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Hey guys I am buying my first fish finder and it is going to be one of the two above. I don't know if the dsi is better or the traditional sonar. I am going to use it to locate brush and other cover in the water. I was told the one without the dsi has a bigger coverage area I don't know which to choose. All info is greatly appreciated in advanced thanks.
The DSI model will show you much more detail (similar to a photograph) of the bottom and any structure/cover/brush, etc., but the fish when present, will be little white dots. White dots or some color of dot depending on which color you select. 2d sonar will show the traditional picture. Go to a store that has some displays and punch some buttons, watch the demos/simulations there so you can see what you will be seeing when you get one. Look in this forum for pictures of 2d vs dsi to see the differences between the two.
I'm glad you posted this, because I am pondering the exact same decision myself. I want to put one on a small boat I am rebuilding. I've looked at them side by side in the store, but still want a more experienced opinions on which one will prove most effective on the water.
Seems like the DSI has a big advantage on showing cover, but not fish. I originally wanted the just regular sonar, but now I'm not sure.
Get a Humminbird that has both. Use the 2d to find stuff then switch to DI to get a better look at what you have found. You can also run them in split screen mode to see both at same time.
The new Low Mark 7 DSI model has 2d and DSI as well, with lots of positive comments, a bit pricey but hey, its' only $$$.
Skyhawk; "what is most effective" will depend on the user and their preferences. I have a Low HDS 8 with SS, and I use the side scan more than down scan, but I don't fish brush piles, I longline the majority of the time and the side scan helps me "find" the fish quicker, doesn't help me catch 'em any quicker, but helps me find 'em quicker.:Rofl
Your choice or 2d or DI (or both) will be a lot dependent on how you plan to use your sonar ....
If you traverse over and past structure/fish... Then either sonar (2d or DI) will "paint" a descernable image on the display as the sonar beam passes over and past the structure/fish...
If you sit motionless on top of structure/fish... Then the "cone shape 2d" sonar beam...might be easier to keep that structure/fish in the echo return area than the "thin slice DI" sonar beam...
Your style of fishing and what part of the underwater world you expect your sonar to show you will dictate which sonar beam "shape" (cone or slice) will best work for you...
Below are depictions for the 2d "cone shaped" sonar beams and the DI "thin slice" sonar beam...each is a separate and distinct tool best used in certain situations....
This is the 2d "cone shaped" sonar beams and how the echo returns are shown on the display...
http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/r...reenshots1.jpg
This is the DI "thin slice" sonar beam and how the echo returns are shown on the display...(only the yellow triangle under the boat is the actual DI "thin slice" sonar beam...the grey area behind the boat is history that the boat has already passed over)...
http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/r...chFire_DI2.jpg
(pardon the HB depictions as I used them here for demonstration purposes only)
Rickie
I switched to a DSI because I look for structure and a "photograph image". I have mine set now where I can actually see my double drop shot rig on the screen in relation to the structure.
Tracker, please educate me; what is a "double drop shot" rig? I know drop shot, whar's the double part?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracker123
Sky hawk I went back to the store to switch the my lowrance out out for the di one and didn't end up getting it I ended up getting the hub 346c di it has 2d sonar and the di and I putti on this morning and hit the water and I love it but this is the first finder I've had so its a 100 times better than what I was seeing