Well guys, I finally have my own new Axioms in and working on the install now. Had a first impression I thought worthy of sharing.
I remember that feeling I had when I picked up my first TRUE quality knife and that first TRUE quality hand too and that first HIGH quality rifle. It's hard to describe and if you don't actually have some history with hardware like that you may not notice the difference as much. But for those of us (most here I suspect) that do know, when you pick up that WELL MADE QUALITY tool/knife/part/firearm/etc. the reaction is "WOW". You get a level of comfort using these items as well; knowing they will do their job, knowing they will last, knowing you don't have to buy a replacement anytime soon if ever.
Well, from the boxes and packaging, to the cables and connectors, to the units themselves, that is EXACTLY how I felt opening up my new Raymarine Axioms! I'm NOT trying to compare others to a cheap tool from China or something. I'm just saying, there IS a difference and it IS VERY noticeable! The salt water heritage (rougher conditions, equipment often used for more years, etc.) of Raymarine is VERY evident in the quality of every part I have looked at and inspected. If I still had some of my hardware form my previous graphs I would be very tempted to take some pics side by side. But even that would not do justice and not interested in starting a brand war.
Just wanted to put that out there guys. If you get a chance to go by a store that has Raymarine and others, find something as simple as a "Y" cable used to split sonar signals, or the standard mounting bracket, or something like that. You won't even have to hold them next to each other; look at the other brand, then go pick up the one from Raymarine. Get ready for "WOW". Everything I have looked at so far is like a HD version of what others use.
Just my impression, my two cents. Hope it's useful to someone out there.
Tight Lines All!!!