Garmin Echo 150 FF

Was at BassPro on Saturday shopping for a FF.  Looked at the Cuda 300, 350 and a couple of Lowrance's all in the range from $69 on up.  Saw this Garmin 150 for $99.  Does anyone have one, heard about them form someone they know, etc.?  They where out of stock but expecting some this week.  I liked the quality a little better than the Eagles and Lowrance.  Would like some feedback before I bit.  TIA 

After a bit of research, it looks like that is a new model. I am interested in it as well.

I will be watching for reviews.

From the features description below, sounds like a good "inexpensive" choice for us yakers.  I like the quick release tilt/swivel mount feature!

"The Echo 150 comes with a dual-beam transducer that reads depth as well as temperature and with 200 watts (RMS) power you can reach depths up to 1,300 feet in freshwater and 500 feet in saltwater. With Dual Beam Technology you can view angles of up to 120 degrees which will let you see fish and bait beyond the sides of your boat. The Garmin Echo 150 has HD-ID target tracking technology for better separation and definition of images which is easy to view on the echo 150's crisp 4" grayscale display. The Echo 150 has a quick-release tilt/swivel mount and versatile transom/trolling motor-mount transducer which makes installation a snap."

So I called BassPro but they where out of stock again, sold in one day.  I ended up taking a trip down to West Marine in Stockton.  What did I find but the Garmin Echo 150 for $99.  Of course I bought it with the extended warranty for $24 (3 years in store replacement) and I picked up the new West Marine VHF 85 and the 5 yr extended warranty for $18.  Not a bad deal at all in my book.  Frist time I have been there and glad I stopped there first on my way to BP

Nice!

Please post up a review after you get a chance to try it out. I'm very interested to hear how it does.

I'll stop by the west Marine up here by Sacramento and see if they have it.

Excuse my newbie question: From the description, it sounds like it is using both high and low frequency signals at the same time. Does this sound right?

At $99, and getting that kind of performance, it looks like a sweet deal.

I wonder how it compares to the Humminbird Piranhamax 160?

Nice!

Please post up a review after you get a chance to try it out. I'm very interested to hear how it does.

I'll stop by the west Marine up here by Sacramento and see if they have it.

Excuse my newbie question: From the description, it sounds like it is using both high and low frequency signals at the same time. Does this sound right?

At $99, and getting that kind of performance, it looks like a sweet deal.

I wonder how it compares to the Humminbird Piranhamax 160?

Yes, I hope to get out on Sunday with it.  Have to pick up a 12v battery for it and need to find a Scotty extension so I can get it above my knees.

Nice!

Please post up a review after you get a chance to try it out. I'm very interested to hear how it does.

I'll stop by the west Marine up here by Sacramento and see if they have it.

Excuse my newbie question: From the description, it sounds like it is using both high and low frequency signals at the same time. Does this sound right?

At $99, and getting that kind of performance, it looks like a sweet deal.

I wonder how it compares to the Humminbird Piranhamax 160?

Yes, I hope to get out on Sunday with it.  Have to pick up a 12v battery for it and need to find a Scotty extension so I can get it above my knees.

What kind of kayak do you have? Mounting it between your knees may cause trouble when you have to re-board your yak. Most that I've seen have it much closer to their feet.

I'm also interested in how it performs.

I'm not sure what CigarFiend1 is using.

I'm paddling my custom 16' battleship.
Whatever FF I get will be mounted on a Scotty triple.

I have an emotion stealth that had the Scotty holder already installed. Took it out today and it worked out great. Glad I invested in it.

Thanks for the report. 

If I fish freshwater (with my kayak) almost exclusively, do I need a fishfinder with a dual high/low frequency transducer?

Or would something like the garmin 100, lowrance X-4 be sufficient?

There a a number of terms thrown around when talking about fish finders that can be confusing. Don't confuse dual frequency with dual beam.

Dual frequency allows you to choose between frequencies.

Dual beam shows you the returns from both. It will also give you returns from a much wider angle allowing you to see stuff in shallower water and further to the sides.

You don't need to have either one, but there are advantages. For the type of fishing we do I would choose either a single frequency 200khz or the dual beam, and I'd give the nod to the dual beam if I had to choose.

I hope this helps.

I fingerbanged the Garmin echo 100 and 150 today at West Marine in Sacramento.

I also checked out the Lowrance X-4 Pro = P.O.S. IMHO.

I think I'll pull the trigger on the Garmin 100. I don't plan to be out on 1,300 feet of water to need the dual whatevermathiggy.

If I ever fish Macks off of the BOTTOM of Lake Tahoe, I'll stay withing yelling distance of someone with a more powerful FF.

I'll reward info with beer.

I'm still open to suggestions if i am missing something.

Both will work well, however the 150 would allow you to see a wider area under the yak.

There are pros and cons to both. The dual beam will allow you to see a greater area, but it's not as easy to make sure you're directly over what you're seeing on the graph. If I was fishing in an area that's a little deeper like the port then both would show plenty. In really shallow water, maybe 20' or less, then there's a bigger benefit to seeing a wider cone.

I pulled the trigger on the Garmin Echo 150.

Good advice here and by brother kicking in the extra $20.00 finalized it.

He will benefit by catching more fish.

Thanks for the help & see you OTW.