assistance and will drive up to San Carlos if you want the help.

Have you been trying to initialize it outdoors and are you receiving sattelite signal (how many SATs are you receiving?)

I understand your frustration.  The assistance is there if you need it.

Bill

Thanks for the offer

I really appreciate it.

I'll hit you up after Monday.  Kayaking today , snow wheeling tomorrow.

Sounds good.  Want to make sure its taken care of for you.  If it is a bad apple, I will personally make sure its taken care of.  I just need a couple hours notice & I'll come up to SC & check it all out myself.  Most days this next week work for me.

Bill

Whenever I purchase the product protection plan at West Marine, I do so with intent to swap the item for a new one before the plan expires...even if the item just has normal wear & tear. And I have never had any issues with them swapping it out, no questions asked except 'why are you swapping this unit?' This is at the Monterey store. It might be worth your time to call them and ask if they can swap the unit under the protection plan...ask for Jordan. 831-375-1870