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Thread: Best bang for the $$ Lowrance, Humminbird, Garmin, Etc..

  1. 02-23-2016, 03:22 PM #1
    gixxer420
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    Default Best bang for the $$ Lowrance, Humminbird, Garmin, Etc..


    I sold my old Lowrance elite 7 & 5 Hdi units. I have been reading and looking here and bbc forum on what to buy next. I'm wanting the best bang for the buck or bargain. I will want a SI at console and maybe bow or will just get a DI. I will want 800 for the SI and DI. Where I live (MTNS) the lakes are not offered on any lakemap card for the contours. This has been the main reason I have been looking at the Helix 9 is for the autochart. However I'm sure you can kinda do the same with other units but not 100% sure. I see the Core units from Hummingbird being discontinued and price dropping a lot. So there is an option. The touch units from Lowrance look pretty nice as well. But then again I don't want to OVER pay for a unit that I can do the same thing and save $$$ buttons work just as good if I can save. So my head is about to explode.... I'm not a advanced user on this stuff. So what would you buy and why. Am I over thinking all of this way toooooooo much? Preciate the HELP in advance
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  2. 02-23-2016, 03:35 PM #2
    Slow Retrieve
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    I just ordered a Lowrance Hook 5 to use in my kayaks. Just got it this week so I haven't used it yet but it seemed like a ice unit for the price. I ordered it pre-loaded with Navionics plus and got it on sale for $419.00.

    Not as big as the Humminbird unit I have on my larger boat but I like the looks of it after opening it and checking it out. I hope to get it up and running and try it out soon if the weather cooperates.

    I did notice that the Elite units which I believe the Hook is replacing have a reduced price plus I think a rebate right now since they are probably trying to reduce inventories on them. I almost went that route but figured I liked the newer version for the difference, but both seem like good values for what they offer.
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  3. 02-23-2016, 03:52 PM #3
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    Shellback
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    Basspro had some Garmin Echomap 73DV's on sale @ $399.99. Garmin is also bringing out free software upgrades to do your own mapping. You could call around and see if they have any left. They are a good unit.
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  4. 02-23-2016, 04:50 PM #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shellback View Post
    Basspro had some Garmin Echomap 73DV's on sale @ $399.99. Garmin is also bringing out free software upgrades to do your own mapping. You could call around and see if they have any left. They are a good unit.
    Do you have a link to info for these free upgrades that Garmin is coming out with? I'm in the market.
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  5. 02-23-2016, 08:16 PM #5
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    Shellback
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    Quote Originally Posted by callmecamo View Post
    Do you have a link to info for these free upgrades that Garmin is coming out with? I'm in the market.
    You can find some info here. Garmin Quickdraw update - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum
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  6. 02-23-2016, 08:32 PM #6
    crappielimits
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    Humminbird best bang for your buck. The Helix 9 and up have Autochart Live on them. Others also will take Autochart Pro. Both allow you to map any body of water.
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  7. 02-23-2016, 09:37 PM #7
    gixxer420
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    Quote Originally Posted by crappielimits View Post
    Humminbird best bang for your buck. The Helix 9 and up have Autochart Live on them. Others also will take Autochart Pro. Both allow you to map any body of water.
    Would it be best to go after core series instead of the Helix? Especially with everyone dropping price. Tough decisions I just don't want to buy something that's gonna be outdated or spend the extra money when a last yr model will be just as good. I don't want to be the type that has to have the latest if in fact it's not $$$ wise better. If you get what I'm saying.
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  8. 02-23-2016, 09:40 PM #8
    gixxer420
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    How does the mapping work with other units? What all will I be required to purchase extra? Will I have to buy a program to convert anything or when I map it will it be there on the SD and I be good to go. See I'm very new to all this. I would normally just pull in somewhere and fish no depth finder or anything. But now have a boat and want to catch loads of crappie and it be and enjoyable trip out everytime. So by using electronics I think this can be accomplished. Will save lots of time fishing dead waters.
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  9. 02-24-2016, 05:29 PM #9
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    Best bang for the buck is gonna be any used unit from all three, whether an HB core series, a Lowrance gen1/2, or even the Garmin sv series pre-chirp.

    Generally speaking for mapping, HB supports LakeMaster, Navionics, and AutoChart. Lowrance has Insight and Navionics, and Garmin supports themselves.
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  10. 02-25-2016, 12:43 PM #10
    Greenwing
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    Quote Originally Posted by gixxer420 View Post
    Would it be best to go after core series instead of the Helix? Especially with everyone dropping price. Tough decisions I just don't want to buy something that's gonna be outdated or spend the extra money when a last yr model will be just as good. I don't want to be the type that has to have the latest if in fact it's not $$$ wise better. If you get what I'm saying.
    I would buy the Helix over the Core units. Helix has a faster processor, higher screen resolution, Auto Chart and will be supported longer.
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