View Full Version : Best Depth Finder Under $350.00
My dad is looking at buying a new boat. I'm trying to find him a depth finder and thought I would look to the board for help.
He is partial to Lowrance and I like them as well, however I thought it would be nice to have him try something different. He will already have a Lowrance X-49 on the console, so I thought I would get him a different model for the bow or transom.
What do you guys recommend?
Thanks,
Shellback
12-09-2001, 06:05 PM
Checkout the Lowrance X-85 at www.reedssports.com $299.99 with free speed and temp and also free shipping! I'm not sure, but the power cords and transducer might be compatable with what he has. That can be helpful if you have problems with a unit. by switching things around you can tell if it's the x-ducer, or the power supply or the unit itself.
rock2me
12-09-2001, 06:21 PM
The X-85 is a good/great unit but go look at a Garmin 240 and do the overall comparison. I personally liked the Garmin interface better. I was at Cabelas in Owatonna today and the Garmin is $299. Whichever unit you decide on, you will be happy.
Good Luck!
the lowrance products, of the two, are much easier to learn how to use. x-85 will be just fine for the 'old man'.
s.f.
Thanks for the input.
What does everyone think of BottomLine?
slick2526
12-10-2001, 06:24 AM
Dont forget to look at raytheon. They have 2 differnt frequency settings and 2 differnt cone angle transducer settings!http://www.alcommarine.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?category=Fish%20Finders-Raytheon
I'll vote for Garmin 240. Also available at reeds and free shipping. I'm quite sour on Lowrance products right now, and that's after owning them since I've owned boats (7 different ones over 15 years).
Zercom Z 160 or LPG 2000 if you can find it in the budget price arena.
I did a comparrison a while back after the site voted 90% of the X 85 in the price range, but the Z 160 has worked better and I have since sold the X 85 and bought another Z 160 for the bow.
Reeds had them for $199 with a $30 rebate from Techsonic.
Try it, for the price it is not too risky.
There was an article I can't find anymore stating the transducer on the Z 160 is 3X faster than its nearest competitor.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Dave in Mpls
12-10-2001, 11:58 AM
I hope Cabela's wasn't as crowded on Sunday as it was Saturday! I had to go down to Owatonna to install a water heater for a friend of mine and stopped at Cabela's on the way back. No way was I gonna stand in line for two hours for $50 in bonus points!! The line was from the booths, back around behind the mountain, through automotive/ATVs, and half way down hunting!! The checkout lines were nearly as long! I zoomed in, turned around, and zoomed out!
Regards
How about the Hummingbird or Eagle Accura 240? I hear good things about them too?