What choice of Sonar should I Buy.....HELP on deciding!

[jigfish]

Guy's, I'm really confused with all the new Depth Finders on the market today and after owing a 15 year old Eagle? unit on the console and a Lorance in-dash unit for years I'm wanting to up-grade to something new! I know the body's of water I fish and know how to get to my old fishing holes but thinking I'd like to buy a new fish finder for Spider fishing and actually be able to see a well defined Arch for fish!! Depths I normally fish are between 2' to 60' and I'm open to any brand?

Looking to buy a Console Unit and Front Unit / Trolling Motor Unit?

[scrat]

I would say that all the major brands like Lowrance, Humminbird(the brand I use), Garmin,etc. are all real good units as what I have read. The major thing is to buy the biggest screen unit that you can afford and with Side imaging(scan) and down imaging as you said that you fish 2' - 60' water. It would be best to also make sure that they can be linked together so when you are at one unit it will show you the other units data also.

[trypman1]

I agree with Scrat, I like Garmin and Hummingbird, The new Helix line from Hummingbird is fine. Try to get at least a 7" screen.

[vic n]

I'd guess that the major brands are pretty similar in the quality of info presented on screen. So you need to go to some of the stores that sell these and do a test drive on them. Take your fishing partner and decide if one is better than another. Which is easier to use? Price may be a deciding factor for you, as there can be big cost differences. Take your time deciding, and then check with some of our member sponsors, because they may give you the best price. Some brands make you buy transducers separately from the head unit, so ask lots of questions. If you know someone with good electronics, ask them for a ride and get their opinion on what features they like/don't like. Just like Chevy/Ford, either will get you down the road.....some people demand one over the other and claim the 'other guy' is not as good. You'll get the same when you ask about electronics.

[justinp61]

Call Brian at BBG Marine and explain what you're wanting to do and what you're willing to spend, he won't steer you wrong. As has already been mentioned, buy the largest screen you can afford, you'll regret it later if you don't.

[shadboy]

I think all of the major manufacturer's offer some good stuff now. I just purchased a Humminbird Helix and I think it is absolutely great. The Helix line is a little more affordable than some of the others. There are some great deals on outgoing technology right now, too. I noticed some very attractive offers from Lowrance lately. The biggest difference will be in what features you want. You may have to pick the brand by that. I don't think you can go wrong with any major brand or unit. As stated, screen size is a BIG deal with side imaging. If you buy too small, you'll regret it. I went from a 7" to a 10" and it made a world of difference in seeing what the unit is drawing. I wouldn't want a SI unit with less than a 7"screen and if I could afford it, I'd have a 12"... just my opinion.

[Cane Pole]

Lot of it depends on how much room you got. I didn't have room for a big screen unit up front, so I opted for two 7 inchers that are networked. Networking gives a lot of added options, especially Ethernet networked systems. Two 7s up front gives me more viewing options than one 12 and a lot less expensive. I have three gen 2 touch 7s networked on my boat and have more viewing options that a big screen tv.

3 x 7 = 21

[bkgooch]

ill 2nd brian at bbg,hes very helpful.the the big box stores may have several on display ,but the sales person are very limited to actual knoladge to the units.for me lowrance hds 7 touch works very well and does it all.happen to be lucky enough to have a lowrance pro-staff close by,he has helped me a lot.

[ET Fish]

Here is a third vote for Brian at BBG. I knew what I wanted, and he beat any and all prices! Very pleased!

[ET Fish]

Here is a third vote for Brian at BBG. I knew what I wanted, and he beat any and all prices! Very pleased!

Oh, and it was a Lowrance Elite 7 TI with totalscan ducer. Still learning, but so far I love it!