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Topic: Is Down Imaging worthwhile in a cheaper unit?  (Read 1775 times)

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E Kayaker

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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?
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


Rookie.Slayer

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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



« Last Edit: March 02, 2013, 08:48:56 PM by skipro3 »


WingShooter

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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
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E Kayaker

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The elite 7 sounds super. If only it wasn't double my budget.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


WingShooter

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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
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E Kayaker

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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.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


RacinRob

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I've been happy with my HB units.
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Derrick A2H

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Check out the elite 4 hasnt let me down since it came out works great
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WingShooter

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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

West Marine will match the $302.86 price. Good luck with whatever you decide. Mike
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sigelvictory

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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.
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Archie Marx

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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.
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E Kayaker

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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
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


E Kayaker

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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
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan