Garmin Echo 200 vs. Lowrance Mark 5X

[xSOUTHERNx]

I'm looking at a new depth finder and was wondering if anyone has the Garmin Echo 200. I've never had a Garmin but the display on this model looks great in the store and it looks relatively easy to operate. I've always had Lowrance depth finders and was also considering the Mark 5X or maybe even the 5X Pro. I don't know, just looking for some input before I make a decision. I've read mixed reviews on both of them on Cabelas and BPS sites. Of course I'm a crappie fisherman and will be using the unit to find structure/cover/fish, not just depth. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[jimp]

I looked at both of those units, went with the mark 5 pro. The guy at bps said "friends don't let friends buy garmin" LOL. I read all the reviews (mixed at best), but from what I could gather, Garmin is just entering the low end/entry level FF market, and I was a bit skeptical of the new units. I went with the Mark 5 pro and like it so far as I have had Lowrance for several years myself. It is a bit difficult to get adjusedt to your liking because of the menu, but its not that bad. Plan on spending 2-3 hrs getting it set like you want it if you go with the mark 5.

[xSOUTHERNx]

Thanks for the info. I was kinda leaning towards Lowrance anyway because that's what I know, and I know they have been making depth finders for a long time. I was looking at the specs of the Mark 5X Pro and see it has 2400 peak to peak watts. I don't really know what that means but I do know it's more powerful than the standard Mark 5X unit lol. How good can you make out structure and cover with your unit?

[Slabs Inc]

I have the Mark 5 X I wanted the single freq. So I know that what's on my screen is right under my tm.

[Cane Pole]

Garmin has been in the sonar business a long time and are good units. Most salespeople are just full of their selves and most only know the path to the toilet and payday. The high advertised power of these units seems impressive, but are actually calculated instantaneous values and cannot be measured by any readily available meter.

Believe what you want.

[xSOUTHERNx]

I have the Mark 5 X I wanted the single freq. So I know that what's on my screen is right under my tm.

Slabs, do you like this unit? It seems fairly priced and powerful enough to do what I want it to considering I don't want to break the bank and I'll be using it on a 14ft jon boat. I don't understand what you mean by seeing what's under the tm because of the single frequency, guess I need to do some studying on the single and dual frequencies. I basically just want a good unit that will find cover and structure good and maybe mark fish. Does your unit mark fish good? I had a X510c at one time, which is a lot more powerful and higher priced, but I didn't get to use it long before I sold my old boat.

[Slabs Inc]

Yes I love it, you can't beat it $for$. What's under the trolling motor. Mine is on the front of my boat and all I do with it is find brush pile and stay on it. The duel freq has a wider beam and also shows what is out to the side as well.

[Slabs Inc]

I'm sure either one will work. I just got the Lowrance because that's my preference.

[xSOUTHERNx]

Ahh ok, gotcha thanks for the advice. From what I've read a single frequency 200kz unit will be better suited for my needs. I never fish, nor have fished, in a lake over 100 ft deep but they say a single frequency unit like this will be clearer/sharper/more defined on shallow depths like I fish. My home lake is Guntersville and I rarely fish in water of 50ft.

[rnvinc]

Slabs, do you like this unit? It seems fairly priced and powerful enough to do what I want it to considering I don't want to break the bank and I'll be using it on a 14ft jon boat. I don't understand what you mean by seeing what's under the tm because of the single frequency, guess I need to do some studying on the single and dual frequencies. I basically just want a good unit that will find cover and structure good and maybe mark fish. Does your unit mark fish good? I had a X510c at one time, which is a lot more powerful and higher priced, but I didn't get to use it long before I sold my old boat.

Here are some diagrams that may help understand sonar beam shape...

The left is "Single Beam"...the center is "Dual Beam"... the right is "Quad Beam"...

Remember ...if it ain't in that sonar beam shape...it ain't gonna show on that DF screen...

(Higher frequencies generally give sharper detail...but get too dark in deeper water...
Lower frequencies generally ping deeper...with less detail)

Rickie