My final 3 choices for new fishfinder

[brian (fishbld)]

I have narrowed my search for my new fishfinder down to these 3 choices based on the features and the price I am looking for. The Garmin 240, Lowrance X-71, and the Eagle Fishmark 240. Have heard some good and bad about the Garmin, the Lowrance and the Eagle seem to be new this year and haven't heard as much on them yet. Anyone with some input to help me finalize my decision would be greatly appreciated.

Good Fishin

Brian

[Reels]

If it was me personaly, I would get the Lorwance.

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[CarpetBagger]

Lowrance might not be all its cracked up to be good unit indeed, but lets break it down here real quick.

Garmin 240 Blue:
-240x240 pixels (nice clear screan)
-four-level grayscale screen, excellent separation and contrast(nice option similar to lowrance)
-waterproof
-500 watt unit (great for deeper lakes, Erie, Ontario, ect)
-Very User Friendly unit from a very good dealer
-Price with ducer: $350

Lowrance X71
-160Vx160H pixel display (your losing some clarity here)
-188 watts (not as powerful as the X91 but will do its job)
-Lots of hype from commercials and sponsered fishermen
-price with ducer- $300

Dont get me wrong, Lowrance makes a great product, in fact id have to say that their models are very popular among walleye fishermen. Wat your losing in the X71 you would gain in the X91. But if ur goin to choose between the 2 units id go with the garmin. Especially if you plan on fishing deep water...If you really want to go Lowrance id say go with the X91 least ull be gettin the clearer screan and more watts.

CB

[Melonbob]

Going on my third summer with the Garmin, and have been more than happy with it. It easily picks up my 1/8th oz jig in 50+ feet of water, and actually marks structure and fish, something my humminbird never did. the only downside I can find to it is it's not the easiest to see in sunny conditions, easily fixed with polarized glasses. It also isn't the greatest at full speed, but the flasher mode works great. If you get one, I think you'll be alot happier than you would with the x71, it's a closer match to the x91....(:

[JimmerAB]

Here's another vote for the Garmin 240. This will be the third year I have mine, and it's worked perfectly since Day 1. I can also easily see my jig below the transducer cone. Lots of power, very clear and detailed display, and easy to use. Once you have it set up the way you want, it will retain those values every time you power it up. It also comes with a cover for the screen to protect it from scratches, dust, moisture, etc. Turn it on, see a fish!

I was convinced to give this unit a try on my then new boat by a fishing store manager friend of mine. He had always used Lowrance products, as had I, and he admitted having the "Give me Lowrance, or give me death" kind of mentality. That changed, however, when he got to use one of the 240's for a few trips. I took his advice and bought one. No regrets whatsoever! Good luck with whatever choice you make.

Jim

[NC]

Jim,
I just purchased a Pinpoint 7420 and was told I would be able to "see my jig" on the sonar as well. Would you mind explaining to me how this actually occurs? I haven't used it yet, but I've always been under the impression these units are showing a "history" of what we just went over. Not actually real time. I may be screwed up on this, but I thought you could help.
Thanks,
NC

[Dave in Walker]

Your right, its not really real time their is a slight delay. In a perfect world if you dropped your jig down and it stayed in the cone angle, almost impossible to do because your boat is almost always moving you will see your jig. Depth finders show almost everything when shooting down your ice hole, reason being that is very stationary, nothing moving at all so it shows your bait. Mess around on a very calm day and you will see your jig.