Even if you’re into casual fishing, navigation charts can have a huge impact on your fishing experience. Aside from their utility for planning the course, the navigation charts help you find better fishing spots without having to spend hours in a dead space.
So, if you’re not that willing to put your money into a fresh sonar unit, then going with the existing navigation charts is the next best thing.
In the current market, there aren’t many brands that offer navigation services to anglers.
The only two names that come up when you’re looking for exceptional charts are C-map Reveal vs Navionics platinum. So, let’s cover both of these options in brief detail.
C-Map Reveal vs Navionics Platinum
| Specifics | C-Map Reveal | Navionics Platinum |
| Compatibility | Limited | Extensive |
| Pricing | Affordable | Slightly Expensive |
| Routing | Moderate | Exceptional |
| Layout | Moderate | Easy To Browse |
After going through these details, you should be able to develop a basic concept of similarities and differences between C-Map reveal and Navionics Platinum.
While both of these options are exceptional, you will get better value with Navionics Platinum.
Yes, some of you will disagree and claim that the C-Map reveal is better, but you just gotta look at the compatibility side of things.
The fact that C-Map is not as desirable stems from its limited compatibility. So, you’ll be stuck with this system when the existing equipment doesn’t complement C-Map.
On the other hand, when you look at Navionics, the only issue that you will find or can find is the price point.
Yes, it is more expensive, but you should expect to pay more if you’re getting more value. There is no need to get alarmed about the budget, and look at the benefits that you’ll be realizing.
Nine out of ten times, you’ll find Navionics to be the better system. Will it be cheap? No! However, you will never feel the need to switch to C-Map after testing out this option.
C-Map Reveal
This option from Lowrance might not be as established as Navionics, but many satisfied customers. have said good things about the navigation charts on this option.
From satellite imagery to basic vector charts, you can enjoy tons of different options to better navigate through the fishing trip.
All the information is color-coded, and the high-rez charts make it easier to interpret the given information.
The basic functionality of both units is the same, but you will get a few unique features from both of these options.
In terms of compatibility with other devices, C-Map doesn’t offer a good value to the customers.
While you can use it with the Lowrance units or B&G, you’re pretty much limited to a few brands while working with C-Map.
On the other hand, you can use Navionics Platinum with any of the Humminbird and Garmin devices. So, this is the first thing you need to consider, and there is no point in going with C-Map if you’re working with Garmin or other brands.
When it comes to the customization options and additional personalization features, C-Map pulls ahead of the Navionics charts. Customers are pretty happy about the enhanced control over the color-coding features brought forward by this option.
So, if you’re looking for a chart that can be customized easily according to your preferences, then going with C-Map Reveal is the better choice.
The C-Map Reveal is a better choice as long as you’re using Lowrance units in your setup. It won’t pair well with other devices, and the access to updates is pretty limited with the C-Map.
So, if you’re looking for top value, then Navionics will always take the lead.
However, if you’re more interested in easier to use layout that can be modified according to your preferences, then C-Map Reveal will work better for you.
Now that the basics are out of the way, the market sentiment is heavily tilted towards the Navionics system.
Why? Because it offers so much more when it comes to the compatibility side of things. You will get more features, and better support from the customer support.
This better support will come at a cost however. You will have to pay more for the Navionics, and it doesn’t offer the same affordability aspect as the C-Map reveal.
So, it is not that rare to see the first time owners going with the C-map reveal when developing their first system.
If you’re also short on budget and don’t really want to risk anything, go with the C-Map reveal. It will be lighter on your budget, and you will be much better served. However, that doesn’t mean what you need to stick with this option in the long run.
You may choose a superior choice after evaluating your budget and being certain that the C-Map won’t satisfy your mapping demands (Navionics). Select the alternative that best matches your budget after weighing your two possibilities.
Even yet, there are instances when going with the less expensive choice is a mistake. Before deciding if the C-Map option is practical for you, make sure the navigational tool is compatible with the tools you currently own.
Navionics Platinum
This brand has always been the top option when it comes to navigation charts. There isn’t an option that will offer better value to the anglers.
So, if you’re just looking for top quality and don’t want to deal with compatibility issues, then Navionics Platinum is the only option for you.
The price points aren’t that different, and choosing one brand over the other won’t have a huge impact on your budget. So, you should only look at the compatibility with the existing gadgets on your boat to make the final purchase decision.
The market sentiment is heavily towards the Navionics Platinum and its easy integration with the existing system.
You will be much better off with this option if you have Garmin gadgets installed on your boat. So, if you’re unsure about which brand is better, it is not a bad idea to start out with Navionics.
Overall, Navionics brings a better value to the anglers with no significant markup to the pricing of the C-Map.
You will enjoy better compatibility, more features, and enhanced details on the display unit with Navionics.
For these reasons, Navionics Platinum should be your choice if you’re not sure about which brand to choose between these two options. Try asking other local anglers about their experience with both of these navigation charts if you’re still unsure about the purchase.
We understand that it can be beyond confusing to figure out the right option when you’re talking about phenomenal services like Navionics and C-map.
However, there is no need to complicate your situation. Both of these options are amazing, and will serve you for years on end.
The best approach is to always test out these units by yourself, and then pick the unit that is better suited for your needs.
Yes, you need to decide for yourself, and there is no such thing as one perfect solution for every angler. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with these two options.
Now, you may choose the C-Map option in an effort to save money, but this would be a mistake since you wouldn’t even be able to utilize it with your current fishing setup.
Because of this, you need to put more effort into initially weighing your alternatives and determining the compatibility issue.
Ideally, you’ll like using the system easily and won’t encounter any difficulties. So be sure to remember all of these tips, and you’ll be all set in no time.
Wrapping Up
We hope that you’ll have a good idea on what mapping system better matches your requirements. Going with Navionics is the better idea for most customers, but that is not always set in stone.
If you are sure of the fact that your navigation system is compatible with C-Map, then testing it out is not a bad option.
You will find this mapping system better for your budget. So, if you’re also tight on cash, and need a bit of help, then going with C-Map is not a bad idea.
All in all, everything boils down to the compatibility side of things. You have to make sure that the mapping system you purchase is suitable with your existing devices.
That way, you will not be disappointed by the final purchase, and sticking with either one will serve you well.
Still, we suggest that you also get help from the local experts. They will guide you on the performance of these tools in your local regions and you won’t be confused as much.