-
What to look for in sonar
by ring fry on 03 Mar, 2015 11:03
-
-
Reply #1
by Jake Grey on 03 Mar, 2015 12:51
-
Thanks for the article. The problem with "generic" articles is they are scared to use brand names. So you still have to wade though multiple models of Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin, Raymarine, etc. If these bloggers want to be helpful, name names.
Jake
-
Reply #2
by ring fry on 03 Mar, 2015 13:45
-
Jake, I believe Mike and the author were trying NOT to make it a commercial. Mike's Garmin shirt at the Garmin booth might suggest that Garmin is what he is talking about for the most part. Mike has a vast knowledge of Garmin units as well as the other majors. He worked for a competitor for a number of years and knows marine electronics inside out. Most of his bullets point to Garmin's strengths. Ease of use, quick start up and shutdown, depth shading, and quick connect/disconnect are all strong Garmin features in their new units.
SE Kansas grass grower
-
Reply #3
by Jake Grey on 03 Mar, 2015 18:02
-
newbielink:http://www.bassboatboards.com/index.php?action=profile;u=78 [nonactive] That's nice to know actually. I guess some of my frustration was showing through since I've been back and forth between a Humminbird 899ci HD SI and a Garmin EchoMAP 73SV HD. I've always been a Humminbird guy but I've read some nice stuff about the Garmins the last 6 months. I'm worried about their built in maps though. I really like the Lakemasters and the features that go with that chip (lake level offset, etc.).
Jake
-
Reply #4
by ring fry on 04 Mar, 2015 08:39
-
That unit does have Dynamic Lake Level (lake level offset) and Depth Range Shading, which I'm going to be using more and more of. You'll just have to see what lakes are mapped in your area.
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/maps/on-the-water-maps/lakevu/u-s-lakevu-hd/prod125128.html Comes preloaded with this. A lot of new stuff from different manufacturers but I've been really pleased with the Garmin's I have. My biggest thing is that they are so easy to use and navigate through all the features.
SE Kansas grass grower
-
Reply #5
by Wizard on 04 Mar, 2015 09:15
-
I like to read about the new electronics but really haven't considered buying them. I'm an old style intuitive angler and use my electronics only to confirm what I think is happening. My only real use is when vertical jigging. It's good to see your line and lure. It makes it easy to see the mood of the bass. I wonder how often people actually look at the screens when fishing? The hybrid DI appeals to me and they are not too costly. Sidescan---not for me.
-
Reply #6
by ring fry on 04 Mar, 2015 10:15
-
Wizard, I look at my screens constantly when I'm fishing. If you are looking for DownVu and GPS then the 43dv for $299.99 or the 53dv for $499.99 might be a good choice for you. If you don't need the GPS then look at the 301dv for $219.99. I am currently using the 43 and 53dv units and have the 301dv on my Coleman Crawdad. These all are really nice units.
SE Kansas grass grower
-
Reply #7
by n2ratfishin on 04 Mar, 2015 11:08
-
Good info, especially the ease of use without a huge manual. That's one area where I found my new HDS12 intuitive since I have been using touch screen products from Apple for a while.
I use a small HDS 5 up front and have it networked to the 12 in back. I will drop way points as I find them areas that are holding fish. I don't use the 5 for side scan though it is capable.
How clear the screens are on auto should be considered as well. I don't want to fumble around with settings while I am on the water.
-
Reply #8
by RedAllison on 04 Mar, 2015 21:31
-
For 20 years I was a Lowrance guy but when Hbirds released the Si units I switched & I'm totally satisfied with my units I've had for several years now. (1197Si on console, 997Si at bow)
All of the mfgrs are building good Si & Di units now. The new Hbirds Onix have a feature where you can scan an area of a particular lake & it then makes those actual changes to your maps! That is REALLY something neat & usable for us southern boys who fish TVA & USACE lakes that have winter draw down that causes annual contour changes.
Pick the brand you like but my "best advice" is like getn the ol lady a boob job, get the next bigger size than you think you are happy with!!!
-
Reply #9
by Bullet3119 on 04 Mar, 2015 21:34
-
That's some good advice right there.
-
Reply #10
by Jake Grey on 04 Mar, 2015 22:18
-
@ring fry I thought I read on the Garmin site that the Dynamic Lake Level feature only came with the LakeVu Ultra chip which is another $200. Does it also come with the LakeVu maps that are preloaded in the 73sv HD?
Jake
-
Reply #11
by ring fry on 05 Mar, 2015 08:02
-
@ring fry I thought I read on the Garmin site that the Dynamic Lake Level feature only came with the LakeVu Ultra chip which is another $200. Does it also come with the LakeVu maps that are preloaded in the 73sv HD?
Jake
Jake, you are correct, sir. I was wrong. Yes, you do need the ULTRA. Not sure what I was thinking.
SE Kansas grass grower
-
Reply #12
by Jig Man on 05 Mar, 2015 09:39
-
What I like most about the new si/di units is the ability to scan and record a bank, then pull off and watch the recording and mark stuff that you would never see while fishing.
-
Reply #13
by Jake Grey on 05 Mar, 2015 19:30
-
You are not making my decision any more easy but keep the info coming!
Jake
-
Reply #14
by RedAllison on 05 Mar, 2015 23:04
-
Heres a lil more from Hbirds to "muddy the water"!
