Has anyone evaluated the difference between Axiom and the new release Axiom+

[RIBW]

This was to have been the year of a major electronics renewal but Covid reduced this ambition. I was about to buy a Raymarine Axiom at a very reduced price. The new variant - Axiom+ - is signifcantly more expensive but the sales-speak doesn't identify significant added value for the run-of-the-mill cruising use.
Has anyone had a good gander at the differences and who would benefit from them?
(I still mourn the withdrawal of SH from the market!)
Cheers
Bob

 

[pvb]

A (very brief) glance at the specs suggests that the Axiom+ has a brighter screen. Apart from that, much the same.

 

[RIBW]

A (very brief) glance at the specs suggests that the Axiom+ has a brighter screen. Apart from that, much the same.

Thanks pvb,
Sounds like the original Axiom would be a good buy.
Cheers
Bob

 

[ithet]

The current prices on original Axioms look good deals - I assume these are run out stocks.

The Axiom+ main differences that I can see are somewhat higher resolution displays, faster processor and 16Gb rather than 4Gb internal memory. I expect there will come a time when a future Lighthouse update will only work on an Axiom+.

 

[ithet]

BTW - If you mourn SH have you looked at the Onwa range which from the screenshots I have seen appears to use similar software to the old SH units. I have no direct experience though.

 

[Carib]

..similarly, if you mourn Standard Horizon (so presumably aren't too bothered about the touchscreen thing) I would take a good look at the Raymarine Element.

I've just had a few weeks' use and it's great - fast and straightforward to use. The only time I've missed touch is inputting waypoint names. The touchscreen on my older e7 was simply frustrating and the whole interface seemed unnecessarily complex.

I've set my Element up with C-map 4d+ charts which gives you the ability to have vector charts on button 1, raster on button 2, and Vector + an instrument/data display on button 3 (there are 3 quick access screens). There are loads of options for data you want to display on the split screen option or in the corners of the full screen chart display. Everything is very well thought-out, with a view to quickly getting to the settings you actually need frequently rather than getting lost in sub-menus. It may lack some more whizzy options in the Axiom, I'm not sure, but for my cruising use the only downsides I've found are that it lacks a live display of the distance/bearing from your position to the cursor (a bit annoying as you can only see that once a waypoint is placed - although I saw a support query which suggests that's not possible in the (old) Axiom either) and the buttons are not lit in any way (but you get used to where things are).

Also, before you get an Axiom, have a look at just how chunky the back is. Might not be an issue, but it looks so slim from the front I was surprised.

 

[prv]

it lacks a live display of the distance/bearing from your position to the cursor (a bit annoying as you can only see that once a waypoint is placed - although I saw a support query which suggests that's not possible in the (old) Axiom either)

The current Axiom does show the range and bearing to the cursor - if there's a support query saying otherwise then it's either based on a rather old firmware version or a confused user.

Something it was annoyingly lacking was a ruler to measure distances between arbitrary points on the chart, but that's now included in the latest firmware.

Pete

 

[RIBW]

Thanks again for the further inputs!

BTW - If you mourn SH have you looked at the Onwa range ....

Yes I did but one of my basic requirements was to migrate to N2k and when I looked, Onwa was all 0183 based unfortunately.

..similarly, if you mourn Standard Horizon (so presumably aren't too bothered about the touchscreen thing) I would take a good look at the Raymarine Element.

I very nearly bought the Element because it was the only MFD at the time that specified a full set of AIS PGNs . (That was before Raymarine admitted to an eror in their documentation and confirmed that the Axiom was was also fully capable).
I would prefer buttons but the networking of the Element doesn't allow sharing of charts and, as I have two steering positions, that could become very expensive. The Pro version (Axiom with buttons) price could not be justified especially as two units are being considered.

Also, before you get an Axiom, have a look at just how chunky the back is. Might not be an issue, but it looks so slim from the front I was surprised.

This is where SIBS would have been invaluable, not only to see the sizes but also to compare charting. (I know that several retailers have good displays but that would require a 200 mile round trip).

Cheers
Bob

 

[Robin]

I chose the AXIOM 9 current version back in January along with remote control add on, couldn't be more pleased so far, screen is excellent even in bright sunlight and with polaroid glasses is still viewable. In the event with the lockdown problems we could have waited and paid more for the latest incarnation. Our excellent local main Raymarine dealer said other than price the differences would likely be unnoticeable to me, and not having seen incarnation 2 yet I cannot say.....

 

[Talulah]

Any insiders know if there are plans for an Axiom Pro+ range?

 

[Momac]

I would prefer buttons but the networking of the Element doesn't allow sharing of charts and, as I have two steering positions, that could become very expensive.

I have dual helms too but two independent plotters each with their own chart seems to me a good safety feature. Also saves on expense of network cables . The Raymarine Element is very well priced and even with the chart cost added is competitive against the Axiom with no chart.
I discovered operating a touch screen in a very rough sea is not very good at all and therefor pleased I chose the e7 with manual control as well as touch screen for my flybridge plotter . The Axiom isn't compatible with my e7 for networking which is disappointing.
Therefore the Raymarine Element would do the job for the lower helm. I have a tablet at the lower helm at the moment and would suggest that as the most economical back up for an interior helm station (but its useless in daylight when outdoors).

 

[Robin]

I have dual helms too but two independent plotters each with their own chart seems to me a good safety feature. Also saves on expense of network cables . The Raymarine Element is very well priced and even with the chart cost added is competitive against the Axiom with no chart.
I discovered operating a touch screen in a very rough sea is not very good at all and therefor pleased I chose the e7 with manual control as well as touch screen for my flybridge plotter . The Axiom isn't compatible with my e7 for networking which is disappointing.
Therefore the Raymarine Element would do the job for the lower helm. I have a tablet at the lower helm at the moment and would suggest that as the most economical back up for an interior helm station (but its useless in daylight when outdoors).

I too have an android tablet at lower helm, works fine, agree it is useless in sunlight. so far touchscreen axiom plus remote is working well and cheaper than buying 'pro' version of axiom.