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I'm looking to get a new depth finder that I will use for crappie, bluegill and catfishing. I'll be fishing Lake Barkley the most, we just purchased a place around Kuttuwa and are excited to say the least.
I was down there in the fall and realized how much I needed to invest in a better depth finder. What are good options at the 700 dollar price point and preferably easy to operate, thanks.
I bought the Elite 7 with DI, 2D and GPS. I have always used HBs but this had the most features for under $700. I got mine from Brian at BBG Marine (site sponsor) he will beat the box store price and takes about 2 days to get it, he ships fast. I have had some issues with it, but mostly because I am still learning how to use it.
I'll look into that one. I don't know a whole lot about depth finders but I would like the options that you mentioned. I would think DI and SI areva must?? Can I get that for 700 bucks?
Also check out the Humminbird 859 DI.
Give Brian at BBG a call and tell him what you are looking for. 1-800-570-0916
You fishing style and how much of the "underwater world" you need to see will determine which of the sonar technologies (2d/DI/SI) will benefit your fishing time...Quote:
Originally Posted by redearhoosier
2d will show a "cartoon like" image of structure under the boat ...
DI will show a "picture like" image of structure under the boat ...and out to the sides a few feet...
SI will show a "picture like" image of structure under the boat, out to the sides 100+ feet, AND which side of the boat...
Pricing goes up with each added technology...
Pricing goes up with added "bells and whistles"...
Pricing goes up with unit expand-ability ...
Pricing goes up with screen size...
Decide which sonar technology(s) will most benefit your fishing style ... Then buy a unit with those sonar technologies...along with the biggest screen you can afford ...
Rickie
Check out the new Garmin with DownVu and chirp.
:hesaidQuote:
Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill
I doubt if you would get both DI and SI on the same unit for $700, unless you get one of the Humminbirds. When you buy one of their SI units, you also get a "sort of" DIQuote:
Originally Posted by redearhoosier
The Elite 7 is the only one I saw that had both DI and 2D along with GPS and was under $700. The main complaint if you do a search here on this unit is that the processor is slow to update, especially with a Navionics chip card in it. I wanted to try the DI feature, but I wanted the old standard 2D as a backup in case I couild not tell what I was seeing. Once you get the DI settings right it is pretty clear, but can be misleading at first.
This unit does not have side imaging. I am still learing to read the other 2, the SI screenshots I've seen are a bit of a puzzle til you get use to it.
DI, 2d and gps under $700.
http://m.basspro.com/Garmin-echoMAP-...3081606163820/
I've read several bad reviews on the elite 7. I was set to get it until reading these reviews.
If I had known then what I know now, so would I. I ma not familar with the Garmins and I did not see this one when I was looking. I have resolved most of the issues with using the E7 and the 2D and DI screens are really good or I would not have suggested it to consider.
To fix the delay in reponse time on the GPS I may have to change to a different chip,
So don't but the E7?? I may just have to ante up and spend a grand on something then. I do not understand how to read the SI or DI, I need to educate myself.
Should I buy a lowrance or humminbird?
If you do a search on the 7 apparently there is another brand of mapping chip that works better with the unit. I have absolutely no problem with the 2D and DI features. On the GPS with the navionics chip installed, if you zoom in to less than 500 ft when you run the OB at more than about 10 MPH the map can't update fast enough and the screen goes blank for about 30 seconds until the map refreshes. If you are zoomed out to 500 ft or more I can't outrun it at 30 MPH but I usally have it zoomed in closer than that. Just something you have to work around with the Elite, The HDS Lowrance units don't have this problem, but they cost more too.
I've heard nothing but good about the new Garmin's. I don't believe they have been out too long. The next model up has the capability of hooking up a side image for an additional cost but then you would be better off just paying $1000 for a bird with SI.
Look at gander mountain has the humminbird 798 ci hd si combo was 1,049.00 has them on sale for 699.00 with mail in 50.00 rebate best deal other sites has them on sale for 849.00
That's pretty good.
Wow, was just reading reviews on the 798 that you mentioned and it's a mixed bag. Many folks do not like that model for various reasons. I'm starting to think I'll have to break the bank to be satisfied...I could see me spending way over a grand just for peace of mind.
The 798 HD model is definitely a good unit if you can find it on a closeout sale.....It has 2 card slots, bright display, and can be networked if you decide to add another unit later.
You could also consider the new 698ci HD SI. The MSRP on it is $699 and I am sure you could get it cheaper from Brian at BBG.
The drawbacks of the 698 compared to the 798 is that the 698 only has one card slot and is stricly stand-alone. It cannot be networked.
If you want to find those bream beds, SI is a real plus, and either one of these would be close to your price range.
Bigger is better, but you aren't going to get bigger SI in the $700 price range.
You can get bigger if you go with the 859ci HD DI.....Same MSRP as the 698 except no Si. It is can be networked and has 2 card slots.
If you go with the 859, I would upgrade to the XTM 9 WIDE DI 20 T transducer to get more 2d coverage area. Call HB before you open it and you can exchange.....not sure if any upgrade charge for this transducer.
If you can swing it this is a great deal.
http://www.rogerssportinggoods.com/h...der-p-640.html
This is a great deal for the money. You can add an hd si transducer for crisper si. Great all around unit and easy to use.Quote:
Originally Posted by redearhoosier
I would stay away from the lowrance units under $1000!
Heck of a deal!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gomer Snerd
I tell you this is looking good for $699.99. DI and SI.
I would go with an Lowrance HDS7Gen2 push button, not the touch. It will handle all applications and you will have around $1200.00 in it. Brian at bbgmarine can fix you up. Bar none the best down imaging around plus it has side imaging and broadband 2D sonar. No GPS issues like you have with the Elite 7 HDI. Has a separate crystal dedicated to the down imaging which gives the stunning images plus it runs thru an HD Structure Scan box. Gen2 units have a blistering fast processor will handle Navionics with no problem at all. Lowrance has marked their units down around $300.00 on the HDS units making them now a very attractive buy.
PS if all you want in a unit is mainly down imaging and not concerned with GPS, the Lowrance Elite 7X HDI is a steal. It has a bright 7 inch led screen with very good down imaging. For just over $500.00. It will have 2D broadband sonar with the down imaging, but no GPS chartplotter.
Raymarine Dragonfly is suppose to have killer down imaging.
I had a 798HD for a while, nice unit, then I upgraded to a 898HD and the difference is definitely worth the extra money. SI is where you would see the biggest advantage. If you can spend a 1000 you could easily get a 899 and trade transducers with Humminbird for that.
I think I'm willing to spend around 1300-1400 dollars, maybe for that much money I can get something worthy. Would the Lowrance HDS7Gen2 be the call or something better??
I've decided to up the money so I'll be happy, no since in being unhappy on the water. I really appreciate the responses fellas, we've got a great site here.
I would go with that 998 or a 999.
Spend another hundred and get the HDS8Gen2, more pixels in the screen than the HDS7, bigger screen, quick keys, and two full SD card slots. This unit is the do all unit for around $1500.00 it used to be $1800.00. If later you decide you want another unit all you have to do is buy one ethernet cable and run it that way.
Redearhoosier the Humminbird works very well in 5ft or less water for locating redear and bluegill beds. Last year I found several beds that wouldn't have known they existed without the unit.
Just going to throw my :twocents in ive got the 798hd si and its a awesome upgrade from the cheaper traditional 2d sonar. That si is the berry's on finding structure. If you can afford it you could upgrade to 898. for a slightly bigger screen,but the 798 will definitely get the job done. Another possible option would be buying used from a site member,I know Bass boat central has a classified section for just electronics and they have hb's,and lowerance units on there all the time.But you have to be Quick on the draw. you could save a lot of dough and possibly get bigger unit for the price of a smaller new one. Good Luck:juggle
That's really good to know because I'm a redear freak. We went to Barkley last year for the very first time and the water was way up and dingy in color. We couldn't make out any beds but actually lucked out into a big nest of monster redears that we absolutely could not see. We went back to that spot for five straight days and nailed big fish and it was really weird because you couldn't see the beds.Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenwing
I don't know what I'm going to buy yet, but I am going to BPS Sunday to purchase one. Finding beds with SI in dirty water is a lethal weapon, nice to know.
Bream beds top left..(I think I was in about 8' of water when I took this snapshot)...
http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps397a7d04.png
Rickie