Help deciding on fish finder

[Crimson0087]

So I will be buying a fish finder for a paddle kayak. It has a recessed slot in the bottom for the ultrasound probe. Its a crescent light tackle 2. I had originally decided on a late model hook reveal 7 tripleshot but then I talked myself into a late model helix 7 mega si g3 but that one sold out. I noticed that the garmin echomap uhd 93sv is on sale at bass pro for 699. I didnt want to spend that much as I can get the hook reveal tripleshot for around 350. My question is whether the garmin is worth the premium or whether I am throwing away money? Id like to get a good one and id pay the 699 if its worth it but if I am not gonna know a difference either way id prefer to save the money? What do yall think? Is there a certain fish finder you would recommend instead? Is there a certain one that does better with the slow speeds of kayaks? 

 

Thanks,

Bryan

[WRB]

With your budget suggest looking for certified refurbished units that include all cords, TD and brackets. Several Lowrance units you noted are available in $325 price range + shipping.

Tom

[12poundbass]

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. I’m not familiar with Lowrance units but I am with Garmin and Humminbird. Humminbird is lacking some features that Garmin has but are similar in price. Do your research.

 

I’ve been extremely happy with my Echomap UHD 93SVs

[gim]

4 hours ago, Crimson0087 said:

Is there a certain one that does better with the slow speeds of kayaks?

 

If you intend to use side scan, Lowrance states that it works "optimally" at 5 mph.  Which I think is moving pretty good for a yak.

 

You might want to consider going to a retail location and playing around with some various display units if you are not familiar with them.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, gim said:

 

If you intend to use side scan, Lowrance states that it works "optimally" at 5 mph.  Which I think is moving pretty good for a yak.

 

You might want to consider going to a retail location and playing around with some various display units if you are not familiar with them.

Slower isn’t the issue!

Tom

Lowrance invented Chirp that separated targets from cover and structure and still detailed above other brands. Screen glare and visible with polarized sunglasses is another Lowrance strength. Ease of networking and upgrades are factors to consider. 
keep in mind today’s $900 unit are tomorrow’s $600 units. 
Suggested  a certified reconditioned unit with 1 year warranty to start with, next year you will know exactly what works for you.

Tom

 

[VolFan]

Also fwiw - make sure you get the transducer with the unit, and that transducer (GT56 on the Garmin) is the right one for the features you are looking to use. There’s a lot of tricky pricing out there for units without having the right transducer included

[Glenn]

Watch this:

 

[Craig P]

Double check that transducer with the Garmin 93. That is probably the GT54.  Still good but the GT56 usually brings the premium price. 

[VolFan]

At that price I bet it’s not even the GT54…it’s either the GT20(?) or doesn’t come with the transducer.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, VolFan said:

At that price I bet it’s not even the GT54…it’s either the GT20(?) or doesn’t come with the transducer.

I got the exact same unit last spring at Scheels for the same price - came with the GT-54.

[12poundbass]

17 minutes ago, VolFan said:

At that price I bet it’s not even the GT54…it’s either the GT20(?) or doesn’t come with the transducer.

Garmin does deep discounts this time of the year. I got both of mine for similar prices with the GT54.

[VolFan]

That’s great for both of you but I’m not seeing a 93sv with a transducer (or without one for that matter) for $699. The 63sv with the GT54 is or possibly the 93sv Striker? Just saying, buyer beware before you end up with another expense after you open the box. 

[Smokinal]

On 12/24/2024 at 2:06 PM, gim said:

 

 

You might want to consider going to a retail location and playing around with some various display units if you are not familiar with them.

This is exactly what you want/need to do. 

Some of the platforms just don't seem right to me to navigate. I use HB mostly, Garmin second...Lowrance just always seemed clunky to me...but that's just me. They are a fine unit and tons of people like them. It's Ford/Chevy...you need to try them all and you'll see your preference. 

 

I'm a big fan of FaceBook Marketplace, Craigslist etc...

I've gotten some smokin deals on barely used units. Us fishermen will just about give things away if it means an upgrade on our part. You just have to be careful and do your homework before sending money; or meet in person only.