Garmin locators? Pros/cons

I currently have two Humminbird locators and both have been satisfactory units, a 678 and 688.( I would LOVE to have the 60 inch screens like Jared:biggrin). Anyway, went to Bass Pro today and was just walking around and got into a conversation with the guy (Pat) at the locator counter. VERY knowledgeable guy. Told him what I had and he was telling me the benefits of"this one versus that one". Told him I wasn't buying anything till they come out with a unit that said FISH HERE!!! He then showed me the Garmin 73 down view. Long story short, $700 later I walked out with the new unit. Not real expensive but the upside was it has 17,000+ lakes in the map and is all inclusive (ie, brackets for trolling motor or transom, wiring, both transducers)in addition it is simple to use and the detail, at least in the demo mode was tons better than what I have now. Anyone have any feed back on Garmin locators? Good or bad I'd be interested in your comments. Thanks!!

I installed a garmin sv73 down view, month or so ago, great detail, mdc brush piles pre loaded, clear picture, great maps. the regular sonar is great too. love it.

I have the 93sv, absolutely no complaints.

Not as well known Jack as the other two more common brands but hear good things about them. And remember its not so much the arrow as the Indian,,,,, :)

Had a Garmin on my last boat and really liked it. Went with Humminbird for my new boat just bc its the only brand that offers plain sonar and gps on a 7 inch screen. When I knock off a transducer I don't want to pay $150 plus to replace it.

Garmin is great, I have a Garmin right beside my Hbird. One is a side view and the other a down view. I love both and get contrasting views.

For salt water there really isn't any other brand that can compare. Garmin was behind on fresh water for a few years but if you go to a store that has all three types or go to several stores and compare the demo models or know someone that has the model your interested in buying that would be the best way to decide. I would say all three major brands are quality products now. Correct installation and learning the unit is key. I have used all three brands over the years, I really don't lean one way or the other, unless it has to do with display size or the amount of pixels available for detailed scanning. Good luck to you on your choice.

My thoughts on this. I think in a couple of years we will be seeing 2 other major brands in the fresh water fish finder/gps market. They will be Garmin and Raymarine both a major players on the high seas and with Navy. If they want in this smaller market they will give Humminbird and Lowrance a run for the money.

I have a Garmin 73sv I will put on my new boat in a day or two. I have had Garmin on other boats, all good.

I have had New Garmins for over 4 yrs in both of my boats and I have that 73dv on the front of my boat and the 840xs in the back and it will show a catfish head with detail and tail shape. Sorry but my buddy's other branded unit doesn't see things my Garmin does passing over the same spots. Just my opinion.