Lorance X-4 fishfinder or recomendation

OK, after years of sponging FF info off my companions I'm going to put electronics on the tarpon.
I'm looking at waterproof, grayscale, not too expensive. I'll be setting up the tranducer as a shoot-through with a foam donut.
I have a handheld GPS already so don't need to have GPS capability.

I was perusing Cabelas & liked the looks & feedback on the Lowrance X4.

Anyone have opinions on this model? I'll be interested to hear any other FF recommendations as well. My budget is $200-$250.

Thanks!

Integrated GPS is highly recommended. Have you looked at the new Humminbird 196ci?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbird-PiranhaMax-196ci-SonarGPS-Combo/1540072.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dhumminbird%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=humminbird&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Color fishfinder + GPS for $200!

Lowrance is doing a presentation in Santa Cruz Friday night.  If you don't want gps in it, I'd highly consider/recommend the Lowrance Elite 4x over the x-4 pro or "bird".  Great color sounder, low power draw and daylight viewable even with direct sunlight (I feel it is even better with direct light).

I'd also like to say that getting the FF with GPS is definetly worth it.  I carry a handheld in my drybag, and it tracks my position all day and I can get to it if I need it.  But having the GPS on the FF is better for navigation, marking quick spots, determining your drift, etc.  Also, I have the non-color version, and think that I would be happier with the color one.  Seems like the image is brighter and easier to see in the daylight when it's color.  If you go with the Lowrance, i'd buy from WestMarine with extended warranty.  Another tip for Lowrance's purchased through auction sites like eBay, they do not cover the warranty. 

Yes, their extended warranty is great.  Just hand you a new unit on the spot.

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Humminbird-581i-HD-DI-Combo-GPS-Receiver-/140900724

For 200-250 you can go color.  It is better than grayscale in every way.  As mentioned earlier, the elite 4x would be much better than the X4.  For 299 you could go with integrated gps which is awesome, and can really improve your fishing by marking structure.  Of course a handheld can do the same thing... it is just so convenient having it there on the FF and not being able to drop it overboard.  The non gps version of the elite 4 is only $169 @ cabelas. 

+2 on west marine. They took back my x4 pro no questions asked.

Thanks guys! You've just about got me convinced to go ahead with the included GPS.

I've had a couple hummingbird units in the past and although I was happy with the performance, both units died early deaths. Hence my interest in another manu.

there are so many FFs out there it is a tough sort to find the right one.

& I will probably get it from West marine.

Combo; Lowrance Elite 4.  Have one myself!  Great unit.

When I heard that even if your extended warranty expired at WM and they still replaced it if you purchased another warranty, I was sold!  No more fear of dying electronics!   

When I heard that even if your extended warranty expired at WM and they still replaced it if you purchased another warranty, I was sold!  No more fear of dying electronics!   

+1 WM return Policy

When I heard that even if your extended warranty expired at WM and they still replaced it if you purchased another warranty, I was sold!  No more fear of dying electronics!   

Generally correct

Sean, I had an Eagle 245ds which is basically the same unit as the Lowrance X-4pro. Used that for 5 years & now have the Elite4 which is light years better in every way. Having the gps integrated in one unit with the FF all on one, split, screen to view simultaneously makes targeting fish much easier than having separate FF & GPS units. That handheld will make a great back-up/get home gps.