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I am in the process of gathering information to buy a fishfinder. What do you guys use and how happy are you or are you not, and why. I have been reading on other websites and the opinions are very contradictory. Please help me to make a right decision. Thanks:confused:
Ford or Chevy, it's about the same arguement.
Those who have one model will swear it's the best and vice versa. They both work, they both have some features/support the others don't.
I have the Humminbird with side imaging and really like it. Easy to use and gets the job done. I like the updates pop out 2 to 4 times a year and the old models get updated too (if possible). I don't like the small screen (798) but I can't justify the bigger unit's price. HB has the sideimaging already included with the base unit. Lowrance does allow you to buy the finder then if you want the side imaging, you can buy it later. That might work better for some people. I'm sure some Lowrance guys will add their comments too.
I reread your post and you wanted to know why/why not I liked my unit. I like that it just works. I'm a techie type guy and like messing with settings and such. My phone is rooted and has custom roms and home built programs on it. My home tv is a home theater pc that runs everything exept the lights in the room. I like adjusting and modding things. BUT when on the water, I'd rather fish. My HB gives me 20 sensativity settings for each type of imaging. If I read right, Low. gives you 100(?). I might sit there all day adjust between 55 and 57 to figure out which worked better. I can assign 3 buttons to my favorite screens, I wish I had 6 buttons though. There is a LOT of help from HB guys on many different forums. I don't know about Low assistance from the pros, (but then, i don't own one so I wouldn't be looking for it either). If I were to buy again, I'd buy the unit with the external GPS puck instead of internal. I find myself searching a bit more that I think is necessary to find the structure I marked - but on the other hand, I found structure that I didn't know about before, sooooo... I think I'm still ahead.
My only real con is that I don't have 2 on the boat - yet.
Important things to consider would be what features are you looking for....2d, DI, SI, GPS, color display,...Quote:
Originally Posted by Chile450
Decide how much you are willing to spend on a unit....
Then ask lots of questions on the forums about features and which units have/do not have the features you want in your price range...
"Brand choice" is user opinionated...what's best for 1 might not be the best for another...
"Features desired" are hard undisputed facts which will help you make a better decision for how you would use your unit to the best ability that your unit can provide...
Rickie
Nothing we can say on here should make up your mind. Go to a store and play with each unit for a while and see which one you gravitate towards. Then post a few questions about things you observed which need clarification. Whichever way you go you will not be dissapointed. Each unit is great in its own aspect. BTW I use to pull for Chevy now I go Dodge. HA HA HA
Thank you all for honest advise, I will go to BPS this afternoon and play with the units that are in the $500+ range and make notes and write questions. I had a Lowrance before (old unit) that never did work right, so I am incline to look for other manufacturers. But if I see one of the new Lowrance that I like and get good reports of it I will consider it.
Thanks again, and I am sure will be back with questions.
Be wary of what sales clerks tell you....most don't even own a boat....and they just want to sell you something...Quote:
Originally Posted by Chile450
Bring your questions here where "real users" can help you with making sure you get answers to the features you need in a unit
Rickie
Quote:
Originally Posted by rnvinc
That's the best advice I have heard in a while. Lots to learn before you lay down the hard earned. Be patient, and don't be afraid to ask if someone will put you in their boat and show you what's what. Several real educated guys out here.
Buy one of each and stay confused.
Dang CP..I already have 3 xducers.. a L with SS would give me 2 more...Quote:
Originally Posted by Cane Pole
I'd be confusing the submarines out the atlantic....:)
Rickie
Thanks guys, I went to the BPS store and the sales person was pushing for a Lowrance Elite-5 DSI @ $649.99 I like it, but I never go to far from shore, so I dont believe I need the maping system. I am more concern about the high definition and color on the screen. A regular sonar unit with HD will do for me. I am very interested in de HB 596 c HD with down imaging. BPS have it @ $549.99 and I fond a web site that have the same unit for $100.00 less. Does any body own one of these and have any opinion to share?
Sounds like an overstock situation to me (pushing).Quote:
Originally Posted by Chile450
i own a 997 and 597 hd/di. i very pleased with both. ive owned the 997 since 2007,the 597 hd/di just a few months . i dont think that you can go wrong with either, from what ive read about both. pick you one out and just git it, you'll like it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chile450
If you go with a Down Imaging Unit the Bird units come with the 2d sonar.
Thanks for all the advice. I think I had made my mine. When I get it I will post the results and how happy I am with my purchace. Thanks again
Sorry I ment I have made my mind which I re-found after I read what I posted. Getting old sound familiar?
Thanks again for all the good information submitted, I believe I have made my mind. Wil post results in a few weeks.
We likey pix...:)
Rickie