Lowrance Elite-4 Color Sonar/GPS Combo

thinking of upgrading to a GPS and Color unit... I currently have the old X50ds model.  Does anyone have any experience to let me know if the elite 4 will be a serious sonar upgrade? 

I just installed an elite 5-DSI on my pro angler 12 and it is awesome! The bottom reads amazingly clear and chart plotter works great! The elite 4 is great too for the money, bass pro had it this past weekend for $249. West marine has the elite 5 DSI for 469.

If you upgrade to the Elite4 you can use the same transducer cable. I did the exact same upgrade and the Elite4 is awesome.

The Elite 4/5 DSI models have a different transducer than the Elite 4/5 non DSI version.   FYI

If you upgrade to the Elite4 you can use the same transducer cable. I did the exact same upgrade and the Elite4 is awesome.

I was wondering about that... that would be awesome, because I did a semi-permanent scupper install that I would have to completely overhaul for a new transducer.

The Elite 4/5 DSI models have a different transducer than the Elite 4/5 non DSI version.   FYI

I was planning on the non-dsi version...

I'll just say that the GPS/Chartplotter on the Eliete-4 is fricken awesome!  Also, if your going to do any night fishing, it has a Night Mode that looks ultra cool in the dark  And yeah, you can use the same transducer cable if it's a non-DSI unit.  If you dont need the new one, let me know 

I've had some extensive discussions with the Lowrance R&D team this past week regarding a plug for the open port.  They are looking into making this a stock part (hopefully included with future units) as well as the possible design issue with the rubber SD door.

I second on the elite-4.
Night mode with the brightness turned down makes the difference between seeing where you are going, and not...

Started goofing around with the GPS waypoints last time out, got me back to the launch, with alarms for when I got off track.

Still learning to use this unit, so I'm sure I'm not using it at its full potential yet. Most cases, I just hit the power on button and go.

My last sonar was a paper graph, so I'm easily amused...


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I'll just say that the GPS/Chartplotter on the Eliete-4 is fricken awesome!  Also, if your going to do any night fishing, it has a Night Mode that looks ultra cool in the dark  And yeah, you can use the same transducer cable if it's a non-DSI unit.  If you dont need the new one, let me know 

LOL... sorry man... I am moving the old unit to my wife's yak... it's funny to think that both units use the same transducer, but get radically different image qualities... I guess it is all about screen res. and power?

I've had some extensive discussions with the Lowrance R&D team this past week regarding a plug for the open port.  They are looking into making this a stock part (hopefully included with future units) as well as the possible design issue with the rubber SD door.

I have read on here about both those issues... they seem like easy enough fixes, but really they should have gotten it right in the first place... get em straightened out man!

I second on the elite-4.
Night mode with the brightness turned down makes the difference between seeing where you are going, and not...

Started goofing around with the GPS waypoints last time out, got me back to the launch, with alarms for when I got off track.

Still learning to use this unit, so I'm sure I'm not using it at its full potential yet. Most cases, I just hit the power on button and go.

My last sonar was a paper graph, so I'm easily amused...


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In most cases, I agree that I will just turn it on and go... the only reason I really want the plotter is to mark structure for future returns, and launch points on foggy days... of course, a backup compass is still a must.

Thanks for asking about this unit. I'm looking for a Lowrance FF w/GPS this winter. Currently have an old Lowrance installed, so I was planning to get the non-dsi version...so I can just continue using the same gooped-in transducer. If I go that route, I'll give you the other transducer Al.

Thanks for asking about this unit. I'm looking for a Lowrance FF w/GPS this winter. Currently have an old Lowrance installed, so I was planning to get the non-dsi version...so I can just continue using the same gooped-in transducer. If I go that route, I'll give you the other transducer Al.

I just started looking, and since I had an old lowrance, they were the first I looked at... it took me all of about 5 seconds to hone in on this model... it does seem to be a little powerhouse.

I'm pretty happy with mine, non dsi, & just put some tape over the sd slot to make sure it stays seated. Battery draw is very low even with the brightness turned all the way up all day long. It's so bright I turn it down to the 4 setting for night launches. One extra thing I did to mine was go down to Best Buy & buy the same kind of screen protection I put on my cell phone before I started using it. Glad I did cause that clear film really helps keep the screen scratch free. Zagg invisi-shield.

Salty.  Good point about the screen protector.

   This unit is ABSOLUTELY daylight viewable just an another FYI!

I don't know if you considered the B&W Mark4 but for a non-color ff the resolution and brightness is great. Like I mentioned to someone prior, you can print the ad out, $182 and bring to West Marine for a price match. You save a few bucks. It was $177 a few days ago.

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Lowrance-Mark-4-Chartplotter-Fishfinder-W-83-200kh-p/low000-10483-001.htm?click=19

Mike

I use the elite 4 dsi, and I think it's the bomb. Could'nt ask for a better kayak model. Maybe the 5, but 600 bucks is a bit high.