View Full Version : what type of depth finder to get
natedogg21
04-01-2002, 11:27 AM
just wondering what is the best?
Jim Ordway
04-01-2002, 12:27 PM
Lots of good stuff out there. Buy the most pixels you can afford. Go to a good sportshop that handles different models and talk to the sales pros. See which ones seems most intuitive to use. Power needs are dependant upon the depth of lakes you fish. Hands on is the best teacher. Most of the major mfg have great sites to help you get going. Just because I prefer Lowrance, doesn't mean you would not be happy with Garmin, Eagle, etc.
Good luck,
WillieB
04-01-2002, 12:53 PM
How much are you looking to spend?
What water body types will you primarily be using it on? (depths, etc.)
I'd decide on that first and then look at what's in the price range.
You could easily spend from $115 to $2000.
tight lines
GOBAWURMS
04-01-2002, 02:52 PM
jACKPINE
I am seventy years old and started with the old Lorance green box long ago. Over the years I have had about all of them and the best for any money is the Humminbird. You cand spent alot more and get alot less like for instance the Bottom Line, best darn anchor I ever had.
CORSEC
04-01-2002, 04:05 PM
In the $150-$250 price range, I went with the Eagle Trifinder 2. Offers all of the features that the Lowrance X-51 offers, but also had a Tri-beam transducer to show off towards the sides instead of just the centerline. Screen is 240x160 pixels, which makes it a narrower screen, but the detail is awesome. I will be using this one to mount on the trolling motor, and eventually get a bigger, color screen model to mount to the transom for higher speed trolling with the main engine.
I was also looking at the 240 Accura, but the features were the same, except for screen size. And I couldn't justify the extra $90 just for that when I planned on buying a more expensive model later on.
candrzoo
04-01-2002, 04:08 PM
Last year I bought a Ratheon L365 for $220 at Boats US and was very happy with it. Gives depth, speed and surface temp. I also found it easy to set up for depth alarms & other custom setting.
What I liked best was the way it is mounted with easy relese for taking out of the boat at the end of the day!
Jim gave you good advice. While you are at the dealer, you might ask what the salesman uses and why. It will give you some things/perspectives to think about.
One hint: after you have bought the darn thing (I buy two ... one for my bow and one for the console, by the way), TURN OFF fish-id. These things are programmed so that whatever it cannot identify is shown as a fish if fish-id is on. I cannot tell you how much empty water I fished before I found that out ... THANK YOU, MIKE THEYERL and FISHING HOTSPOTS for teaching me that!!!
bball
04-02-2002, 05:00 PM
If money is no object pinpoint 7520 is the best in my eyes--If $ is the object--the new x51 looks good.
iamwalleye1
04-02-2002, 05:06 PM
very good call JIM!
TK_551
04-02-2002, 05:25 PM
The only thing Fish ID is good for is when you have kids in the boat. They get a kick out of the "little fishies" on the screen.
Tom
#551
My vote for "Most bang for the buck" is the Hummingbird Legend L.P.G.3000.
Previously made by Zercom, and just bought out by Hummingbird this unit is awesome. Hummingbird couldn't beat it so they bought it !
I love mine !
Rapaleye
04-02-2002, 08:18 PM
If you live near a Gander Mountain go there and see if you can get a Pinpoint 7320 on clearance, $199. I generally agree that pixel count makes a difference but I think screen update (or scroll rate) makes even more difference. A 240 by 240 screen that updates 6 times per second just gives you a really clear but less accurate picture. A screen that is 160 by 160 that updates 60 times per second give you a very accurate but less crisp picture. I'll take the latter.
Best of luck on your decision.
Jim