NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Gearing Up and Rigging Up => Topic started by: E Kayaker on March 02, 2013, 08:02:41 PM

Title: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 02, 2013, 08:02:41 PM
The last fish finder I owned was in 1980. All that did was show depth. I am not looking to spend more that a few hundred dollars. I have seen reviews that say the down imaging on the lower cost humminbird models don't work like the ads depict. I can see the benefit of having a GPS that I don't have to worry about getting wet or dropping overboard. I already own an old Magellan handheld GPS so even that is not necessary on a fish finder. I am trying to learn what features are worthwhile and what is a waste of money. I plan to fish the Delta and Lake Berryessa. I just got a Tarpon 120 and I would like a fish or depth finder that would help fishing for Stripers, Sturgeon, catfish etc in the delta and Trout, Bass, Crappie and Catfish in the lakes. What works for you?
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: Rookie.Slayer on March 02, 2013, 08:37:14 PM
I have an elite4 dsi. The down imaging is great for seeing structure but as far as seeing fish, the standard sonar are much better. From my experience, the high frequency of the downscans only catch a small portion of the water beneath you which is a negative. that's my 2 cents.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: striper_slayer on March 02, 2013, 08:40:16 PM
I have an elite4 dsi. The down imaging is great for seeing structure but as far as seeing fish, the standard sonar are much better. From my experience, the high frequency of the downscans only catch a small portion of the water beneath you which is a negative. that's my 2 cents.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

X2...I have an Elite 7 and as cool as the down imaging feature is, it's pretty worthless for actually showing fish.  It's great for the Bass/Crappie guys.  Finding rocks and trees are where the DSI shines.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: Ski Pro 3 -- Jerry on March 02, 2013, 08:43:54 PM
Cabela's has the Lowrance Elite 5 DSI sonar w/GPS on sale for $419 and if you have a Cabela's VISA card, another 20% back in club points worth $84 towards anything else Cabela's sells. 

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1158267&categoryId=0&parentCategoryId=0&subCategoryId=0&indexId=0&productVariantId=2867122&quantity=1&itemGUID=&destination=/user/wishlist.jsp (http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1158267&categoryId=0&parentCategoryId=0&subCategoryId=0&indexId=0&productVariantId=2867122&quantity=1&itemGUID=&destination=/user/wishlist.jsp)

(http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_021613_999_01?rgn=0,0,2000,1963&scl=5.2631578947368425&fmt=jpeg&id=0YB3D691dDGFs5sKYyayyf)

Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: WingShooter on March 02, 2013, 08:58:21 PM
Quote
X2...I have an Elite 7 and as cool as the down imaging feature is, it's pretty worthless for actually showing fish.  It's great for the Bass/Crappie guys.  Finding rocks and trees are where the DSI shines.

Works great for checking out reef structure too. The Elite 7 has the best of both worlds, combining down scanning, standard sonar and GPS mapping, all on one screen. No fish can hide!  :smt003
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 02, 2013, 09:02:19 PM
The elite 7 sounds super. If only it wasn't double my budget.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: WingShooter on March 02, 2013, 09:23:39 PM
Well the deal on the 5 is pretty sweet, especially the rebate. I have a 5 on my yak now and really like it. Especially since I went from the Mark4 and used the same transducer and ram connection, plug-n-play, which was great.

If you do go for the 5 let me know. I think I have an extra sun cover laying around you can have. Mike
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 02, 2013, 09:35:50 PM
Wow, thanks for the offer. Probably out of my range. I am more or less trying to decide if I should spend $300 or get a get a budget model and use my handheld GPS. The humminbird 581i HD DI is one i am considering.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: RacinRob on March 02, 2013, 09:44:36 PM
I've been happy with my HB units.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: Derrick A2H on March 02, 2013, 10:11:39 PM
Check out the elite 4 hasnt let me down since it came out works great
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: WingShooter on March 02, 2013, 10:55:17 PM
Well if your happy with your handheld gps, try this link...

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Lowrance-Elite-5x-Dsi-Lcd-Color-Downscan-Fishfinde-p/low000-10235-001.htm?click=19 (http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Lowrance-Elite-5x-Dsi-Lcd-Color-Downscan-Fishfinde-p/low000-10235-001.htm?click=19)

West Marine will match the $302.86 price. Good luck with whatever you decide. Mike
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: sigelvictory on March 02, 2013, 11:03:23 PM
Wow, thanks for the offer. Probably out of my range. I am more or less trying to decide if I should spend $300 or get a get a budget model and use my handheld GPS. The humminbird 581i HD DI is one i am considering.

I just got the lowrance elite 4 gps/sonar combo from cabelas for 300.  I asked myself the same question and finally decided the gps was worth it for marking fish and structure.  The handheld is simply not convenient for serious fishing.  When I head out on the water, I go to catch fish... fish are fun... money is just money.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: Archie Marx on March 02, 2013, 11:10:06 PM
I have the mark4 DS, and I am happy with it.  I'm happy without color.  The DS function works well for structure, and I see fish on it too, but because of the narrow cone you see fewer than with the traditional sonar transducers. My only complaint with the Mark4 is screen glare.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 02, 2013, 11:16:26 PM
Based on the suggestions I guess that the down scan is better than the reviews I read of the humminbird. How visible are the color screens. I remember when I got my first color screen cell phone. I hated that, but my iphone is better. I still believe B/W is easier to see in sunlight. Now that I am over 50 and wear glasses, screen readability is important. Even more so since they are not hand held. Thanks Ken
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 02, 2013, 11:25:58 PM
I am not especially happy with the handheld GPS idea, the screen is very small compared to a 4 or 5 inch screen and I already ruined one in my older kayak. I believe GPS is important and I am just trying to get the important valuable features without spending more than necessary.  Thanks
Title: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: FolsomFishing on March 03, 2013, 06:59:58 AM
It's important to note which models will allow you to turn off the DS, when I was recently looking at FF I didn't realize that you couldn't turn it off.  I finally settled on wanting the HB 597 ci hd di combo. GPS, ds and regular sonar all in one unit.  You can turn on the di, run both, or just regular.  It also depends on what kind of fishing you mainly do. If your a bass/structure guy then I say go DS all the way. If not then its probably a nice to have, but not a must.

Me personally I'd save up a couple hundred bucks more and get one with DS/non-DS and GPS. Then your set. 

I have a garmin color model and haven't had a problem reading the screen in bright sun.  It has other color modes that are supposed to be easier to read in the sun but I've never used them yet. I'm in my 40's and have bad vision as well and reading is starting to go too!
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: FishingForTheCure on March 03, 2013, 11:08:21 AM
One thing to keep in mind with downscan.  Inline traditional sounders that shoot in a cone, downscan is a thin scan "line".  Fish can be seen but it won't show in an arch like most are used to.  The larger units like the Elite 7 allow you to overlay standard broadband sounder with the downscan for the ultimate in sounder technology.  The elite 4 & 5 are great for the Delta and areas you mentioned.  In go with a downscan model in those areas and not look back ... Personally.  You can also get either model with or without gps to save some $ if you have a hh gps already.

Bill
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: Derrick A2H on March 03, 2013, 04:48:22 PM
What if u run the dsi sonar sideways to run a long line  of what ur going over instead of a skinny line under u
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 05, 2013, 09:06:15 PM
It has been suggested that the marine software for my handheld is not current and therefore not recommended. I guess I will have to save up and get a combo unit. Thanks for the help. Ken
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: sigelvictory on March 06, 2013, 12:03:45 PM
It has been suggested that the marine software for my handheld is not current and therefore not recommended. I guess I will have to save up and get a combo unit. Thanks for the help. Ken

You won't be sorry.  Having the GPS right there in a waterproof unit that is securely mounted to your kayak is the way to go.  I ended up using my hand held far less often than I should have because it was always nice and safe in my plano box. 
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: FishingForTheCure on March 10, 2013, 03:07:12 PM
The dsi is a thin line at a fairly wide (nearly 50 degrees) angle.  Rather than a cone, imagine it as a thin section of the cone.  Ie thin "line".  Works VERY well.
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: E Kayaker on March 10, 2013, 03:52:51 PM
At this point I am leaning towards the Humminbird 581i HD DI Combo FishFinder. My vision is not all that great and I hope the larger screen will help. Although maybe I should not assume that the screen is easier to read, but may be just as difficult only with wider coverage. Anyone with first hand knowledge on improved readability for the larger screen?
Title: Re: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?
Post by: FishingForTheCure on March 10, 2013, 05:03:49 PM
Larger screen is always better, in my opinion.  Quite happy with my 7".  The 5" is a great unit though.  I just went 7" so I could split 3 ways and still read it or go 2 ways and basically have the same as 2 of the 4" units.