toadhead

I can affirm and disappointed to learn that Helix G3N units still don't share maps (LakeMaster or Navionics); waypoints yes. Coming fro Lowrance to Humminbird I was spoiled by the units sharing mapping software and waypoints. I also confirmed this with the Humminbird rep as well.

Also noting that I was casting along brushline and tree stumps, water temp was 73 degrees, water was clear to slightly stained with slight chop; slightly overcast (morning); I added a split ring (not a swivel) and tie directly to the split ring; I have 15 lb. fluorocarbon line but may opt for braid especially if I am working with larger WP's.

I have purchased several Whopper Ploppers, mainly the larger ones but hadn't had real success until recently. Ironically I found a Whopper Plopper that someone lost in some brush. I was able to retrieve it and surprisingly it's been the most productive lure I have owned for topwater. Not sure if it's the size, the color (Blue Blood) or what the fish just eat this thing up. I caught 16 largemouth bass on it in about a 4 hour span including this double catch using this lure...so I just placed an order for several versions of the 90 including a couple of the Blue Blood

concur; it's one of several factors I reviewed; again, it's how much does the boat you are interested in have what you are looking for, how is it configured, how well is it constructed, fit and finish, etc...I haven't looked at the Xpress in person but judging from the boat options and materials used, it appears to be a good boat just I feel the Ranger RT178 Series is. Assuming the foam and weld quality is the same, I doubt either boat would be a bad choice.

I reviewed the Xpress; don't care for the configuration as much. Also, prefer the swing-away trailer tongue on the Ranger trailer. That said, I suspect it will come down to buyer's preference.

Just went through the same due diligence process; I actually started looking at Tracker aluminum due to financial outlay concerns and it was my first "new" boat purchase. I was weighing the Tracker and also the Nitro Z6. I really liked the layout of the Nitro and if I was a bit less timid, I might have selected that. That said, in my due diligence process I learned about the Ranger Aluminum Tournament series boats. I learned that the Tracker boat was not as well built as the Ranger RT178/RT188. I like not having to deal with any plywood in the deck that could delaminate over time and liked the idea of having the foam injected throughout the boat. Also didn't care for the cheap steering wheel on the Tracker. I went with the RT178 series boat. I elected to go with it because it's a better built boat for the money. I did not go with the Ranger glass boat simply because it's more expensive for what I want and willing to pay for and as I previously mentioned, since this is my first "new" boat and to a great degree my first serious fishing boat, I felt I ease into boat ownership with an aluminum boat that won't sink and one that is a bit more forgiving should I run up on objects. If you did go with a Nitro Z6, do get the HAMBY keel guard. Keelguard did purchase HAMBY but the one ordered at the factory is the stick-on type, not the one put on at the dealership. The HAMBY installation process uses a bonded fiberglass epoxy so it won't peel on you and it's significantly thicker. Also, another piece of news, BassPro purchased the holding company that owns Ranger Aluminum boats and Triton boats; not sure about the Ranger glass boats.