Andy Taylor Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Can anyone recommend a budget depthfinder that is easy to use, and learn how to use? Under $150, the less the better. Thanks. Quote
TopDog Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Budget is whatever you can afford. They all work on the same principal. The more you pay, the better the picture and power. All depthfinders are going to require "Time in the seat" to learn how to use. There is no way around that if you really want that tool to be effective. Here is a link that will get you started on learning how they work. http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Tips-and-Tutorials/Sonar-Tutorial/ Even though its from Lowrance, they pretty much all work the same. Quote
skillet Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Like TD said "Time in the seat". I bought a sonar unit not too long ago and finally got the mechanics headed in the right direction. Always considered myself as "roadkill on the highway of technology" but if you don't learn everything about your unit, it's not worth the space it takes up (or whatever you end up spending ... skillet Quote
Andy Taylor Posted August 22, 2009 Author Posted August 22, 2009 Thanks guys. Can anyone recommend a decent one under $150? Quote
acar555 Posted August 24, 2009 Posted August 24, 2009 For about $80 the eagle cuda 300 is a decent unit. If you want a bigger screen then the eagle 320 or humminbird 525 would be in your price range. I would give the humminbird the nod for ease of use. Quote
EastMarkME Posted August 25, 2009 Posted August 25, 2009 I have a new HB and am really struggling with it....... Am I the only one that has trouble seeing the screen on the Humminbird ? I bought a 595C color which doesnt fit in this catogory of price but wondered why I have a helleva time getting to the right angle to see it. My old Humminbird's screen was fine. Hate to steer him toward anything with this screen. Is it me ? Mark Quote
EastMarkME Posted August 25, 2009 Posted August 25, 2009 I have a new HB and am really struggling with it.......Am I the only one that has trouble seeing the screen on the Humminbird ? I bought a 595C color which doesnt fit in this catogory of price but wondered why I have a helleva time getting to the right angle to see it. My old Humminbird's screen was fine. Hate to steer him toward anything with this screen. Is it me ? Mark So has anyone else had issues seeing their screens on the Humminbirds ? Im thinking if the screen is hard to see like mine I'd go with another brand basic unit. Mark Quote
still learning Posted August 26, 2009 Posted August 26, 2009 It is true, that you can afford what you can afford. I will tell you that I bought an Eagle Fishmark 320. I have had it for two years, and all I was ever able to use it for was the water temp and my depth. About 3 weeks ago, I read the manual again as well as some articles on getting the most out of your fish finder. I now realize what my depth finder can do, and if I had not spent the time really playing around and understanding it, I would have just continued using it for my depth. That finder has pretty good reviews. And that is my two cents. Google Eagle fishmark 320 Quote
Andy Taylor Posted August 26, 2009 Author Posted August 26, 2009 It is true, that you can afford what you can afford. I will tell you that I bought an Eagle Fishmark 320. I have had it for two years, and all I was ever able to use it for was the water temp and my depth. About 3 weeks ago, I read the manual again as well as some articles on getting the most out of your fish finder. I now realize what my depth finder can do, and if I had not spent the time really playing around and understanding it, I would have just continued using it for my depth. That finder has pretty good reviews. And that is my two cents. Google Eagle fishmark 320 I was looking at Gander Mountain a few days ago, and the guy recommended the Eagle 320. They have it for $149. I may go with that. Thanks. Quote
RockNBass Posted September 1, 2009 Posted September 1, 2009 The FishMark320 is a great all-around, affordable choice. Gives a good level of detail and is extremely easy to use when you get it dialed in to your particular body of water. Quote
Super User skunked_again Posted September 1, 2009 Super User Posted September 1, 2009 I have a new HB and am really struggling with it.......Am I the only one that has trouble seeing the screen on the Humminbird ? I bought a 595C color which doesnt fit in this catogory of price but wondered why I have a helleva time getting to the right angle to see it. My old Humminbird's screen was fine. Hate to steer him toward anything with this screen. Is it me ? Mark never had a problem. you might see where the contrast is set. Quote
ntizda Posted September 11, 2009 Posted September 11, 2009 yea.. fixing the contrast should clear things up for you Quote
endless Posted September 12, 2009 Posted September 12, 2009 i have the eagle 320 too i paid i want to say 159.99 for mine at gander. im learning the differences now from the rocks, grass, and ground still learning logs and stuff but figuring out a little by the shade of gray. thick mats of grass i cant see through but im learning the grass edge. so im getting better at it. like which are my line and bubbles readings. u will pick those up alot. heres is a very helpful site wayne gave me that help me learn what i know. http://www.fishinweb.com/ it deals with the sonar reads of depth finders and how to adjust your settings. he explains alot. like his baloon trick. Quote
Super User Lund Explorer Posted September 27, 2009 Super User Posted September 27, 2009 Hey Andy, you still looking for a fish finder? I'm going to retire my Eagle Fish Mark 240 around the end of October. I need to ship this thing out of here so I've got the excuse to buy my new one, so the price is perfect..... $0. If you are interested in it, send me a pm. If you are already set, I guess I'll put it on the garage sale thread for the same price. LONG LIVE THE BAIT MONKEY! Quote
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