First-ever best Elex Awards

Four of the leading titles in marine media – Boating, Yachting, Salt Water Sportsman, and Cruising World – have confirmed the winners of their first-ever joint awards program. The 2021 Best Elex Awards honors standout marine-electronics products that have been reviewed and approved by a panel of judges that includes the editors-in-chief and electronics editors of the aforementioned titles.

Promoted by owned by Bonnier Corp, which owns the magazines, seven products set themselves apart. The Editors’ Choice Award, presented to the best overall product in the competition, was awarded to the Raymarine Axiom Plus.

Judges’ comments about the winner:
• “From a nanocoated water- and impact-resistant display on the outside to a fast-operating quad-core processor on the inside, Raymarine’s Axiom+ multi-function displays provide improved GPS, vivid 3D sonar imagery, dual-channel functionality, and more.”

• “These units have more memory than your mother-in-law. They run a multitude of apps, using an intuitive GUI ripped from a smart TV and, thanks to Wi-Fi, no pulling radar cable through pipework. What’s not to like?”

Other winners were:
• Leading-Edge Technology: Furuno NavNet TZTouch3 9F. “Its frequency-agile radar paints targets like a Picasso.”

• Best Integrated System: Garmin GPSMap 1243xsv. “Brings state-of-the-industry features to a midrange instrument that can be easily refit as an upgrade.”

• Most Innovative for Sailing: Airmar DST 810. “Provides complicated speed calculations along with easy installation and setup at a very affordable price.”

• Best in Entertainment: Rockford Fosgate 12-inch Color Optix M2 subwoofers. “With the ability to pump out up to 1,600 watts of power, a lack of volume should never be an issue.”

• Most Innovative for Power: Dometic Optimus outboard electric-steering actuator. “Brings marine-steering technology into the 21st century.”

• Best in Communication: Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix. “Combines every feature you need in a fixed-mount VHF radio.”

“Bonnier inspires its readers to expand the possibilities of life on the water, so technology and electronics are essential,” says Bonnier vice president Glenn Sandridge. “Manufacturers are no longer just delivering the basics, but are also creating innovative ways to improve safety and enjoyment for boaters of all kinds. We are proud to honor the best of these innovators.”

The 2021 Best Elex Awards will be featured in the forthcoming Marine Electronics & Technology quarterly e-zine, and at these links across all four participating websites:
• Boating
• Yachting
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Cruising World