Fish finder help

[ADGator76]

I'm in the market for a helm mounted fish finder for my bass boat. I'm leaning toward one of the Lowrance HDI models, but I'm looking for any other information/suggestions regarding a good unit. I don't want one of the tiny screen models, but at the same time, I'm not looking to spend a fortune. I'm thinking in the $500-$800 range. My primary concerns regarding the unit are built in GPS, Navionics chip capable, color (pretty sure they're all color now), easily readable screen in sunny conditions, and user friendly (i.e. not a royal pain to figure out how to use). I'm not looking for anything super fancy with touch screens and all that stuff. I just want something easy to use, that will do what I need it to do. I'm not sitting firm on the Lowrance brand, so any suggestions or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[blackhawk180]

I have the HDS7 and love the display. Mine shipped with Insight mapping and it's amazing. GPS is accurate and the sonar is fine for my types of fishing. I think you can get them on sale for the upper end of your budget.

 

[bonz_d]

I'd say buy the biggest screen you can afford. These things change so quickly these days that by the time you figure out how to use it it will be obsolete.

 

[dingbat]

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[ADGator76]

That's for the input

 

[Teamster]

I wouldn't call Lowrance "third string",................................

It's at the top of the list for me,..........

 

[dingbat]

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[Teamster]

May I ask why would prefer Lowrance to the other I mentioned? Technical advantage? Price?

First they have always done what I need them to do,.......

Second is they support the walleye tournament circuits I fish,...

 

[dingbat]

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[Teamster]

Ok.....brand loyalty and a compensated advertiser....lol.

I am not compensated in any way by Lowrance,.....

My stuff is to old to qualify for any contingency money,......

I just like how they function,.........

I'm sure the other manufacturers make okay units as well,..........

I just happen to think Lowrance is closer to the top of the list,.............

 

[dingbat]

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[Teamster]

I don't have any need for the more expensive commercial equipment,......

Lowrance makes great units for the normal boater/fisherman,.........

 

[ADGator76]

Lowrance makes great units for the normal boater/fisherman,.........

And that is what I'm looking for. Again, I thank everyone who replied for their input. In the end, It looks like I'm most likely going with the Lowrance HDI Elite 7 (maybe the hybrid), or the Raymarine Dragonfly 7. Those 2 seem to have the best features for the money I have available to spend.

 

[Teamster]

And that is what I'm looking for. Again, I thank everyone who replied for their input. In the end, It looks like I'm most likely going with the Lowrance HDI Elite 7 (maybe the hybrid), or the Raymarine Dragonfly 7. Those 2 seem to have the best features for the money I have available to spend.

Cabelas will have some really good deals on Lowrance for black friday,...