Gear Guide: Tech & Accessories Part 3

By Perry Mack

Powermania Turbo M-V2

There have been significant advances in battery chargers recently to help maintain and restore depleted batteries. Especially batteries that are ignored for months – like marine batteries.

The Turbo M-V2 is the next generation in Turbo M chargers and is lighter and runs cooler than previous iterations. Like the ME series, it’s a shock-resistant, compact, waterproof unit designed to recharge 12V batteries - even when the AC power is weak (down to 90V) – as in poor shore power, even when the battery is completely depleted. They have specific settings for different battery types, can allocate more charge to weaker batteries in multi-battery systems, and are fully automated so you don’t have to be concerned with overcharging.

The M-V2 differs from the ME in that it shows individual charge status and has individual DC output warning lights, so you know the status of your batteries before you get on the water.

Available for single- to quad-bank battery configurations and 12-40 amps.

MSRP: $150-$450 USD - www.powermaniausa.com

Raymarine Axiom Pro

For the serious offshore angler, Axiom Pro is available with a 1 kW, high-powered CHIRP sonar and Raymarine’s built-in, advanced, RealVision 3D sonar.

The new Axiom Pro line is available in 9-, 12- and 16-inch display sizes, and each model is available with Raymarine’s exclusive RealVision™ 3D sonar. "Raymarine’s combination of Axiom Pro’s RealVision 3D sonar and built-in 1kW CHIRP sonar is a game-changer,” said Grégoire Outters, Vice President and General Manager of FLIR Maritime. “Axiom Pro provides serious offshore anglers and boaters with larger display sizes, deep water CHIRP sonar performance and the flexibility of HybridTouch control for an exceptional, all-in-one navigation experience.”

MSRP: From $2,550 - Raymarine.com

Thermo-WADE™ 

Changes in water temperature may act as a signal for aquatic insects to emerge, prompting fish feeding. Imagine knowing when and where to be when this happens. The Thermo-WADE combines the features of a collapsible wading staff with a temperature sensor that provides you with critical real-time water temperature at the bottom as well as air temperature.

An angler can record and hold water and air temperatures against time and date for up to ten readings at a time at the touch of a button. Visibility is optimal through the use of back LED lighting for dusk and night fishing, and temperature change alerts for pre-set temperature ranges notify you immediately of optimal conditions.

Given all the factors that affect water temperature like time of day, season, snowmelt, latitude, elevation, water depth, shade and sun; pinpointing the correct water temperature can greatly increase the number of strikes on your line. Start building the profile of the waters of your favourite strike zones.

MSRP: Approximately $217 CAD with Gear Keeper wading retractor - www.thermowade.com

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