Need Help Fish Finder

[GatorsFan78]

Hi, I'm debating on which fish finder to buy for my 14' alumacraft semi-v jon boat. I have been doing research on the Lowrance 4x dsi and the Humminbird 346c DI.

 

Which of these are the better of the 2? I'm new to using electronics and need some serious input on these 2 fish finders. Thanks

 

 

Shane

[jessejames556]

I looked at the lowrance for a while..it looks like a good unit, but I, like you, am new to using electronics and notices that some folks on the amazon reviews mentioned that the lowrance came without a decent instruction manual. I ended up buying the humminbird 587... I'm sure you would get the hang of whatever you chose.

[GatorsFan78]

Yeah I'm hearing some complaints also with the lowrance only having down imagining and sometimes you actually can see the fish better on the color 2d better. Which the Humminbird allows you to use split screen to see both the down imaging and the 2d sonar at the sametime which seems to be a plus also.

[GatorsFan78]

Now Cabella's has put the Lowrance Elite 5x dsi on sale for $249.99,

 

So that clearly tells me that the Elite 4x dsi is no longer and issue becuase the $249.99 is the perfect budget for me in making my choice.

[Wayne P.]

You need to realize what features you are purchasing with the units.

 

The Lowrance DSI units are ONLY down scan, they do not have traditional 2D sonar.

 

The Humminbird DI units have down imaging and 2D sonar.

 

If you fish, you need traditional sonar. If you just ride around looking at stuff, the down scan is good for that.

[JDFishing]

Are you 100% sold on one of those two units? Wayne is right in my opinion that if you fish you still need traditional 2D Sonar. DownScan is a big deal and I can honestly say that I use both equally and need both equally.

Secondly, if I'm not mistaken, neither unit has GPS and mapping? This is very, very important o me for several reasons. One, with mapping (and I know I'm a Navionics guy), I would have no idea where to first find fish and/or fish holding structure. I think this is an area Wayne would agree with me heavily as he is one of the leaders at creating lake maps with the new technology that has hit the scene, such as SonarCharts.

Also, when you do find fish you'll want to save a waypoint so that you can catch crappies off that brush pile for years to come.

Lastly, screen size may not seem important to you now and after working many Lowrance booths at shows I've heard it a thousand times over and myself included was guilty thinking I didn't need a larger screen but truth be told no matter if you go HB or Lowrance 85% of first time buyers go back and buy a larger unit within a year of purchase. This is simple and as you learn more about the unit and show success on the water, you'll want to be able to get the best detail and function you can afford.

If your budget is set in stone than forget all this and enjoy. However, if your looking for input to help you make a educated desicion, take what I say into consideration.

I'm not saying you need to run out and buy a $3500 12" Touch Screen (even though I wouldn't trade any of mine in for anything) but there may be some better options available to you or only a couple more hundred and will offer you almost everything you could ask for.

My recommendation would be the Lowrance Elite 5 HDI. $499 straight up but I've seen them cheaper from time to time. This gives you mapping, 2D Sonar and DownScan, all with a slightly larger screen.

[GatorsFan78]

I definatly see you guys point on the 2d sonar. My budget falls into about the $200-$300 range. And I did look at some that include the maping and chartplotting. I didn't feel too much that I needed it due to where I fish I have fished my whole life. Although I do sometimes stray off into different sections of the river that I haven't been at if the fish aren't hitting.

 

And I wouldn't mind going with the larger screen as you was suggesting also, Only issue is the fish finder is only going to be on a small 14' alumacraft.

 

I came across the Lowrance elite 5x dsi at cabelas for $249.99 but there again it's a great bargain but It's only down imaging. I'm thinking the HB 346c DI might be more my speed since it allows me to use both the DI and 2d sonar.

[slonezp]

Screen size is less important on 2d. Very beneficial with imaging. I would definitely get the unit with the 2d option

[Wayne P.]

It seems you are doing your search by price, not by function.

A bargin is not a bargin if the equipment doesn't have the performance you want.

 

You should decide what technology you want/need and then decide how much you are willing to pay for it.

[MacP]

This brings the same question I've had for a while, I've got a Garmin 200C and 500C on my small boat and big boat respectively.  Plus a small sonar hummingbird on the TM.  I've been looking for something to replace them.

 

What's the best unit all around for $500 or less.  I could probably stretch more, but I'm going to have to buy extra transducers to switch them between boats.

 

I've looked hardest at the Lowrance Elite 5X HDI.  I'd like having both down scan and sonar, but quality and size of screen and quality of information are paramount for me.

[jessejames556]

I like my 587ci...i think that's the one I have...it has downscan and traditional 2 d that can be run split screen..this is excellent for finding fish on structure.. It also has gps/chartplotter with extra map package capability. It was on sale for 429.99 at cabelas as of two weeks ago and you get a free cover if you purchase before December. My only complaint thus far is screen size, but it is still a decent sized one. I have it on the console and moved my older Garmin 300 up to the bow.

it's not the fanciest thing they offer, but it is a good quality and keeps me below 500 for the install and all.

[basscatcher8]

And I wouldn't mind going with the larger screen as you was suggesting also, Only issue is the fish finder is only going to be on a small 14' alumacraft.

 

 

The size of the boat doesnt matter lol. I had an elite 7 and two humminbirds mounted on a 14' sylvan. Honestly if I were you i'd probably wait and save up a bit and get an elite 5 with the gps/sonar/dsi or a couple hundred more and get the elite 7. The Elite 7 is a great value and it does everything except side scan. Thats jmo of course.

[Wayne P.]

The size of the boat doesnt matter lol. I had an elite 7 and two humminbirds mounted on a 14' sylvan. Honestly if I were you i'd probably wait and save up a bit and get an elite 5 with the gps/sonar/dsi or a couple hundred more and get the elite 7. The Elite 7 is a great value and it does everything except side scan. Thats jmo of course.

I have a dinky 16' Tracker used as a platform for me and my electronics. The other sonar unit not in the picture is behind the console unit on the right.

 

[GatorsFan78]

Thanks for everyones input on this. I was trying to find a comfortable medium in price and quality for a fish finder. I opted to get the HB 346c, it has 2D sonar and DSI and it has split screen mode also. I found one for $229 which was great for my budget and I think I got a good fish finder. I'll post back and let you guys know how it works and if I made a good choice.