[Rich]

Be sure to look at the charts also.

I have a Raymarine and use the Navionics chart on the lake. Navionics has been very responsive and updated their chart when I have reported a few minor updates/issues to them. The changes were accepted and I could then update my own charts. Also, I believe that Navionics chart is related to the Biizer chart data. You also can get a cell phone app with the same Navionics charts on them, this is good for planning and other purposes. You can see their actual chart data online via their website if you want to review it, or for trip planning purposes.

Garmin uses their own charts, and has been locking out 3rd party charts lately on their newer MFDs (so you can't buy a Bizer chart for your Garmin even if you wanted it). But recently Garmin purchased Navionics, so I'm not sure what this will mean in the long term? Maybe they will allow a Navionics chart option, or will they absorb the Navionics chart database into their own charts? I like a lot of the Garmin products, but know and love the Navionics charts, so I'm torn.

I'm considering updating my much older MFD so I have been looking at the two manufacturers also.

I'm not fishing, so I don't know how the sonar compares, I'm more interested in navigation and other cruising features. The Axiom 9 has been looking very attractive to me.