Members Cat Thief Posted August 13, 2015 Members Posted August 13, 2015 Hello everyone. My dad needs a new setup so I've been looking around reading reviews etc. and thought I'd throw it out here and find out if anyone has specific models that they feel is the best. For value, what they like to use and why, or any other good information like maybe best store to look for sales etc. We personally would be looking to spend not much more than $350, but if it's determined that we need to spend more for a better model or whatever then we may do that, so feel free to discuss anything you feel pertinent to the discussion. Thanks for any info/insight you guys can provide !
zarraspook Posted August 13, 2015 Posted August 13, 2015 I am fully aware of a budget when buying anything.. But, your main concern has to be "something" your your dad can see... As I am 70+, I have had to upgrade to a slightly larger screen at my console and a significant increase in the screen size on my unit on the floor at the trolling motor... That being said, Lowrance has the newer CHIRP 5" finders at about $400 for just a fish finder and $500 for a GPS/finder model... I bought my units from The Digital Oasis online -- and saved 10-20% over BPS/Cabela's.... "Look up OPTIMIST in the dictionary - there is a picture of a fishing boat being launched"
LoweSTX175 Posted August 13, 2015 Posted August 13, 2015 My primary finder is a Lowrance Elite 7 HDI. I'd consider myself a younger fella and it took me several trips to learn how to use it. The feature on it I really use the most is the chart of the lake. Like zarra I'd recommend that CHIRP 5 at $500. It appears to have all the features of the 7. The only thing I would prefer to have is a touch screen at this point. I'm still clumsy when I try to quickly put a marking on my map when I see something I want to go back through.
5bites Posted August 13, 2015 Posted August 13, 2015 The humminbird helix graphs are known to have good bright clear displays in your price range but I have never used one. Go look at bass pro but buy online. Digital oasis, universal mania, bbg electronics all will have prices that can beat bass pro plus you avoid taxes. Call them for the best price after looking on their site.
mjk86 Posted August 13, 2015 Posted August 13, 2015 Get the most expensive one you can afford. Even then it wont be enough. They are great but dont expect your catch rate to improve significantly right away. It takes a lot of learning to see what your looking at and understand it there are some reallt great threads that discusd them in detail.. Humminbird and lowrance make all the models u need from 100-infinity dollars
zarraspook Posted August 13, 2015 Posted August 13, 2015 Here is a link to a forum about fish finders , with lots of screen shots and info on what you are seeing... Which will help in your decision ??? But will give everybody a greater understanding of what you are seening... starting with page 7 and up are the newer units.. ( and of course Mine is on page seven )... "Look up OPTIMIST in the dictionary - there is a picture of a fishing boat being launched"
Members lundone Posted August 13, 2015 Members Posted August 13, 2015 One thing to keep in mind when picking who to purchase from is that there is a significant amount of problems with new units and some retailers are easier to deal with than others when it comes to returning or replacing or repairing. Bass Pro is one of the best I have dealt with in this regard. Cabelas is also but they don't have a retail outlet near me. I did buy an Elite 5 more than a year ago and have had no problems and really like the down imaging. Hunter91 1
slab slinger Posted August 14, 2015 Posted August 14, 2015 I have a Lowrance Elite 5 HDI and Elite 7 HDI and am very happy with both. Couldn't ask for anything more other than touch screen for convience. They have and do everything I need for my fishing tactics. Would highly recommend them for crappie and walleye fishing. These units have been replaced by chirp technology but were the best bang for the buck when I was shopping for units. Don't know much about chirp units can't help you there. dan hufferd 1
DADAKOTA Posted August 14, 2015 Posted August 14, 2015 Part of your decision should be based on how much use the unit will get, if you only fish shallow, etc. No need to break the bank on a unit that is only going to get used 4-5 times per year. If you only fish shallow water you don't need much of a unit other than depth and temp. If the unit will be used all the time and you fish the entire water column, fish deep brushpiles, need GPS, etc. then I'd spend the money on a really good unit.
inshore Posted August 14, 2015 Posted August 14, 2015 2nd dadakota only I would really recommend a color screen. lot easier to see and read.
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