View Full Version : What make/model fish-finder and GPS combination would you recommend?
My cheap fish-finder finally died and I'm ready to move up to a fish-finder/GPS combination unit. If price was not a concern, which make and model would you recommend? I don't need the latest and greatest, just something that is easy to use and reliable. Thanks in advance...
Garmin is making a big push to capture more market share. I'm not familiar enough with them to make a reccommendation, but alot of guys like theirs. Tournament fishermen have relied on 350As for years. The new X-15 is what most new tournament boats are installing. Hope this helps. Good luck.
ETT - What do you know about the Humminbird NS25 unit? What do you think of Humminbird products in general?
walleyeal
05-26-2001, 07:34 AM
My partner and I both have the lowrance 350A and find that its and outstanding unit. Another thing you might want to consider is if any thing goes wrong, the manufacturer and how they stand behind their product. The new X15 by lowrance is something we have considered but according to alot of the posting on this sight, alot of guys are having trouble with them. The 350A is easy to use and the gps gets us back to the spot we want to get to and the detail for locating and determine the bottom difference is excellant. It takes alittle bit to find one but if you look at different web sites, you can locate one. Good luck, I hope that helps alittle.
Scott
05-26-2001, 07:41 AM
If you can find one, the Lowrance Global Map 2000 is hard to beat. I guess they quit making them, but I'll bet you can find a dealer with some (Reeds?). I fish a lot of structure and underwater points, humps and rockpiles. The CMap chart reader feature is awesome. Last weekend it made quick work of finding structure (where we were on it) and our best trip of the year soon followed. It made an impact on the two guys with me and they are now searching for the same unit. The x15 may be really good, but it hasn't been out long yet and results reported here have been mixed, if not somewhat negative. I've not had a Lowrance problem yet with my 2000.
The Depth finder part of the unit has the same specs as the x75. Perfect for fresh water. I love mine.
If you want the bottom of the barrel buy a hummingbird. There ok for seeing the bottom but leave a lot to be desired locating bottom hugging fish. I like pinpoints just cause I can send it back when they do updates instead of buying a whole new one like all the others. Any new features and they'll update for whatever it costs, which won't be the full price ever. They don't have the gps yet but are working on it. Second choice would be any of the lowrance products I have their Eagle map guide pro gps and love it. Hope this helps. Craig
I have a Bottomline Tournament Master HR with the GPS and love the unit. Great features, easy to use and love the way I can split the screen into 4 modes at once. $849 with the GPS from Cabelas. Good luck with your purchase.
GullGuide
05-27-2001, 05:23 AM
My vote goes to the Lowrance LMS 350A. Super unit.
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slick2526
05-27-2001, 05:54 PM
I wouldnt bother to even waste my money on a humminbird finder. Everything I hear about them is a bad remark. I would go with any thing but that. Most like 2 choices would be either a Garmin or Lowarance. Ive also been looking at a Bottomline finder. Are thoose any good?
It's ok but the thing is like 6 years old now or more and isn't capable of taking cartridges, so you won't get the detail that you would with a more up to date unit. Overall Humminbird stuff is not bad, with all the mergers and acquisitions goin on right now, who knows what's gonna happen next. Good luck.
Hawgeye
05-28-2001, 07:13 PM
I just purchased the Eagle Status and am very pleased. This unit only has the 160 pixel screen but that is sufficient for GPS. It also has the sonar. I installed it on the dash of my ProV and use the X-75 on the bow or transom for finesse fishing. It is only about $420 at Reeds sport shop. I am just thrilled about this unit. It is basically identical to the Lowrance lms 160 but cheaper.
Very good price for the product in my opinion.