jaredkelley6 Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 Hey guys, before I got into tournament fishing I traded a racecar awhile back for a champion 191 bass boat.. I'm getting it up and running this year to run as a boater next season in my club. I'm used to pond hopping so I'm not knowledgeable with electronics.. Anyways, I know this a question that has been asked a million times, but what should I be looking for in electronics?? And what do you guys think would be the best unit for your money? I was looking at the garmin echomap 73dv , or lowrance elite 7 chirp.. Just looking for any suggestions that may get me pointed in the right direction! And yes I know there is an electronics page , I posted in the general to hopefully get some more replys ha. Thanks!!! Quote
desmobob Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 I was looking at the garmin echomap 73dv , or lowrance elite 7 chirp.. Just looking for any suggestions that may get me pointed in the right direction! And yes I know there is an electronics page , I posted in the general to hopefully get some more replys ha. Thanks!!! I just put the echoMAP 93sv in my boat, and I think it's the best piece of gear I've purchased in a L-O-N-G time! Huge bang for the buck. Very easy to use, too. Tight lines, Bob Quote
papajoe222 Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 I'm not familiar with either unit. I would advise you, however, to get a unit with the most features your pocketbook will allow. You may not start out using every feature, but you will with experience. If you go with a unit with fewer features for simplicities sake, you'll be looking to upgrade in no time. Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted June 14, 2015 Super User Posted June 14, 2015 I agree with papajoe. Once you have used structure scan and learned how to find and mark cover you will find that it is indispensable. It will open up a new world for you. I don't know about the Garmin but I'm pretty sure the Elite only does down scan. It is nice but not as valuable as side scan. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted June 14, 2015 Super User Posted June 14, 2015 I agree with papajoe. Once you have used structure scan and learned how to find and mark cover you will find that it is indispensable. It will open up a new world for you. I don't know about the Garmin but I'm pretty sure the Elite only does down scan. It is nice but not as valuable as side scan. The Elite 7 CHIRP does Down Scan and 2D sonar. The DSI units are not made anymore. Quote
Sprocket Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 The 73dv is downvu only. It is a great unit and is soooo easy to operate. SE Kansas grass grower Quote
jaredkelley6 Posted June 14, 2015 Author Posted June 14, 2015 Stupid question but is structure scan and side scan the same thing? What I have read, side scan covers more water so that is something I should want right? I know need a unit with gps, I want a unit to mark points, but I guess the real question is should I get a unit with downscan, sidescan, or both? Far as my price range goes I was hoping to get a good unit with these options in the 600-800 range. If possible Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted June 14, 2015 Super User Posted June 14, 2015 Yes they are the same. You might pick up a very good unit with the way guys trade up every time a new one comes on the market. Check for sale here . Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted June 14, 2015 Super User Posted June 14, 2015 Stupid question but is structure scan and side scan the same thing? What I have read, side scan covers more water so that is something I should want right? I know need a unit with gps, I want a unit to mark points, but I guess the real question is should I get a unit with downscan, sidescan, or both? Far as my price range goes I was hoping to get a good unit with these options in the 600-800 range. If possible Structure Scan is a Lowrance trade name and is both Side Scan and Down Scan. ONLY the HDS models can do both if you purchase the additional transducer. The Elite models cannot do Side Scan and are available in a 2D model or 2D/Down Scan model with or without GPS. Pay attention to the complete model names Garmin's trade name for the imaging technology is called DownVu and SideVu. The SV models do both Down, Side, and 2D sonar. The DV models do just DownVu and 2D. 1 Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted June 14, 2015 Super User Posted June 14, 2015 If you are interested in Humminbird units: A Humminbird Side Imaging unit does Side Imaging, Down Imaging, 2D sonar --single transducer, and GPS. A Humminbird Down Imaging units do Down Imaging and 2D sonar and are available with or without GPS. A Humminbird Sonar units just does 2D sonar and if a Combo unit also has GPS. Quote
jaredkelley6 Posted June 14, 2015 Author Posted June 14, 2015 Yes sir, as I've been lookin up different units I've noticed different brands have trade names like you just mentioned. I just wanted to be sure about the structure scan.. Anyways , I haven't giving much thought on a Humminbird, What little research I have done on them the reviews haven't been all great. But I know every person has their own opinion. Ive researched some more and I think I may wait a little longer to save up a little more and i think I'm gonna try and go with the Garmin Echomap 73sv. I really appreciate all the info and suggestions, and gonna try and look into em!! Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted June 14, 2015 Super User Posted June 14, 2015 Good luck. I like the "save up more money" statement. That is unusual for this day and age. I have taken on second jobs for some of my toys so I wouldn't put any binds on my family. BTW I'd rather have a good used unit than a new cheaper model that wasn't as good. Quote
jaredkelley6 Posted June 14, 2015 Author Posted June 14, 2015 Well I'm an college student and unfortunately its not a college that has a bass team lol. So I do what I can with what I got and what I don't have I save up for it. lol. Hard work pays off! Quote
Comfortably Numb Posted June 16, 2015 Posted June 16, 2015 The 73dv is downvu only. It is a great unit and is soooo easy to operate. SE Kansas grass grower Yup but the 73sv has side too. This is your best choice IMO if you can swing $1000 If you dont need sidescan consider the Raymarine Dragonfly. Best down imaging of them all. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.