Uprgrading Electronics

[RangerRob]

I have decided to upgrade the entry level Garmin 120 and 125 fish finders that came with my the 2004 Ranger 175 VS I purchased last year and would like inout on which brand to turn to. There are so many out there and everyone " makes the best ".  The local Bass Pro Shops here in Memphis recommended Lowrance. They said they get more Garmin and Humminbirds back but that could be because they sell more of them the saleman stated. I do not need GPS at this time because I have a handheld, but I would really like color and one that reads up to at least 60 mph without emptying my wallet to bad.

[Jig Man]

I just bought color and really like it.  You might think about buying the Lowrance 520c w/o antenna.  You should be able to save about $150 then you could add the antenna for a Christmas or BD present.  You would have gps already there when you installed the antenna.  If you can't find the unit that way.  I know a guy who had some a few weeks ago cause I bought one that way myself.

[nra4life]

i like lowrance the best. Or you may want to check out Humminbirds side imaging, they look interesting.  Depends how much you want to spend.

[HPBB]

Ok you r at BPs already. Pick a price range and look at all the different models in the range. each brand will have most of the same features as the rest, but one might have something different, or one is easier to use. they are all theforyou you to see and try, so try them out and pick the one that is best for you.

That is what I did a few years ago. I had my heart set on a Lowrance 332C. Went to Cabela's and spent hours just looking and going through all the features each brand had. whne all was said and done I bought a Humminbird Matrix 87c. Both unit were the same price and almost had the same features. The humminbird had a few gps things I likes better and I thought it was easier to use. Well for me it seemed easier

you said you don't need GPS. Ok its nice to have, but if you don't need it that's ok. I would however say, get a color unit. Once you use a color unit you will not want to use a black and white one again.

[acar555]

Whatever price point you are looking at make suer you get the highest resolution and power you can find as well as the maxium coverage (cone angle) the unit can see under the boat.  At similar price points there is usually a model that will stand out over the others.  As far as reliability goes all are pretty much the same and offer 1 year warranties.  I have had personal experience with Humminbird, Eagle and Lowrance.  And all have been good finders.  I currently run Humminbirds (997c and 787c2) because they have features at their price points that the other manufacutures don't offer and those features make my time on the water more productive.