Deciding on new depthfinder/ di, si, or both

[Bankc]

I have a Lowrance Hook2 5 with SI on my kayak.  The SI isn't nearly as detailed as the one in the Hummingbird shown above.  I don't use it all that often.  Actually, I use it a lot.  But mostly I just look at it, realize I don't see anything of note, and go back to using the sonar, GPS, and DI.  That could have a lot to do with the lakes I fish, as there typically isn't much structure that's hidden from view from the surface.  But I definitely don't ever see any fish on it.  I don't think it has the resolution to make them noticeable.  Also, it doesn't have as many adjustments available in the menu as some of the higher end models.  

 

And I think that's part of the issue with the Hook2 series.  They're cheap and they have lots of features for the money, but they're not as good as the higher end models.  That being said, they're probably the best in their price range, especially when they're on sale.  But, as with everything, you get what you pay for.

 

As for screen size, that's a personal thing.  Some people have bad eyesight and need large screens.  Some people sit or stand further away from their screens, so they need larger screens.  Some people have good eyesight and their screens are right next to them.  To determine the screen size you need, you need to factor in both your eyesight and your distance from the screen.  For me, a 5" screen is bigger than I need.  But I'm on a kayak and have good eyesight.  So that screen is never more than about 3' away from my head.  Your best bet to figure out what you need is to first figure out the furthest distance you will be using it at, and then go to the store and test some out at that distance.  Also, the demo modes at the models in store will show how well all of the features work, and allow you to play with the menu options.  Everyone has a preference, but until you play with them yourself, it's hard to know what you need.

[Hower08]

14 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

Knowing me i wouldnt be able to see screen after one day. Definitely going to be using it alot vertically on structure whether dropshotting smallies or jigging eyes so i agree DI is a must. I am on the trolling motor alot so SI would be nice too. Big thing for me is being able to dial into the spot on the spot as i am not good at that now. I think SI would help with this because i have a better idea of whats around me.

what makes you prefer hummingbird to the rest?

Ive used lowrance on other guys boats and the user friendly-ness if that is a word is was better on a bird. Also I feel the image is 100 times better. I recently put a helix 9 gen 2 mega on the front of my boat and that thing is sick. The detail is unreal. Search for used deals. Guys upgrade graphs like they do cell phones, plenty of good used deals out there. That is how I found mine. Year old or so and I only gave 550 for it 

15 hours ago, RoLo said:

 

The past few years I've been using a Lowrance Elite touchscreen chartplotter.

Frankly, I'm not sure what you mean by 'fingerprints'.

 

Roger

If you don't smudge and get the screen dirty while touching it you must be doing something different than everyone I know that made the mistake of buying a touch screen unit

[Bdnoble84]

5 minutes ago, Hower08 said:

Ive used lowrance on other guys boats and the user friendly-ness if that is a word is was better on a bird. Also I feel the image is 100 times better. I recently put a helix 9 gen 2 mega on the front of my boat and that thing is sick. The detail is unreal. Search for used deals. Guys upgrade graphs like they do cell phones, plenty of good used deals out there. That is how I found mine. Year old or so and I only gave 550 for it 

If you don't smudge and get the screen dirty while touching it you must be doing something different than everyone I know that made the mistake of buying a touch screen unit

Good info, ive been watching marketplace but none of have popped up yet

[Hower08]

Look for local fishing forums and post a wanted ad. That's how I found mine and I had that graph within 24 hours. 

[gim]

9 hours ago, Hower08 said:

Ive used lowrance on other guys boats and the user friendly-ness if that is a word is was better on a bird.

This is the primary reason I’ve continued to use Lowrance. I bought my first unit in 2001 and several others since and the ease of use is something I value. Plus, it would be difficult for me to completely switch over to another operating system after almost 20 years.

 

9 hours ago, Hower08 said:

If you don't smudge and get the screen dirty while touching it you must be doing something different than everyone I know that made the mistake of buying a touch screen unit

Touchscreens are eventually going to get dirty no matter what. Your fingers have all kinds of grime, dirt, and slime on them, especially when fishing. One thing that helps me keep my screen at least somewhat clean of fingerprints and smudges is to use the buttons when I’m able to instead.

[Bdnoble84]

After the discussion here and my research i think i am leaning towards the echomap7 cv for the bow. Eventually ill put a 9sv on the transom as well but for the way i fish i think this is the best place to start. Im getting alot of ot this month so should be able to pick it up in the next few weeks if i can find it instock for a reasonable price. 

[Hower08]

21 hours ago, gimruis said:

This is the primary reason I’ve continued to use Lowrance. I bought my first unit in 2001 and several others since and the ease of use is something I value. Plus, it would be difficult for me to completely switch over to another operating system after almost 20 years.

 

Touchscreens are eventually going to get dirty no matter what. Your fingers have all kinds of grime, dirt, and slime on them, especially when fishing. One thing that helps me keep my screen at least somewhat clean of fingerprints and smudges is to use the buttons when I’m able to instead.

I think we are mis-reading the first part about ease of use. A humminbird is way more user friendly. And has a ton more adjustment where I found with lowrance, it kind of is what it is. I like the be able to constantly tune my graphs throughout the day depending on speed water conditions etc.. 

 

And why spend the extra money on a touch screen when you try to make it a point to use the buttons so you don't have to touch the screen

[gim]

15 hours ago, Hower08 said:

And why spend the extra money on a touch screen when you try to make it a point to use the buttons so you don't have to touch the screen

Most of the higher end models are touch screen-enabled.  If the current model I have was available with ONLY buttons, I would have preferred that instead.

[rangerjockey]

I can't imagine a simpler unit to run than the hook 2 and Elite. I've had Humminbird and the SI is probably the best. To me Lowrance has the best 2d and DI is a push..

I personally vertical fish with 2d so on the TM  I'm more concerned with that and Mapping than DI.

I split the screen with maps to see wayponts and 2D.

[RoLo]

 

Pretty much what I use, but rather than a split-screen, 

I'll toggle between '3D' down-imaging (terrain & cover) and '2D' down-scanning (game fish & baitfish)

 

Roger

[jaimeastin]

On 7/4/2020 at 11:38 AM, Bdnoble84 said:

Thanks @Shimano_1 What about the lowrance hook 2 tech? Reason i ask is bp has a hook 2 9 tripleshot  On sale for 500 (300 off). Ive heard really good things about image detail on the garmins. I know i like down imaging detail. As far as side imaging it definitely looks awesome but ive never experienced it on the water. Eventually im going to have to play with them.

No, no, no... Those hook2 units are garbage, specifically the ones with the letter  "x" in the name.  You will not go wrong with Garmin.  Garmin has the best of the interfaces.  Can't beat the value and features.  Lowrance's lower end models just disappoint me.  Garmin strikers and echomaps are solid.  I have had the lower and higher, they all work well.  Lowrance.  I would not pay another dime for 

[rangerjockey]

The X simply means they don't have Mapping. Other than that no difference. The Striker also does not have mapping ,just basic GPS. I believe the Hook 2 has a card slot to run Navionics if you prefer. The striker doesn't .

which Hook 2 unit have you ran ?