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I know nothing about electronics. I just recieved a hb 587ci combo as a gift. I am wondering if this is a good unit that I should dedicate the time to learn to use, or if there is something better out there that I could exchange this one for and throw a few hundred more into to get something better?
I guess my question is if you could spend someone else's money to get the best electronics available, what would you get?
Different compamies have different strengths. I always hesitate to answer these kind of questions because only you know exactly how you fish. I would suggest this narrow your choices according to price. Then :
Read as much as you can on the choices you have made. Then rate by what you have read
1. Performance - ( as in bang for the buck )
2. Reputation - do the units have good track records with their users
3. Customer service- read as many forums on each choice that you have made
4. Manufacturers web site- use for explanation of features. Do not use for purchasing info each manufacturer will cite they are the best.
5. Make your own list and rate by whats most important to you.
Example - Customer service is what matters to me the most. To Me if my unit is broke and I cannot get it fixed in a reasonable amount of time it is a expensive paperweight.
You will have to choose what is important to you. Only you know what will truly satisfy you. A lot of people do not like to read but reading will be your best friend in this endeavor. To me the research is almost as fun as the actual purchase. Try to ensure what you are reading is recent news. the newer the info the better.
Thanks for the input.
I am really new to electronics, and don't really know where to start. i have read through the forum and have not found a consesus.
I would like to know what people think of the unit I have before I unwrap and install.
Thanks
Excellent post.Quote:
Originally Posted by hays47
Research will be your best option.
Also, skim the manuals that are posted online. This will get you up to speed on terms and how the units overall work. Watch videos... Head over to youtube
If you have question, call tech support. By doing so, you are rewarded by two thing: 1) You get a professional 2) You can judge the hold time and response
There is NOTHING better then spending someone elses money! :)
So has anyone ever heard of the humminbird 587ci?
Give it a little time and you will get some feed backs on the unit. I have an Humminbird and love it, I haven't seen the 587ci working so I can't help you with that unit. Pull up Humminbirds web site and look up the unit and you can read the reviews.
Welcome to crappie.com
I think you need to decide on the features that interest you first. Do you want a GPS, Side Imaging, a simple fishfinder sonar? Then do what everyone else has said - read about them. Lots of info available on different sites.
i like mine.got it for christmas and have enjoyed it. i can see the countour lines on it better than a 700 series that a friend has. i would like to have a bigger screen but it works good for me, if you dont want it let me know, i can take care of that problem.
In answer to your first question; better at what?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hog'n crappie
In answer to your second question; to do what with?
I know I'm being a smart ass, but I'm not really trying to be. My questions are to get you to think about what you want/need out of a fish finder and/or a GPS unit. Your unit does both. Its great for marking tops and finding them again, and for seeing what is down there.
Its not a side imaging nor a down imaging unit. It does have a dual beam transducer, which I really like.
Once you decide what type of fishing you want to do, such as do you spider rig? Then you'll like this unit for the GPS speed indication and the temp read outs.
Do you just shoot docks? Then this is probably more unit than you need. A less expensive unit would do just fine, as you're really only looking for water temps and tops/brush off the end of docks.
If you're a serious walleye fisherman, you'll want a unit with a touch more power and perhaps some down/side imaging. Same if you're spider rigging. You want to be able to see all the habitat under the water and where the fish are hanging out.
The best way to learn about these units is to use them. Ask friends, go for a ride with some nice fishermen at the boat ramp, etc. Read up and once you know more about what works for your type of fishing, you'll be ready to narrow down your choices.
Good Luck