depth finder??????

[TennesseeVols14]

i am lookin to buy a new depth finder an its not lookin to good  > any1 have any suggestions on what would b a good 1 for the money???  

[RoLo]

I'm currently using a "Lowrance X135", it's a superb unit.

It's a 16-level grayscale featuring 480 x 480 pixel resolution with a maximum depth of 1,000 ft.

It's not cheap unfortunately, and costs about $400

Roger

[jdw174]

I'm currently using a "Lowrance X135", it's a superb unit.

It's a 16-level grayscale featuring 480 x 480 pixel resolution with a maximum depth of 1,000 ft.

It's not cheap unfortunately, and costs about $400

Roger

The X-125 has the same pixel count but won't shoot quite as deep.  However, at bass fishing depths......it don't matter.

[TennesseeVols14]

thanks the x125 is what i think im gonna get but ive herd lowrance's  dosent hold up very good is this true????

[acar555]

I would take a look at the Humminbird 575. Compared to the x125 (http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Marine/X125.asp) the Humminbird 575 (http://www.humminbird.com/products.asp?ID=1000) has 2,000 watts power, 640 x 320 res but has 20, 60 and 90 degree coverage. So in 10 feet of water you can see 20 feet of the bottom and know if fish or structure is on the left or right side of the boat. And it is cheaper than the X 125 at $250.

[Catt]

Humminbird® Fishfinder 565 $179.88

Highest resolution 640 vertical pixel x 320H ultra high contrast 5" LCD with 12 level grayscale for maximum image clarity and target separation. DualBeam Sonar with precision 20 degree single beam for better bottom detail, and wide 60 degree beam for fish ID. 2000 watt peak-to-peak power output.

[RoLo]

thanks the x125 is what i think im gonna get but ive herd lowrance's dosent hold up very good is this true????

No, that is not true.

I've owned about 6 to 8 Lowrance/Eagle depth sounders, 2 Humminbirds, 1 Texas Instruments and 1 Columbia Flasher (my first).

About 15 yrs ago. I owned both a Lowrance and Humminbird on different boats, and both had moderate exposure to saltwater.

One early spring the Humminbird failed to operate, but the Lowrance performed as usual.

After disassembling the Humminbird and seeing all the corroded components, I simply tossed the Humminbird into the dumpster.

Humminbird may have cleaned-up their act since since (let's hope so), but too little, too late, they're already on my Black List.

In contrast, the next time I have a problem with Lowrance Sonar will be my first time.

By the way, the "Maximum Depth" of a sounder is only offered as a measurement of "Signal Power",

Lowrance knows that you won't be fishing 1,000 feet deep. Regardless of the depth you may be sounding,

greater signal power means a brighter signal with better contrast, in other words, better grayscale separation,

more legible fish arches, weed beds, etc. For average conditions the sensitivity on my X135 is set at 50%,

but whenever I need more power for any reason, it's right there.

Roger

[acar555]

15 years ago I would absolutely agree with the Lowrance being a better unit.  Now that Johnson Outdoors took over the Humminbird brands a few years back they have definately improved on quality and are 100% made in the USA.  With the Norwegian company Navico taking over Lowrance and their products being made in Mexico the verdict is still out.  Both companies make good units I would look for pixels, power and coverage when making a decision on a new one.

[Jig Man]

If you use your unit for serious fishing instead of just depth, a 480X480 unit is a must which ever mfg you choose.  I just sold an X125 to a friend.  It is a great unit and I really liked the amber back light for night fishing but I decided to move into the world of color.