Thanks: 
HaHa: 
Reply With QuoteSave up for as big a screen as you can afford, then save some more and get bigger
Crappie Wall Hanger
How much $$$ do I need to spend on SI?
It has been a while (15+ years) since I purchased a fish finder. With all the new tech out there it is a little confusing at this point. Can someone point me to some good info. I know I want GPS and SI, DI, but other than that not toos sure. Cheap is usually a recipe for disaster that ends up being quickly replaced and too much usually buys more than you need. I am guessing there is a sweet spot with today's fish finders. I mostly fish shallow stained lakes if that matters.
I was a sonar tech a long time ago so I have a good understanding of the way sonars work but not a clue on the new software and functions.
A little help please.
Thanks
Crappie.com 2K Star General
Save up for as big a screen as you can afford, then save some more and get bigger
Minnermatics Prostaff
My wife lets me buy all the rods and reels I can hide.
Crappie.com 2K Star General
The newest Humminbird units are good. I am thinking of getting a Helix 5. But as stated, you really want to get the biggest screen you can afford.
USAF Retired and fishing!
Crappie Wall Hanger
I did the buy small, then upgrade x2. Learned the hard way and lost some money but was able to sample several units in a short amount of time. The conclusion was that although they all functioned as advertised screen size was one of the biggest factors in the enjoyment of the unit. As far as the humminbirds are concerned the minimum size that is worth it is the 899hdsi. Anything smaller is too small in my opinion. The images on some of the small screens are great and sharp but just too small to see well while on the water with sun glare, water spots etc.
Last edited by Zippy; 04-21-2015 at 07:10 PM.
Crappie.com 3K Star General
$1000 is a good medium. The humminbird 899 is all you need. To me the best balance of Pixels and Screen size. It's easy to use and not too bulky on the boat. I also like the new Garmins in this price range. Though, Humminbird SI can be fine tuned better to suit my needs for SI. The Garmin excels in 2d. Especially deep sonar. Garmin has better maps for coastal fishing. Though, the Humminbird gives you the possibility to map any body of water yourself and even use your own SI mapping.
Crappie Wall Hanger
Thanks for the replys. I will be looking at the units suggested. Around $1000 is doable so that gives me a number to plug while searching for make and mods. I guess YouTube is the way to go for videos and info on the use of the units? Anyone in particular to watch for? or other suggestions are welcome.
Crappie.com 3K Star General
Doug Vahrenberg has a ton of informative videos on YouTube. i would go to one of the big chain stores if possible and put your hands on one in simulator mode. You will get the best price usually from site sponsors like calling Brian from BBG Marine or Shut up and Fish. Universal Mania is usually good on prices, but not sure if they are sponsors. Really check out the SI Enhance features on the Humminbird units. Be sure the units you are pricing come with the SideImaging transducer and is not an expensive add on or extra wires to run.
Crappie.com Legend
If you want excellent down images as well as side, the make sure you get a unit with dedicated down imaging transducer.
G3PO
Crappie Wall Hanger
This is the kind of info I knew I was missing.Originally Posted by brettw
Thanks and keep it coming guys
Trophy King II
I bought a helix si/GPS for $470 shipped to the door. Couldn't be more happy! I've got the unit mounted back my steering wheel and have had zero issues with the screen size. I'm able to see the fish and cover just fine on it. Sure if you fish everyday and don't mind spending the money a bigger screen would be nice. I fish 3 times a months and for $470 for si and gps I can deal with a smaller screen and without all the bells and whistles I wouldn't use anyway. My 2 cents
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