In perspective mode is it better to be in spot lock or covering water?  And I am using the mapping  that came with the 126, so am I better off buying a mapping chip? I fish Table Rock and Bull Shoals.

Perspective mode is probably a horse a piece either way, just depends on your skill using it. I find it harder to pinpoint an exact target in perspective mode because there's a lot more calculation in your head to guestimate the angle based off the tm direction at any given time and what you're seeing on your screen. Regular forward mode is always pointing the exact same direction the TM is facing so it gives you the casting angle. 

 

When it comes to mapping, 99% of the time you're going to get more detail out of a chip. Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance all own mapping companies now and if they gave you the best most detailed maps on their units there would be zero incentive to buy the mapping cards. On a positive note, both Garmin - Navionics, and Lowrance - C-map allow you to look at their maps online. You can look them over and see what you're getting and you can compare to what you're currently using on your locator too. 

Thank you! Great answer! I will do some research. I did see Garmin offers the vision chip for $249.00  that hurts- and another chip for $149.00 . I know the $$$ chip has more detail just not sure it is worth the up grade?