which fishfinder

I am starting this thread because I am about to buy a new fishfinder and I want to kknow what kind if any all of you are using. Also are you pleased with what you have and which one would you buy if you were to buy a new one.
I have an Eagle 480 cost about $200. It's monocolor not much power and does a fair job on structure but not real good on fish echos. I a thinking of buying a Lowrance HD 5. It has a gps and a built in map system. It's digital and has much more power. I would like to hear from so other fishermen especialy those who fish bigger lake.
I have heard that there have been a few problems with the new Lowrance HD 5. Does anyone own one?

That 480 will serve you well. If it isn't showing you arches it's because it isn't set up properly.

I've got 2 lowrances, a 480-lms sonar and gps at the console and a 522cigps up front. Love them both and would recomend to anyone looking for one. My pop's just got a new HD-5 and it is awesome. As much as I like my two unit's it (hd-5) makes them look like an Atari compared to a Nasa Computer. You can't go wrong and Gander Mtn. has them cheaper than anyone. They running a 50.00 rebate but I think that has expired now.

Good Luck,
<;><

and an 1197 SI hummingbird will do the same to it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gomer Snerd

That 480 will serve you well. If it isn't showing you arches it's because it isn't set up properly.

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100% correct the 480 is a great unit! i just had a chance to buy another unit any kind i wanted within reason and i bought another 480

The 480 is a great unit and should show you what you need to see, but the Lowrance HDS units look really great. My concern with the HD-5 is that the screen would be too small to split. I think I will go with the 7 or 8. The split-screen features of the HDS are very cool looking.

The good thing about the HDS is that it will be upgradeable to StructureScan side-scan later this year (or whenever you can afford it).

There's a 10% coupon for WestMarine.com and some videos on the HDS units on www.topfishfinders.com . There are also some videos on how to set up your Lowrance/Eagle fish finder.

Good luck with your new toy.

Is this it?
Lowrance HDS-5 Base Multifunction Fishfinder Chartplotter

I have a 480 and I am not good with a fish finder bc of lack of experience but I had a screen problem with my 480, and it was about 11 month old and I had my receipt from bass pro and they gave me a new one. The first thing the dealer ask me is have you registered this on line? and I didnt but they still took it. I was very pleased with with there customer service.

I didnt buy the fish finder from the dealer that shipped it back but he told me for the money it was on of the best you could buy for that price.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I do get fish echos on my 480, and maybe I do need to fine tune it, but I fished with a fellow who had a color unit and it seemed easier to see the arches in all light conditions. Also I want a gps chartplotter to mark my favorite fishing hot spots on bigger lakes. I have read several bad reviews on the internet about Lowrance HD 5. I'm not sure how much you can trust these review, as I have also read several great reviews, go figure? I am also considering a Humminbird 788ci. I can not afford the 7,8,or 10 inch screens, thanks again for your replies. Tony

Just note that people will report a negative experience almost 100&#37; of the time where they will not take the time to report a posititve...Do your homework and good luck...

decided to go with the Humminbird 788ci after much research, best bang for the bucks. No nedgitive reviews, more options.

I use humminbirds front and back....they can't be beat. The 997 with SI works wonders finding those Crappie schools chasing baitfish in open water up to 150 ft from the boat. And a brushpile on the bottom sticks out like a sore thumb.....can just about count the fish around it.

I bought the Lowrance 522LMS df/chart plotter a couple months ago...a $650 unit on sale at Academy Sports for $369. I've owned the Eagle 480 and a Hummingbird 727 and had no problems with seeing structure, bait, and fish arches but it opened a brand new world stepping up to the new unit I have on my console now. I moved the 480 to the bow and gave the HB 727 to my son for the front of his boat. Now we're both happy!;):)

I have the new hds5 unit with built in gps and mapping system.I bought this unit a month after the release and haven't had any problems only regret is not going ahead and buying the bigger unit but the 5 will make a great unit up front when i am able to upgrade.Gps locks on and the lakes i fish i haven't lost signal at all.I really like the flasher mode when i am running and when i come off plan i can switch back to sonar and mapping.I cant wait until they come out with side view and bottom in Dec (told the wife i wont it for x-mas):D
I have heard from guys having problems with the unit but (Knock on Wood) i haven't I will say this my unit goes in the house ever time i come home and i keep it out of the elements buts it for my piece of mind.
All in All i am a happy customer
but that could change with one problem and having too deal with customer service:(
Thanks James