Need recomendation on Purchase of Fish Finder???

[Hutch]

Any suggestion on fish finder The Hummmingbird 3D has caught my eye
does anyone have comments on this product?

[Bryan]

Hi Hutch:
I bought a Hummingbird 3D last year. I used it all year and sold it this winter. They look like a fancy display when you look at the brochure but I found it very useless on the water. Used the 3D feature for the first couple of hours but switched to 2D and never went back. I also had very poor bottom tracking and depth finding capability while travelling over 15 mph. Tried moving the tranducer to different places and angles but this did not seem to help. There are way better units out there for this kind of money, believe me. Try looking at the Lowrance LCT X-15mt or Lowrance X-91.

[tj1n]

If money isn't the issue, I think the EDGE by Vexilar is the best out there. But, it's pricey at $699.

Check it out, it has a split screen that is very user friendly and easy to program as all the adjustments are right on the face and split also. Shows the whole water column and very good detail.

Travis J.

[Marble Eyes]

I am sorry to say that I am going thru the same thing with mine. I bought a Paramount 3D and I have experienced the same issues as Brian. I am at the the point of boxing it up and sending it back for a complete checkup...

I would suggest going to something different.

[KP]

If it says Hummingbird on the box, it means paper weight in the house. Buy something else. ANYTHING else.

In that price range there are lots of good units.

[Denied]

The Lowrance LMS 350 is the one that I have been using for 7 years now. It has been replaced this year but several are still available. Seen some on ebay and I'm sure some stores will still have one. This is a great gps and sounder combination, the price has come way down and might be worth looking into.

[Czar]

The upper level Bottomline line units are the way to go. NCC 6500, NCC 5500 or the one I have, the Tournament Master HR. I also have the GPS with it and love it. $849 with GPS at Cabelas. Good luck with your choice.

[john mannerino]

Will the real Hutch please stand up. I think we have two many hutches.. John

[Hutch]

I agree with Denied. There are some great deals on the 350's out there. Good reliable unit at descent prices on e-bay. Take a look-see. Hey rock man, I'm out of lead already, wanna mail me another ton or so. :+ Another Hutch

[Tim FRick]

I had a hummingbird wideeye for 7 years now and it's just now starting to act up. I think it's the transducer that's going. I have to say I can't complain about it. It worked great at high speeds and once you understand what your see you can get a good idea of what's down there. I used it mostly on Lake Erie and some local lakes. I've never tried the others but have been on other boats that have the Lowrance LMS 350 and it looks like a really nice unit. I think my next finder will be in the Lowrance family. I think the humingbird is a good choice for something cheap and easy to use. The most important thing to do with any fish finder is get to know it and understand what your seeing down there.
Good Luck!!
Tim FRick

[Hutch]

Thanks for the responses......will not purchase the 3D Hummingbird
Good to see so many Hutches into this greatsport of fishing

[Marble Eyes]

Tim,

I have that unit for about the same timeframe and I really liked it. But unfortunately someone liked it better than me. Swiped off right off the boat.

So I replaced it with the Paramount 3D.... it Doesn't come close to the old unit for reliability or performance.

[youngeye]

Bought a Pinpoint 7520 standalone unit last year and absolutely love it, have also seen the EDGE it is also a great unit.

Youngeye
IA

[Mr. Sauger]

I hesistate to write negative things about any company, but Humminbird (Techsonic) "inspires" me to. Working with their support department is useless. Buy anyting else.

[targa2]

I have both a Hummingbird Paramount and a Lowrance X15.The X15 is a far superior unit for resolution because of the smaller transducer cone. The Paramount has a 90 degree cone so it stands to reason that it behaves differently that the X15. I use my Paramount for searching because of the wide transducer. It also doubles as my trolling motor graph because you can disconnect and reconnect it in about 5 seconds flat. If you buy only one get a Lowrance or an Eagle.

[Terry/JNR]

For features, price and customer service, both Raytheon and Bottom Line are worth looking into. They have sidefinding features that actually work. Ever see fish on a unit that only sees straight down in 5 ft of water?