Looking to replace a old eagle finder on my boat but dont know what unit to go with, ive been over all them probably 20 times but cant decide, way to many choices! Any advice or opinions would be great! thanks
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Looking to replace a old eagle finder on my boat but dont know what unit to go with, ive been over all them probably 20 times but cant decide, way to many choices! Any advice or opinions would be great! thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by zcarlon
ZC ... I'll tell you the same thing I tell most people trying to decide on a depth finder.
Figure out what your budget will allow as a maximum $$ amount. (done !!)
Figure out HOW you're going to fish, most of the time ... what methods or style.
Figure out what capabilities a depthfinder has to have, to make your style/methods of fishing become more productive (& therefore more fun).
Research the major brands, with your budget limit in mind, and find those units that have the needed capabilities for your style/methods.
The units that meet that criteria are the only ones you need be concerned about ... and any unit that's in that group AND has capabilities beyond any of the others, is your best bang for the buck.
No one can tell you "this unit is what you need ... it's the best thing going". Only you, armed with the information and following the guideline above, are going to be the one to decide. Stick to your $300 budget, and don't let sales people talk you into anything over that. When you decide on a unit, check the store prices (+gas cost) against online prices (+s/h). Check on both the Classifieds forums, on this site, too ... and compare prices against the other two.
... cp :kewl
With your budget in mind the first unit I would look at is the Garmin 500. Just straight 2d that you are used to
But supposed to be very accurate and sensitive plus color. Then the Lowrance Elite 4 series have a very bright clear display. Look at those and follow Pappys advice on how to make your decision.
I second that. Lowrance Elite 4 series are my favorite at your budget. elite 4x is a little over $200 and elite 4x dsi, I love it, under $200.Quote:
Originally Posted by cray
this is a great little unit, clear as a bell. With his budget the Elite4 with the gps comes into play. Once you start using the gps features you will be surpised how much it helps.Quote:
Originally Posted by mattlovefishing
Elite-4 - LOWRANCE | Marine Electronics
Elite 4 DSI, great unit for around 200
The HB 581i DI Combo would allow one to experience 2d, DI and GPS chartplotting all in 1 affordable unit...
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/...jpg?1370266990
Internal GPS Combo
The 581i HD DI Combo features a high definition 16 level grayscale 640V x 320H, 5" display with 4000 watts PTP power output and GPS Chartplotting with built-in UniMap™.
*200kHz 28° 2d "cone shaped beam"
*455kHz 16° 2d "cone shaped beam"
*800kHz 45° DI "thin slice beam"
*455kHz 76° DI "thin slice beam"
*GPS Chartplotting
*SD card slot for Navionics map upgrade
MSRP $299.99
(The board sponsors can probably beat that price..)
Rickie
I agree with crappiepappy , when I started looking for a unit I read review after review on HB and lowrance and I went with HB because of the customer service , you can call them and they give you an answer with in 10 mins , ive called them while on the water and talked to an English speaking person , that made the difference to me.
hey thanks for all the advice guys! i was wondering how important gps was and if i would put it in use enough to had it. i have been looking at the elite 4 series pretty hard. Does anyone have any experience with the HB 581i DI unit? it looks nice and seems like its got quite a bit of features for the price range. Are the elite 4 series more clear or have any big advantages? thanks again for all the help!
GPS chartplotting is "the berries" for marking and returning to productive fishing spots...
It is also very effective for targeting depth oriented species like crappie by learning to interpret and use contour lines...
Rickie