What depth finder for 700 bucks??

[redearhoosier]

I'm looking to get a new depth finder that I will use for crappie, bluegill and catfishing. I'll be fishing Lake Barkley the most, we just purchased a place around Kuttuwa and are excited to say the least.

I was down there in the fall and realized how much I needed to invest in a better depth finder. What are good options at the 700 dollar price point and preferably easy to operate, thanks.

[SeaRay]

I bought the Elite 7 with DI, 2D and GPS. I have always used HBs but this had the most features for under $700. I got mine from Brian at BBG Marine (site sponsor) he will beat the box store price and takes about 2 days to get it, he ships fast. I have had some issues with it, but mostly because I am still learning how to use it.

[redearhoosier]

I'll look into that one. I don't know a whole lot about depth finders but I would like the options that you mentioned. I would think DI and SI areva must?? Can I get that for 700 bucks?

[warhawk]

Also check out the Humminbird 859 DI.

[Barnacle Bill]

Give Brian at BBG a call and tell him what you are looking for. 1-800-570-0916

[rnvinc]

I'll look into that one. I don't know a whole lot about depth finders but I would like the options that you mentioned. I would think DI and SI areva must?? Can I get that for 700 bucks?

You fishing style and how much of the "underwater world" you need to see will determine which of the sonar technologies (2d/DI/SI) will benefit your fishing time...

2d will show a "cartoon like" image of structure under the boat ...
DI will show a "picture like" image of structure under the boat ...and out to the sides a few feet...
SI will show a "picture like" image of structure under the boat, out to the sides 100+ feet, AND which side of the boat...

Pricing goes up with each added technology...
Pricing goes up with added "bells and whistles"...
Pricing goes up with unit expand-ability ...
Pricing goes up with screen size...

Decide which sonar technology(s) will most benefit your fishing style ... Then buy a unit with those sonar technologies...along with the biggest screen you can afford ...

Rickie

[DrNip]

Check out the new Garmin with DownVu and chirp.

[SeaRay]

Give Brian at BBG a call and tell him what you are looking for. 1-800-570-0916

[vic n]

I'll look into that one. I don't know a whole lot about depth finders but I would like the options that you mentioned. I would think DI and SI areva must?? Can I get that for 700 bucks?

I doubt if you would get both DI and SI on the same unit for $700, unless you get one of the Humminbirds. When you buy one of their SI units, you also get a "sort of" DI

[SeaRay]

The Elite 7 is the only one I saw that had both DI and 2D along with GPS and was under $700. The main complaint if you do a search here on this unit is that the processor is slow to update, especially with a Navionics chip card in it. I wanted to try the DI feature, but I wanted the old standard 2D as a backup in case I couild not tell what I was seeing. Once you get the DI settings right it is pretty clear, but can be misleading at first.

This unit does not have side imaging. I am still learing to read the other 2, the SI screenshots I've seen are a bit of a puzzle til you get use to it.