GPS/fishfinder opinions wanted

I'm in the market to upgrade my F/Fer to a GPS/F/Fer combo. I've just started looking on the web for info on em and reading reviews. Lots of choices out there. I've always been partial to the Hummin birds, but I'm looking at them all. Do they all have a seperate GPS puck, or are they built into the unit. I've seen some with the seperate puck, it would be nice if they come with one built in. Any comments good or bad on units you've used would be welcome. Good to know what to avoid as much as recommendations. Thanx

Only had a few FF's in my day but have the Hbird 580c and really like it. It's a tad on the expensive side but the functionality is really crazy when you get into it. I sat one night and studied the instruction booklet and it's turned out to be a real workhorse. It has the external antenna and I use a RAM adapter plate which keeps it all together. An A+ rig IMO.

Z

I've always been a Lowrance guy, however after getting a couple OK Trident's I had to use Humminbird.
Decided on the 383 FF/GPS combo. I have been very pleased with the unit after about 10 months of use
and have noticed longer Battery life even with a color unit. Also the color really helps locate fish and structure easier.
Hope this helps,
Eric

Eric, that's one I was looking at. Does it use a seperate puck for the GPS or is it internal within the unit? Thanks I was also curious about the battery drain.

I've got the H'bird 580. The puck is separate from the unit. You can see the puck in Z's pic too. I love my unit. It's not color so I don't know what I'm missing there, otherwise it has great resolution. I use a 12v 8ah battery that will easily last 3 or 4 excursions, you just haved to remember to bring it!

I also have the 580c and it has been oustanding...love it.  I use a 3.3 Ah battery and its good for about 12 hours.

"I love my unit" I love mine too Juan, but there could be kids reading these. Let's keep it clean eh?.... Thanks for the input boyz. It all helps with the decisions.

I LOVE my Humminbird 787 c2i.  It's pretty deluxe.
The GPS receiver is build in.

A combo unit is definitely on my wish list. Let us know what you decided and why when you do make the purchase jonesz.

-FF

I don't have a FF yet, but I do have a hand held Garmin Rhino 120. It is single color, what I like about the Rhino series it can track other rhino users, a very useful feature in the woods or fog. Mine is an earlier generation I think the 500 series is better (but don't hold me to that) I also like that it has a built in radio feature for short distance communication. You can set way points easily.  The feature that sold me on it. I can set it up in Universal Traversing Mercator (UTM) which allows me to use USGS, National Forest and Military maps in conjunction with it.  This may not a big deal for most users but for me it was huge. 

One other point, no matter how good a GPS is know how to use compass first, it makes life easier when all else fails.  I have seen people get lost with GPS, because they didn't understand what it was doing or the batteries went dead.  Knowing how  to use a simple compass can get you home every time.  Learn the basics of intersection, resection and back azimuth.

I LOVE my Humminbird 787 c2i.  It's pretty deluxe.

Indeed. It is also a battery hog, as are most color units, which is the only reason I don't have one.

I LOVE my Humminbird 787 c2i.  It's pretty deluxe.

Indeed. It is also a battery hog, as are most color units, which is the only reason I don't have one.

True, about 400-700 mAh depending on how much I have the back light turned up.  But who cares, I have an 8 Ah gel cell and it will last me all weekend.  I know, now you're going to say the battery is too heavy.  Yeah, it's almost 5 lbs.  But I don't care, I don't notice the weight.  Oh, did I mention I LOVE my 787 c2i ???

What about the Eagle Cuda 250? I am also looking for a gps /fishfinder also. Hbird 580c looks good but hard to find to buy one. Any Kayak stores sell them?

Badog

What about the Eagle Cuda 250? I am also looking for a gps /fishfinder also. Hbird 580c looks good but hard to find to buy one. Any Kayak stores sell them?

Badog

I had the 250 before this and thought it's a good unit. Pretty bomb proof. But the display does lack resolution and the H'birds features and ease of use put it over the top. If you have the scratch it's worth it IMO.


The best buy I could actually find was the Hbird factory site. $350 all said and done plus extended warranties if you want.
http://humminbird.factoryoutletstore.com/details/1379-2574/Humminbird-500-Series-FishFinders-580-Combo-FishFinder-Transom-Mount-Transducer-GPS-Sensor.html