Needing new Graphs. Recommendations?

[Freepro1]

I believe that birds have the best mapping but seem to have lots of problems everywhere else. I have Lowrance carbon and a Ti.  I have had zero issues and seem easy to learn. If I had the money though I would definitely have a Garmin on the front with livescope. That technology is amazing. 

[motoman]

This is a great thread.......lotsa good info, keep it comin.:-)

I was seriously eyeing up the Humminbird Helix models; but not sure how I overlooked Lowrances FishReveal (doh!). That’s a really nice feature, kinda shifting my focus after that bit of info.

[Longball22]

Don't get hung up on FishReveal.  It is another tool, but not a failsafe.  I have mine turned on with my HDS's, but it's not 100% accurate.

I've heard similar comments made about CHIRP.  Some of the old school guys say it does create better target separation, but they don't like what it is eliminating.

[dan hufferd]

See the buy sell here on oaf hds 9 gen 2 touch

 

[Patlock]

I just did this setup. Helix mega si on the helm networked to a helix di on the bow. I had to get the g3n models, but I can see side imaging on the bow unit. I had to use a single transducer on the transom. 

[rps]

I too have had all three.

The Lowrance with the structure scan had the best imaging, but not by much. The extra money and set up made that choice questionable, unless you are hardcore or a guide.

Once you choose the total scan transducer models, I cannot tell the difference. Do note that the Simrads are made by Navionics , the same company that makes Lowrance. Check to see if the Go9 is cheaper than the Ti because they are virtually the same. That is what I have had on my boat since my Garmin crapped out. (The Garmin replaced the Lowrance that was stolen. The Lowrance replaced the birds I ran for years. BTW, I found the Garmin warranty/repair service very poor.)

My next change will be back to the 'birds. I plan to upgrade the troll motor to the Ultrex with the mega down image built in transducer and Ipilot link. This means a mega di bird up front and a networked si bird at the dash. Sadly that combo, with the Ultrex, runs a bit more than your $2000 target.

I do not know if that information will help you, but it is what I know.

 

 

[STLbassbuster]

I would look at the Humminbird Helix Mega units g2n or g3n, Garmin 93SV, Ray Marine Element, and any Lowrance gen 2,3, or carbon. I currently run a helix 10 g2n Mega and the image quality on SI/DI is pretty darn amazing & I really like the lakemaster mapping which allows you to highlight/target specific depth zones. I have also run Lowrance HDS units and Garmin's. Never had a problem with any of these brands and don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Any model I mentioned will be a darn nice improvement over what you have now. Their are some great youtube video's of tutorials that explains maximizing your graphs settings/features.  Also I have bought used graphs for many years and never run the latest model or series as they depreciate quick with new technology coming out every year. My last piece of advise is buy the biggest screen you can afford!

[Old dog 417]

23 minutes ago, STLbassbuster said:

 My last piece of advise is buy the biggest screen you can afford!

X 2

I learned that the hard way.

od

[5bites]

3 hours ago, STLbassbuster said:

I would look at the Humminbird Helix Mega units g2n or g3n, Garmin 93SV, Ray Marine Element, and any Lowrance gen 2,3, or carbon. I currently run a helix 10 g2n Mega and the image quality on SI/DI is pretty darn amazing & I really like the lakemaster mapping which allows you to highlight/target specific depth zones. I have also run Lowrance HDS units and Garmin's. Never had a problem with any of these brands and don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Any model I mentioned will be a darn nice improvement over what you have now. Their are some great youtube video's of tutorials that explains maximizing your graphs settings/features.  Also I have bought used graphs for many years and never run the latest model or series as they depreciate quick with new technology coming out every year. My last piece of advise is buy the biggest screen you can afford!

I’m also a Humminbird fan. I’m running the second gen si units even and can’t complain. I’ve had several different models over the last 7-8 years more or less in the same series (898,998,999,798....) and personally see zero problem with the image. I do believe Lowrance units are generally (slightly) crisper but the lakemaster mapping and ease of use out weighs any advantage Lowrance had for my money. When I update I’ll look at all major brands again but I’m already wishing I had a couple solix units. Again you can’t hardly go wrong and none of them have a bad image period. Mapping should be a big consideration. I recommend get in peoples boats (with permission lol) and checking out the menu system, which is a big plus for Humminbird. At least last time I looked them over. 

[96 CHAMP]

On 5/31/2019 at 6:45 AM, Patlock said:

I just did this setup. Helix mega si on the helm networked to a helix di on the bow. I had to get the g3n models, but I can see side imaging on the bow unit. I had to use a single transducer on the transom. 

 patlock, what do you think of the set up you have, it is exactly what I have decided to get for the Champion. As far as your SI transducer, did you have to go with the Transducer Shield &  Saver  spring back bracket on your rig or were you able to use the shield and wedge on the set back or jack plate?