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What is the best CHEAP fish finder? I got a lowrance X47 now. Would like one that will show fish a lot better without spending big money. Don't care for all that gps and other stuff, just want to be able to identify fish. And if there is a way to do that with what I have, why can't I get it to do it? Shows structure fine, but can't tell the differance in structure and fish. And I ain't no hurry to get one, just want to get some kinda idea so I can maybe get a decent one this summer.
There are several out there like the 500 series of humming bird. I have a 525,565, and a 585 they all work very well for showing fish and cover. I don't know about the lowrance models because I 've never used one but have heard good things about them.
Take a look at the Eagle Fishmark series. I started with the 320, upgraded to a 480 when i found a deal that was $50 of the regular price, and decided to try a color model a few years later and got a 640C model. Every upgrade i made has a better and easier to read picture. The more pixels they have, the better the picture. All these units are user friendly, meaning you can just adjust one or two settings and leave it on auto. Ask around and you'll find that most guys that have eagles love them. And most of all, they're very affordable.
Bass Pro has their Spring Fishing Classic going on and the Eagle 320 is a great unit and is on sale for $130
Thanks for the info. QUestions, why do you say color is easier to read? I have never looked at a color finder so I have no clue. Also, are these better than the HB 565? Which would you buy if it were you? How easy are they to use? Can I just leave them on "auto" and get good fish seperation? Do they have the wider view cone? Is the wider cone better, or is the 20 degree all you need?Quote:
Originally Posted by PanMan_VA
Brian
Take a look at the Vexilar color units.If you don't need a dual unit featuring a chartplotter/locator unit,check these out.They come with a transducer with dual frequency split screen locator and new they are around $800.00.Many of the northern states guides use these and highly recommend these units! Reeds Sporting Goods/ Walker,minnesota sell these units,sometimes on sale.
It is much easier and faster for me to interpret the display if it is in color. You have to look closer to see the subtle differences in the gray on a monochrome unit. The 565 is probably a little better unit (bigger screen with more pixels and higher power to the transducer). I suggested the other two units because they use the same transducer plug, power plug, and mount as the X47. Just remove one head and replace it with the other.Quote:
Originally Posted by beenfishin?
If you budget is in the $350 range, the Eagle 500C or the Lowrance 510C will be good units. I still prefer Lowrance to Humminbird for 2d sonar. That is probably because I have much more experience with Lowrance products. The transducer mount hole pattern will be the same if you chose Lowrance.
Remember this.
What ever you get, there is always be the one you wish you had gotten..;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cane Pole
Unless you buy the best unit they offer. Then you'll be happy until the next models come out.;)
yeah which will be the next day the way electronics change :D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by PanMan_VA
If I were going cheap on a fishfinder I`d get the Humminbird 565.
The 565 has the specs of graph that cost twice as much, its just monochrome (B&W).
Looks to be a great unit.
565
Cane Pole is right about that. You might consider sending your unit to the factory for a tune up. I dont know how much experience you have with it, but you might just play with the settings. Some fine tuning might do you a world of good.