Need a down imaging fishfinder

Anybody have a recommendation of a fishfinder with down and side imaging that is less than $500? Looking for something with a 5" display. I only crappie fish and want it to locate structure and bait fish. I would like to hear anyone's comments or suggestions on what they use. I currently have a Garmin 430S and Humminbird 141C up front. Wouldn't mind upgrading both.

academy has the lowrance elite 7 on their website listed for 459. normaly a 700 buck unit. plus you can get the hbird 598 which is side image and down image for 499. the 598 is the same unit as the 798 except no preset buttons and only one map insert..im thinking real hard on the raymarine dragonfly units. but will probally stay with academy products just for the warranty. the 598 is a 5 inch screen and the lowrance unit is a 5x 7 inch screen.. dragonfly 7 is a 7 inch screen as well online for 529

I have seen the Lowrance Hds5 gen2 at the $500. mark with the 83/200 transducer. It is down and side imagining. I have an Elite 5 hdi on the bow. It does a good job. I would like to add a side scan to the console in the near future.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jwoneal

I have seen the Lowrance Hds5 gen2 at the $500. mark with the 83/200 transducer. It is down and side imagining. I have an Elite 5 hdi on the bow. It does a good job. I would like to add a side scan to the console in the near future.

---

i think you have to buy the structure scan for another 499 to get the side image.. thats the downfall to hds 7 as well

Been looking at the new Helix units from Humminbird

i havent seen the helix in any stores, are they not out yet. looked at them on the hbird websight and they look good..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jhef

i havent seen the helix in any stores, are they not out yet. looked at them on the hbird websight and they look good..

---

They have them at Bass Pro shop. Looked at them at the one in Leeds

bbg marine has the helix di gps for 321. and side image/down image gps for 452.
bbgmarine

The Helix 5 Si looks interesting. Do you have to add anything to it to get side scan like the Lowrance?

no humminbird comes ready to go...

just went to academy. still no helix ..hmmm

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jhef

academy has the lowrance elite 7 on their website listed for 459. normaly a 700 buck unit. plus you can get the hbird 598 which is side image and down image for 499. the 598 is the same unit as the 798 except no preset buttons and only one map insert..im thinking real hard on the raymarine dragonfly units. but will probally stay with academy products just for the warranty. the 598 is a 5 inch screen and the lowrance unit is a 5x 7 inch screen.. dragonfly 7 is a 7 inch screen as well online for 529

---

Is anybody using the Humminbird 598? That's the one I kind of have in mind but would like some feedback from anyone who uses it currently.

My tourney partner has a 798 with trolling motor transducer for sale. Of interested ill put y'all together.

I would give Brian a call at BB&G marine. He will give you a great price and excellent service

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FalconSmitty

My tourney partner has a 798 with trolling motor transducer for sale. Of interested ill put y'all together.

---

Sure, can you PM me his info?

I would go with the Helix from Humminbird. Good bang for your buck.