Lowarnce Elite 4 Fishfinder GPS review

I would like to get the opinion from those of you who are using one of the GPS Offerings.

I have two of the 4 series, one B/W and another Color w/DSI.  Both have the maps option.  The only other FF I had with a map was my old Eagle Cuda 350.  It blows that one way out of the water as far as details.  In fact the details on the map have proved quite useful in finding new fishing grounds. 

The day I caught two halibut in a row, only 10 mins apart, I saw a pinnacle on the map after giving up on WSB and I headed over to it, saw fish on the FF and dropped down and immediately hooked up a halibut!  Then I did it again, same spot, using the FF to navigate back to it, and dropped again.  Same thing, halibut on first drop!  So yes, I believe that the map's are useful! 

Just to be clear I am not reviewing this fish finder. I am however strongly considering it. I would like to get the opinion from those of you who are using the one of the GPS Offerings (HDI, DSI, COLOR , BW) on how accurate the stock maps are and how well the positioning works in average weather conditions.

Positioning isn't really affected by weather.  The GOLD maps are good but I think the new V14 Lowrance map chip is better IMHO.  The stock map is ok for general info.

I have the elite 4, but considering upgrading to elite 5 mainly for the larger screen. It's hard when running both GPS and ff due to smaller screen. Other than that, not much to complain about. Make sure you shut/seal the sd card slot. I gooped mine to prevent water from entering and ruining the device.

No worries once you go to the 5 from the 4 in regards to the card slot.  The 5 and 7 have a much better card slot seal design.  You can also go CHIRP if you go to a 5 or 7 unit.  Uses the same HDI transducer.

The 5 and 7 have a much better card slot seal design. 

I thought they would of re-engineered that when they came out with the 4HDI. Since they made it bigger than the Elite4 so there was was redesigning going on.

So did I

The base maps in the Elite series are excellent. In some cases, you might not even need to upgrade to an aftermarket mapping chip. I have Navionics Gold and it's great...but not a $200 improvement over the base maps IMO. My main complaint is that I can't change the color of the depth contours...and it's easier to see the contour lines in the base map than the Navionics map!


Also, before you settle on an aftermarket chip, check this out: http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en
On the left side, it has options for each of the different versions of Navionics charts. For example...if you want lakes, try Premium HotMaps...then click on West and zoom in to see your favorite lake!

Lowrance is compatible with almost ALL the chips on the market.

Picked up an Elite-4 last year, love the thing.
Thanks for the reminder on sealing off the card slot!

If you run into any technical questions down the road, drop myself or 'Wingshooter' a message.  Chances are one, or both, of us will be able to figure it out.

Man I love this website I was just going to post the same question and here it is all the info I need.  stoked!!!!

I got my lowrance 4 dsi last October and unfortunately now stop working. Lucky I had an insurance from SportChalet. I hope I can exchange it tomorrow.

Randy

If you run into any troubles, feel free to drop me a line.

Bill