what fishfinder under 1000?

[kingrat]

looking for a good si finder for under 1000, what do you guys recommend?
So far the lowrance hook2 9 tripleshot looks promising.

[Walleyedude]

Rumour has it Lowrance is bringing out a new model to replace the current Elite TI2 sometime this fall. That means there's likely going to be some really good deals to be had on the TI2s this winter/next spring.

If you don't want to wait that long, the Elite 9 TI2 is $1350 at the TFH now, it'll be on sale for the Wall to Wall, so it's likely available today for $1080-1200 depending on the discount, but it should be 20% off, which is $1080. The Elite 9 TI2 with the Active Imaging 3in1 transducer - 2D, SI, and DI - for $1100 is a great value. The Elite TI2 is a BIG step up from the Hook2 series, it's the best bang for your buck in a 9" sonar from any brand in my opinion, especially at that sale price.

https://www.lowrance.com/en-ca/lowra...nav-ai-3-in-1/

[Vapor]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

Rumour has it Lowrance is bringing out a new model to replace the current Elite TI2 sometime this fall. That means there's likely going to be some really good deals to be had on the TI2s this winter/next spring.

https://www.lowrance.com/en-ca/lowra...nav-ai-3-in-1/

Where is this rumour coming from? The Ti2 is a new model that just replaced the original Ti, and is doing well.

[EZM]

Here's a unit, $ 849, that has virtually every single feature and technology available to any other unit at that price point. This is, without argument, the biggest bang for your buck right now.

Ussually both Lowrance and Humminbird have comparable units - but there are periods of time where one manufacturer is a step ahead in their packages for 6 month or so - right now, Hummingbird, at this price point, is the better option.

This unit has ......

Sonar, GPS, Mapping, Live Updates, multiple card slots, Live Auto Mapping, High Def, Chirp, Side Imaging, Down Imaging, dual spectrum, switch fire and also MEGA DI imaging ........... there isn't a thing missing here that any other unit has at this price point anywhere.

Here's the description ...

NEW to HELIX 7- MEGA Down Imaging: Get unprecedented underwater clarity with coverage down to 125 feet below your boat. You'll unlock new details with up to 3X more output than standard Down Imaging sonar
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP: Before you cast, know what's down there thanks to long, well-defined fish arches, and a clear view of fish-holding structure and the bottom. Powered by proprietary, Low Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum offers two ways to search: wide mode for maximum coverage and narrow mode for maximum detail
• SwitchFire Sonar: Take command of how your sonar returns appear. With two display modes, you can add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature and turbulence, even watch lure presentations - all at the push of a button
• Humminbird Basemap Built-in: This enhanced standard basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the U.S.
• AutoChart Live: Create real-time maps of your fishing spots, with access to patented Humminbird® LakeMaster® features. Map depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation as you drive your boat, with eight hours of built-in recording time
• LakeMaster Compatible: Upgrade to the unrivaled accuracy and detail of Humminbird LakeMaster maps. From easy-to-read contours, to highlighted depth ranges and adjustable water levels, you'll have all the tools you need to make every moment count

The Humminbird® Helix™ 7 CHIRP Mega DI GPS G3 with Nav+ fish finder features MEGA Down Imaging, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, AutoChart Live, GPS and Humminbird Basemap built-in. The 7", ultra-wide display gives you ample room to view the many pre-loaded split screen view options. Includes transducer and mounting hardware, power cable, gimbal mounting bracket.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/12044...ps-g3-with-nav

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by EZM

there isn't a thing missing here that any other unit has at this price point anywhere.

I'm going to argue lol.

It's missing two major things -

Touch screen. The days of the Blackberry are gone. Touch screen and the ability to customize your screen layouts and overlays are HUGE upgrades.

2D sonar quality. The Lowrance broadband 2D sonar is simply better, and when you add in the aftermarket transducers available (Airmar), there is no comparison.

Elite 7TI2 would be the same price at TFH Wall to Wall sale. For $200 more, you're into an Elite 9 TI2 with a touch screen that's 2" larger, that's a no brainer IMHO.

[Poppa]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

I'm going to argue lol.

It's missing two major things -

Touch screen. The days of the Blackberry are gone. Touch screen and the ability to customize your screen layouts and overlays are HUGE upgrades.

2D sonar quality. The Lowrance broadband 2D sonar is simply better, and when you add in the aftermarket transducers available (Airmar), there is no comparison.

Elite 7TI2 would be the same price at TFH Wall to Wall sale. For $200 more, you're into an Elite 9 TI2 with a touch screen that's 2" larger, that's a no brainer IMHO.

+1 for Larry's. I bought the Elite 9 Ti when the $$ was slashed to make room for Ti2's, and I friggin' love it. TotalScan transducer kicks all kinds of ass.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

I'm going to argue lol.

It's missing two major things -

Touch screen. The days of the Blackberry are gone. Touch screen and the ability to customize your screen layouts and overlays are HUGE upgrades.

2D sonar quality. The Lowrance broadband 2D sonar is simply better, and when you add in the aftermarket transducers available (Airmar), there is no comparison.

Elite 7TI2 would be the same price at TFH Wall to Wall sale. For $200 more, you're into an Elite 9 TI2 with a touch screen that's 2" larger, that's a no brainer IMHO.

Agree it has no touch screen - correct.

BUT ...can you quantify the "2d sonar is better" does it operate at a different frequency? or in a frequency not available in the hummingbird? is there better target separation? speed of rendering on graphics? It seems to me, based on those 3 things they offer the same capability.

And when you say broadband, I assume you are taking about chirp? because they use the same Hz band modulations and offer the same rates of transmission (pulse).

This technology was developed outside of both Lowrance and Hummingbird 2 decades ago by the military to provide the advantages we see in our units today with clarity.

This unit does have CHIRP.

Not arguing - just asking about this so we can all learn using "objective and data driven" information.

Is there a comparison we can see? Maybe there's more to it? I dunno?

Keep in mind I have both a few series of Hummingbird and a Lowrance HDS unit ……… and I see no discernible difference there at all.

The other point is, anyone can spend the money and upgrade transducers on almost any unit ….. the op asked for a unit under $1000 - and given the fact the unit you recommended was already well above his budget and now you want to add a transducer put this far beyond the scope of the OP's original request.

Heck, if it was $1500 - then I would have another recommendation that does include a touch screen and all of those features - but that's not what he asked for - BUT yes that would make that unit much better - for almost twice the price though ….. see what I mean? (not trying to come off as sarcastic - just making a point here).

Not arguing - just asking ….

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by EZM

Agree it has no touch screen - correct.

BUT ...can you quantify the "2d sonar is better" does it operate at a different frequency? or in a frequency not available in the hummingbird? is there better target separation? speed of rendering on graphics? It seems to me, based on those 3 things they offer the same capability.

And when you say broadband, I assume you are taking about chirp? because they use the same Hz band modulations and offer the same rates of transmission. (This technology was developed outside of both Lowrance and Hummingbird and both solutions are third party in both companies).

Not arguing - just asking about this so we can all learn using "objective and data driven" information.

There are several key differences, but the single biggest factor is in how each unit goes about rendering the 2D sonar data into the image you see on the screen. That's the "black box" part of the equation that is proprietary to each OEM, and that's where the companies separate themselves.

Lowrance refers to their proprietary software for that job as "Broadband Sonar", they have for a long time now, because frankly, not much has changed in 2D sonar quality other than the addition of processing a CHIRP signal. (Which if you recall, Humminbird initially scoffed at and downplayed before realizing they needed to get onboard or get left behind.) The technology of CHIRP was developed by a third party, but how the CHIRP signal is processed is also proprietary to each OEM as I understand it. Lowrance's technology for rendering the 2D image results in better target acquisition, better target separation, and much better detail in how the sizing and color variation of objects within the water column are displayed.

Another key detail is in how the transducers ping. Lowrance pings in a single frequency (or frequency range for CHIRP) and allows the user to select that frequency. Humminbird may have adopted that in their newer models, I don't really know, but to my knowledge, the Bird units ping at both 83 and 200 at all times. Not a big deal, unless you're running multiple sonar units/transducers, and then it creates interference issues. It's also more noise in the water column at all times.

A Camaro and Corvette have much of the same technology and share many capabilities, but they are not the same when it comes to performance. Simply put, Lowrance 2D paints a better picture than Humminbird. There's really nothing bold or new about that claim, I'd day it's pretty well accepted, including among the guys I know that are diehard Bird users.

The other point is, anyone can spend the money and upgrade transducers on almost any unit ….. the op asked for a unit under $1000 - and given the fact the unit you recommended was already well above his budget and now you want to add a transducer put this far beyond the scope of the OP's original request.

My point was a simple one. The Lowrance unit is capable of being upgraded at any time should the OP choose to. Not all sonar units give you that option, and the ability to modify or improve a product in the future matters to some people. If you're willing to spend $1000 on a sonar unit, these are things that IMHO, are worth taking into account.

On that topic, another BIG benefit of the Elite TI2 that I forgot to mention the first time around, is the ability to link it wirelessly to a second TI2 to share mapping, waypoints, trails, and 2D sonar between units.

I also believe that screen size is king, especially when it comes to getting value out of SI. If you're looking at spending $1000, you're pretty serious about sonar, and I think you owe it to yourself to see what stretching that budget by another $100 or even $200 might get you. I firmly believe you'll never regret sacrificing a couple cases of beer or a couple trips to McDonalds with the family and spending that little bit extra on your sonar unit.

[Coiloil37]

I’ll nitpick a bit myself.

Lowrance and humminbird aren’t even on the map for the best 2d sonar and yes there is a difference between middle and top tier. Furuno owns that market and is found on almost every commercial and charter boat in the salt. The options on their sonar and their processing technology leave the other two mentioned dead in the water. Even their better non chirp 2d sounders give up nothing to any chirp sounder mounted on a boat.

That said, on a lake in the shallow water your fishing and for the species most of you are fishing lowrance and humminbird do just fine. Personally I could take or leave touchscreen. I’ve got both and I couldn’t care either way. Bigger screen size is always better but the lowrance units I’ve been around have horrible resolution and have always been pixilated. The HDS7 on my boat is horrible and is a dedicated chart plotter/NMEA gauge pack these days. I absolutely hate it but it works for what I’m using it for. My old helix 7 gave much clearer picture then any lowrance I’ve owned or seen.

I don’t think anyone has better down imaging then humminbirds mega down imaging. That’s my opinion from what I’ve seen and read. Might be incorrect.

Haven’t played with side imaging much but I think raymarine owns that market from what I’ve seen. Their processing speed is unrivalled and the entire axiom pro line looks very good but three times the price the OP is looking to spend.

If I were the OP I would be looking at Garmin or humminbird but that has a lot to do with my personal dislike of lowrance/simrad.

My humminbird looked like this. Nice clean arches, target separation and worked just fine for 2d sonar in a lake finding suspended fish.




My lowrance looks like this, some shallow and deeper shots. Pixilated like a 1985 Atari. This is running a 600w airmar transducer.










My small furuno also running a 50/200 600w airmar. One of these days I’ll get a better 1 kw transducer to get some better resolution and depth capability but it works fine out to the 350m I fish in.







And a black marlin harassing some slimy mackerel on a Garmin. That ones not on my boat but they’re a very popular option with a 1k ducer live baiting marlin from the shallows like this out to the shelf. Where I’m fishing if they aren’t running a furuno it’ll be a Garmin and guys swear by them. Inshore a guy could run the factory ducer and be perfectly happy.

[kingrat]

I have been looking at garmin as well, this is awesome information and discussion so far.

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

I’ll nitpick a bit myself.

Lowrance and humminbird aren’t even on the map for the best 2d sonar and yes there is a difference between middle and top tier. Furuno owns that market and is found on almost every commercial and charter boat in the salt. The options on their sonar and their processing technology leave the other two mentioned dead in the water. Even their better non chirp 2d sounders give up nothing to any chirp sounder mounted on a boat.

They aren't intended to be. Humminbird doesn't chase the salt market, and Navico (Lowrance) has the Simrad and B&G lines for the salt market.

Personally I could take or leave touchscreen. I’ve got both and I couldn’t care either way. Bigger screen size is always better but the lowrance units I’ve been around have horrible resolution and have always been pixilated. The HDS7 on my boat is horrible and is a dedicated chart plotter/NMEA gauge pack these days. I absolutely hate it but it works for what I’m using it for. My old helix 7 gave much clearer picture then any lowrance I’ve owned or seen.

Everyone is different, but for most people, once you've used the touch screen, it's REALLY hard to go back to buttons.

What year is that 7"? Looks like a Gen 1 HDS, maybe Gen 2? Pretty unfair to compare today's screens to 10 year old technology. Screen resolution on today's sonar units is largely a wash between all of the major brands, the specs are all essentially identical, so to suggest the Lowrance is inferior is simply inaccurate. In fact, the only standout is the HDS Live series. The HDS Live screen quality, resolution, brightness, and viewing angles are unquestionably a notch above the competition. They're also well out of the OP's desired price range.

My humminbird looked like this. Nice clean arches, target separation and worked just fine for 2d sonar in a lake finding suspended fish.

No offense lol, but I find it hard to take anyone seriously when they have the Fish ID turned on LOL.

[58thecat]

I like the fish ID on.....kinda makes it into a videao game...entertaining between bites...thx for sharing the information as I am looking to upgrade just don't need all the bells and whistles...7"screen and that down imaging stuff...

HELIX 7- MEGA Down Imaging...?...maybe a possibility...might wait until someone upgrades to take advantage of the savings...don't always need new.

[Coiloil37]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

What year is that 7"? Looks like a Gen 1 HDS, maybe Gen 2? Pretty unfair to compare today's screens to 10 year old technology. Screen resolution on today's sonar units is largely a wash between all of the major brands, the specs are all essentially identical, so to suggest the Lowrance is inferior is simply inaccurate. In fact, the only standout is the HDS Live series. The HDS Live screen quality, resolution, brightness, and viewing angles are unquestionably a notch above the competition. They're also well out of the OP's desired price range.



No offense lol, but I find it hard to take anyone seriously when they have the Fish ID turned on LOL.

The inshore year doesn’t get a pass from me for its inferior technology just because it wasn’t built for the salt. It still doesn’t have the tech built into it that other brands are using. I would accept it’s because they’re built for the average user who doesn’t need the adjustability and tech that discriminating users want.

Yes it’s a gen 2 and yea I think it’s a 2012 or 2013 model. I’ve fished with some newer units and they still haven’t impressed me. It should be dead simple for you to show some of your screen shots to prove your position.
The bird I had was 5-6 years old as well and a heck of a lot less pixilated then the HDS7.


The fish ID is a fair point but I was at the back of the boat running downriggers and driving with the ipilot remote. I wanted the little symbols to be able to see them from 8’ away. It’s a straw man argument so you’ll have to do a little better then that.

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

The inshore year doesn’t get a pass from me for its inferior technology just because it wasn’t built for the salt. It still doesn’t have the tech built into it that other brands are using. I would accept it’s because they’re built for the average user who doesn’t need the adjustability and tech that discriminating users want.

You're free to compare apples to oranges, though I'm not sure what the point of it is.

We could all spend 10X what the OP wants to spend and run Furano or B&G units on southern AB puddles, but that seems kinda ridiculous.

Yes it’s a gen 2 and yea I think it’s a 2012 or 2013 model. I’ve fished with some newer units and they still haven’t impressed me. It should be dead simple for you to show some of your screen shots to prove your position.
The bird I had was 5-6 years old as well and a heck of a lot less pixilated then the HDS7.

I never take screen shots, I've never really seen the point of it, so I honestly don't have any. I'll grab a few next time I'm out. In the meantime, the internet is FULL of them, all anyone has to do if they're curious is Google it and they can see for themselves. And no, I'm not going to do that and post internet pics here.

It’s a straw man argument so you’ll have to do a little better then that.

Relax, it wasn't meant as an argument, just poking a little fun lol.

[Coiloil37]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

You're free to compare apples to oranges, though I'm not sure what the point of it is.

We could all spend 10X what the OP wants to spend and run Furano or B&G units on southern AB puddles, but that seems kinda ridiculous.



I never take screen shots, I've never really seen the point of it, so I honestly don't have any. I'll grab a few next time I'm out. In the meantime, the internet is FULL of them, all anyone has to do if they're curious is Google it and they can see for themselves. And no, I'm not going to do that and post internet pics here.



Relax, it wasn't meant as an argument, just poking a little fun lol.

As a general rule I don’t do the back and forth game with guys who are only trying to prove a point as opposed to discuss something with the prospect of learning something but I’ll take another kick at this.

I’m not comparing apples to oranges. My furuno is a <$1000 unit and even at the bottom of the furuno product line you still get access to the best 2d sonar on the market. They’ve got technology built into their units nobody else has at any price point. It’s probably a brand you’ve never used so rather then tell me I’m comparing pickups to frying pans you could read the manual for one or do a quick google (if you were interested in learning something new).

It’s true a furuno with side scan is priced out of the discussion which is why I didn’t bring it up. If a guy wants side scan or down scan at the price point the OP brought up and is fishing lakes (shallow water) your better looking somewhere else.

I’ve fished in boats with the lowrance elite line and I’ve looked at all of the lowrance and simrad units in store. The 2d screens didn’t impress me. You can’t provide a screen shot so I took the liberty of googling it. They’re still not as clear (IMO) as my five year old helix was.





The birds mega down imaging and side imaging utilise 1000+ kHz and so far as I know are still top dogs on that scene in shallow water. Their screens are clear and the 2d sonar is good enough.
Personally I don’t think the side scan is very good until your into the 12”+ screens but everyone has their own opinion.

If I wanted to spend a grand and fished Alberta it would be a Garmin or humminbird. The Garmins I’ve fished around (all offshore) have impressed the heck out of me. If I moved back to Alberta it’s likely where I would put my money. The only thing that might sway my opinion was how much I liked the bird being linked to my ipilot.

[CptnBlues63]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

If I were the OP I would be looking at Garmin or humminbird but that has a lot to do with my personal dislike of lowrance/simrad.

My lowrance looks like this, some shallow and deeper shots. Pixilated like a 1985 Atari. This is running a 600w airmar transducer.

Ok, you're biased against Lowrance. At least you're honest and admit that.

I'm not biased for or against any particular depth finder but I own a Lowrance HDS5 with nav chip. I own that because I bought it used off my bro for a killer good price. It's nice too that it came with all his waypoints for all the lakes he's fished on in SK

The images you posted above from your Lowrance are nothing like what I see on mine. The images I see on my Lowrance look more like the images you posted from your Humminbird (without the cutesy little fish icons) My images are sharp and clear and not at all pixilated.

Is it possible there's something wrong with your Lowrance that it's producing such lousy images?

[Coiloil37]

Display quality is as I expected.

Chasing some clarification here on your perception of sand and mud. Which is which (side for side)?




Furuno has bottom discrimination which depicts it like this on the bottom of the screen. I have the luxury of being able to see the bottom to about 30m of water so it’s easy enough to look over the side to see if it’s lying to me and it’s always been spot on. In deeper water I’ve often got a gopro down there and check things that way.

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

Display quality is as I expected.

Chasing some clarification here on your perception of sand and mud. Which is which (side for side)?




Furuno has bottom discrimination which depicts it like this on the bottom of the screen. I have the luxury of being able to see the bottom to about 30m of water so it’s easy enough to look over the side to see if it’s lying to me and it’s always been spot on. In deeper water I’ve often got a gopro down there and check things that way.

Mud is left, sand is right. You can actually see where the mud onlaps the previous sandy/hard bottom as the lake bed slowly fills with silt/mud.

Beauty is in in the eye of the beholder as they say. To my eye, the display quality of the Lowrance is definitely superior.

The sand/gravel/mud bar is interesting, but to be honest, it does nothing for me.

[Curado]

This has been an informative thread! I’m also looking to purchase a top notch fishfinder for my Cumberland float tube in the $1000 price range. I’ve done a LOT of research & I really like the Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp Mega SI gps g3n. Size does matter & although it’s overkill now, I may be moving up to a Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 360 drive kayak.

https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.c...ega-si-gps-g3n

[Coiloil37]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

Mud is left, sand is right. You can actually see where the mud onlaps the previous sandy/hard bottom as the lake bed slowly fills with silt/mud.

Beauty is in in the eye of the beholder as they say. To my eye, the display quality of the Lowrance is definitely superior.

The sand/gravel/mud bar is interesting, but to be honest, it does nothing for me.

I agree With your assessment. I had to clarify because way you wrote it twice lead me to believe you interpreted it the opposite way.

Correct. My bottom of the range furuno running a non chirp, $120 ducer is not “that” good. When I upgrade to a 1kw chirp transducer I’ll get better returns and until then I’ll deal with what I’ve got. However, the lowrance imo isn’t on par with my old bird but that’s hard to quantify because you’ve got the gain set a little higher then I did (as it should be) and I had all the weak returns filtered out. However I was in 150’ of water and showing both bait and fish with crystal clarity so I still preferred what I had.


You and I fish different water and it’s pretty well impossible for me to distinguish between sand/gravel/rock based on bottom return. I’ve never seen a muddy bottom here so I’ll leave that out. Can you discern the difference based on bottom return in either of my pictures? The difference on where to find fish or bait is night and day though so it helps me.

[pikergolf]

Ok guys wrap it up. We need a consensus, I am very interested.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

Ok guys wrap it up. We need a consensus, I am very interested.

If someone has (or will soon have) a minnkota electric motor with i-pilot or I pilot link it's a pretty easy decision really .........

Only a hummingbird will allow you control your minnkota from the helm, trace a path, follow a track, follow a contour, take you home or whatever and set your speed and pilot you around - a Lowrance won't

You can control your i-pilot motor from the helm with a hummingbird - lowrance won't

You can use your transducer which is housed in your minnkota (all bigger units have a transducer) under your trolling motor and display that on any of your hummingbird units - you can't display it on a Lowrance.

You can use Mega 360 imaging from your minnkota motor (either equipped with or added to it) to get 360 imaging on your hummingbird unit - a lowrance can't

To say a Lowrance is significantly better (or worse) compared to a equally priced and featured bird is simply not true.

I have both on my boat. Side by side.

[pikergolf]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

Ok guys wrap it up. We need a consensus, I am very interested.

Ok I'll ask. 14ft tinner, 20hp, max depth 45 ft. Needs GPS, DI, making a map would be nice but not a need.Just a transducer out the back. Is this a good unit for me?

HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3

[Coiloil37]

I’m still not sure how you can argue the clarity of the bird vs the lowrance. To me the birds display takes the cake and the lowrance looks pixilated. Add in the trolling motor control and the fact I had them linked to my cannon downriggers and it’s pretty simple if those are the only two your considering.



Just ignore the fish symbols and look at the returns on the screen.





















And another blurry pic snipped out of a video

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by Coiloil37

I’m still not sure how you can argue the clarity of the bird vs the lowrance. To me the birds display takes the cake and the lowrance looks pixilated. Add in the trolling motor control and the fact I had them linked to my cannon downriggers and it’s pretty simple if those are the only two your considering.

Just ignore the fish symbols and look at the returns on the screen.















And another blurry pic snipped out of a video

I'm doing that, and I gotta tell you, looking at those pictures, I'm not sure why we're arguing either, the Lowrance looks clearly better to me in every aspect.

Pixelation is the same, remember, they're the same screen resolution, they sure look the same to me. Keep in mind, I had the sensitivity dialed up which causes the "cloudiness" in the water column.

Fish arch identification and target separation is very clear on the Lowrance, it's washed out and "thin" on the Bird, and unfortunately the fish symbols block out some of that info. The sensitivity is also turned way down on the Bird, so it's hard to compare.

Screen brightness and clarity isn't even close, add in the effectiveness of the color palette, and Lowrance is painting a better picture.

Now granted, my screenshots are from an HDS Live unit, not an Elite TI2, but I'm really not seeing what you're seeing.

We both have our biases, and we'll never agree, so no point discussing this aspect any further. Agree to disagree.

[kingrat]

awesome discussion, pretty sure ive decided on the humminbird helix 7 with mega si and mega di just waiting for a killer sale because i missed the fishin hole one.

[Coiloil37]

Well I picked up a Garmin echomap 75SV yesterday for $600 with a GT52HW-TM transducer. The Gt51 ducer would give me better depth capability but I’ll give this a try. If it works offshore I might buy a 9-12” new UHD Garmin and then centre mount it in the dash then put the furuno up on top and sell the lowrance. Currently I don’t have any room in the dash to fit the furuno next to the new Garmin without getting out the grinder and taking a bit more out of the boats glass which I don’t want to do right now.

I’ll leave these two here




And put the Garmin to the left up where my gopro mounts.




The lowrance transducer will be replaced with the Garmins as I never use the lowrance ducer anymore anyway.

End goal would be able to effectively use the side scan on the couple days a year when it’s not to rough to get a decent picture and find some bait schools and terrain. Luckily the guy who sold it was local to me and I noticed when I powered it up he left all of his marks on the chart plotter so I’ve got a few more places to check out.

I’ll throw some pics and my opinion in the thread after I’ve got some time with this unit.