The most important thing is spend the time to learn what the unit is telling you whether it be a bird or Lowrance, I've fished behind both and both do well, But like EB said, best to hop in the boat with one of us who already have some hrs logged in and would be able to give you advice you can use. I will say after going to the Gen 2 Touch on my units its much more user friendly. Personally I only use the scanning mode due to no comparison to detail that it gives versus sonar. I love watching peoples face when I say we should be getting bit and then THUMP!!!!