EchoMap Plus 73SV

[JQ-92]

Looking at buying a Garmin EchoMap Plus 73SV. Opinions on the unit? This would be my first side view fish finder.

[Fishingmickey]

48 minutes ago, JQ-92 said:

Looking at buying a Garmin EchoMap Plus 73SV. Opinions on the unit? This would be my first side view fish finder.

I've got the 93SV plus and love it. Great clarity and definition. Pretty much the same unit as the 73SV but bigger screen. I got mine through the GPS store for 600 on a black Friday special.

[redmexican5081]

9 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

I've got the 93SV plus and love it. Great clarity and definition. Pretty much the same unit as the 73SV but bigger screen. I got mine through the GPS store for 600 on a black Friday special.

I'll second this as I have a 93SV plus as well.  If you can wait until the Black Friday sale, you might be able to get the 9 inch for what the 7 inch costs currently.  Another note, last year the Black Friday pricing went live on the gps store site on Wednesday afternoon.

[JQ-92]

It’s 500$ right now at Cabela’s for the  73SV

[haggard]

After seeing it in use on my fishing buddy's boat (he has an EchoMap 73SV up front and a 73SV Plus on the console), I liked it enough that when I bought a finder, I chose the same (Plus), but in the 93SV size (only because it would just fit in the console).

 

If you're using it at the console, 73 size should be fine. Bow mount, if it's at your feet, 93 might help. Your mileage may vary depending on how good your eyes are.

 

I admit I haven't done much side view with it. It's my first season with it, so I'm just doing the basics. But I watched my buddy run side view on his and it didn't disappoint.

 

To me the EchoMaps have a fast and intuitive user interface and find the touch screen version ("Plus") so much better in terms of ease of use.

 

For me the touch screen is a big safety factor, especially when underway or running at speed. Last thing you want to be doing is futzing with menus and trying to read menu labels. Even WITH the touch screen, I've found it's enough of a distraction that I avoid using it unless at wake speed or less.

 

The only other modern finder I've used is a Lowrance Hook 4 (on the yak) - it's primitive by comparison in terms of menus, graphics, resolution, clarity, etc. but for me works great on the yak - but for a bigger boat, I highly recommend the EchoMap Plus. The size is up to you depending on your application and how much money you have to spend.

 

I know this hasn't even got into features yet, but it's probably safe to say any of the top contenders have more or less the same features. I find the more important factors & differences are in screen size, user interface, menu navigation, resolution, and very importantly, the ability to customize (layouts, parameters, etc.)

 

Watch for Black Friday sales and if you're not ready by then, Bass Pro / Cabelas Spring Classic sale in March (got the Plus 93SV there for $400 savings if I remember correctly).

 

 

[JQ-92]

Thanks for all the feed back guys really appreciate it! Seems like a no brainer. Just bought it for 500$. Black Friday I’ll look again and maybe buy another one for the bow. 

[Bassman37]

Great purchase. I love my 73sv and mostly the ability to create my own maps on small lakes and ponds.

[mching]

I was researching these recently and just ordered one as well (has not arrived yet).  What I found was that some of listings were unclear on whether they included the transducer or not, and if so, which one it was.  Seems that most agree that the "GT52" transducer being sold on current models provides a better image than older ones floating around with "CV" in the model name.

[Sprocket]

The PLUS 73sv comes with the GT52 transducer.  Great little unit.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[JQ-92]

Kinda sucks they cancelled my order because they discontinued the product I guess. So I’ll have to wait until Black Friday! But no I am tempted with the Helix 7SI. Appreciate everyone’s feedback! You guys have been a great help. 

[12poundbass]

22 hours ago, JQ-92 said:

Kinda sucks they cancelled my order because they discontinued the product I guess. So I’ll have to wait until Black Friday! But no I am tempted with the Helix 7SI. Appreciate everyone’s feedback! You guys have been a great help. 

Right out of the box the Garmin (in my opinion) has better images than the Helix SI. If you were to upgrade the Transducer from the compact that Humminbird supplies to the HDSI through their exchange program ($80) the images are about the same maybe an edge to the Helix.
 

Like I said though it’s $80 for the upgrade after you send the unopened stock transducer back and they send a new HDSI. For me personally the Garmin Echomap had all but two of my lakes on it, where the Helix had zero, something else to consider. 

[pauldconyers]

On 10/29/2019 at 3:06 PM, JQ-92 said:

Kinda sucks they cancelled my order because they discontinued the product I guess. So I’ll have to wait until Black Friday! But no I am tempted with the Helix 7SI. Appreciate everyone’s feedback! You guys have been a great help. 

Bass Pro has the Garmin Echomap Plus 93 SV for $600 on Black Friday

[JQ-92]

On 11/18/2019 at 8:47 PM, pauldconyers said:

Bass Pro has the Garmin Echomap Plus 93 SV for $600 on Black Friday

Sorry just seeing this now but yes! I exchanged my 73sv for the 93SV! Pumped. 

[SC53]

Just got my 93 SV today from Cabela’s.

Because I’m mounting it up front front on the trolling motor it was a very pleasant surprise that Garmin supplies a trolling motor mount with their units.  I mean who does that? Garmin I guess ?

[12poundbass]

On 12/2/2019 at 6:03 PM, SC53 said:

Just got my 93 SV today from Cabela’s.

Because I’m mounting it up front front on the trolling motor it was a very pleasant surprise that Garmin supplies a trolling motor mount with their units.  I mean who does that? Garmin I guess ?

It’s nice that they do provide them. I love my Garmins. 

[jaimeastin]

Garmin has been good to me over the years.  Their package is hard to beat.  You can also go to livescope in the future.