Thread: depth finder questions

Originally Posted by dko

I am wanting to buy new di depthfinder with gps this year but not sure which one I should get. Was thinking about hummingbird 597ci hd di or 581i hd di. They seem about the same except the 597 is color is it worth paying the price difference? Is there a better one for the price. Thanks for any info.

I have the 581 I DI, I had the same situation as you are in, exact same question as you are asking. It really is user preference in my opinion. My 581I DI does everything I need, I have had color graphs on my bass boats and on my crappie boats, but I am 100 percent satisfied with my 581 I DI. Probably as good a graph as I have had as far as functionality, it's easy to use and it gives really good returns from sonar and the down imaging aspect. Like I said I have had the color graphs and black and white graphs and I find that I like the black and white graphs better for crappie fishing. The 581 I DI shows up real well in bright sunshine conditions and has pretty crisp details. In my opinion the 581 I DI is one of the best graphs as far as bang for the buck as you can get. I am considering getting a second one for my boat to replace the 570 DI I have at the back of my boat.

color or B&W is a personal preference, if you got the extra $$, you can change the colors to one you like better or easier for you to see in different lighting conditions (sunny vs cloudy). Lots of talk about the new Low Mark 7 that has DS and 2d (1st one for Low to offer both 2d/DS excluding the HDS line). If you get a DS model, get the largest screen you can so you will be able to see the detail that is available with DS.

Several places have some of the higher end units on sale right now. I'm not sure about the mid level but you may be able to find a larger screen and SI for a couple hundred more. I know 998s are almost $700 off because of the new HD units coming out.

Lowrance color for me. I really like the color units better. Lowrance has better di IMO.. But opinions are like baskin Robbins with 31 flavors

Lowrance Elite 7 is out and less than 650 shipped, BBG and Shut up and Fish both have links posted in the sponsors classifieds, mine will be here Mondaya dn I will be able to give you a review, no side image but does have down scan and a full 7 inch screen.

what ever brand you pick go with the color !!!!!!!!!!!