Elite 5 FF

You should get better target separation (target-to-target & target-to-structure), less surface clutter, less clutter around targets, better depth capabilities (supposedly, haven't compared myself), better structure detail & finer looking image (less clutter around all objects on screen) which make fish look more like a fish & less like an arch.

Newbie here with a new Lowrance elite 5 chirp 83/200. Best FF I ever had only because it's the one and only FF I ever had. So for me, navigating through it was ok. Lots of you-tube vids to watch to get you going. I didn't get the extra map stuff since I fish mainly inland and felt I didn't need it. I also got the 83/200 frequency because from what I read, this would be better for inland fishing. The 50/200 was for ocean fishing due to the deeper waters (That's what I recall reading anyway).

Purchased from Ebay for 467$ and submitted the 100 dollar rebate too. Still waiting for that rebate though.  I got a cheap battery that lasted for 8 hrs till I decided to go home. (It was still running, It was just getting dark). I installed an L.E.D. voltage reader. Started at 12.7v. After 8 hrs, it went down to 12.0v.

Newbie here with a new Lowrance elite 5 chirp 83/200. Best FF I ever had only because it's the one and only FF I ever had. So for me, navigating through it was ok. Lots of you-tube vids to watch to get you going. I didn't get the extra map stuff since I fish mainly inland and felt I didn't need it. I also got the 83/200 frequency because from what I read, this would be better for inland fishing. The 50/200 was for ocean fishing due to the deeper waters (That's what I recall reading anyway).

Purchased from Ebay for 467$ and submitted the 100 dollar rebate too. Still waiting for that rebate though.  I got a cheap battery that lasted for 8 hrs till I decided to go home. (It was still running, It was just getting dark). I installed an L.E.D. voltage reader. Started at 12.7v. After 8 hrs, it went down to 12.0v.

It should run down into the mid 10 volt range so you did great!

If I go with chirp which ducerand is better for ocean? I don't fish too deep either

If I go with chirp which ducerand is better for ocean? I don't fish too deep either

The 83/200 HDI ducer works.  I've run mine up to the 140/160 range.  By "definition" the 50/200 HDI ducer is best suited for saltwater but is rather large & may/may not fit the new 2014/2015 transducer ready kayak setups by Hobie & W.S.

Imo the 50/200 ducer is overkill and designed for boats fishing deep. Also that ducer will not fit in the WS or Hobie. I suggest go with the standard 83/200.

Mike

Imo the 50/200 ducer is overkill and designed for boats fishing deep. Also that ducer will not fit in the WS or Hobie. I suggest go with the standard 83/200.

Mike

Curious  on the size of that transducer?

Imo the 50/200 ducer is overkill and designed for boats fishing deep. Also that ducer will not fit in the WS or Hobie. I suggest go with the standard 83/200.

Mike

Curious  on the size of that transducer?

i have a thresher 155 and  a 50/200 tducer  it does not fit        if i could shave a 1/16 off each side of the transducer it would just fit. right now its a wet bath,  trading it for a 83/200

I have decided to go with 5 hdi chirp with 83/200. Last question and I'm done bugging. Any chance they going on sale anywhere on labor day by chance?

big + 1 for Navionics + upgrade!
$30 more for ~$100 card & it's awesome!!!

Elite 5 is great as long as you learn how to read it and make it work for you. Any fishfinder/gps will put you on fish faster if you know how to use them.  The rest is gravy.


My opinion on accessories:
Sailing rudder:yes!
Turbo fins: yes!
gear tracks: yes
Bait tray: no
Rodholders: yes

Rack:
Best option IMO is to Throw it upside down on the crossbars, and forget the rollers or saddles. If you aren't able to do that, then get hullivator cuz you aint getting any younger. 

So I think I have narrowed it down (unless you guys recommend a better FF for the price) to a lowrance elite 5 to go on new revo as soon as I pick it up. Question is what is a decent price to pay and should I get it with the navionics and transducer?  On 2015 hobie will transducer mount in supper hole? Hds model better? Other model I should look at. I only do saltwater.

Also what other accessories you guys recommend for new yak. Im getting ff install kit/turbo fins/bigger rudder / little tray in middle for tackle. Anything else I should be looking at ? Getting rocket launcher holders and gear tracks later. Don't like all the crap in back like crates and all that.

Lastly, I have a 04 subaru wrx with thule rack. Besides hullivator, what saddle style u recommend.  I like the sweet roller .

Thankd

Which one do most of you have/like?

Humminbird!   

-Allen

Which one do most of you have/like?

Humminbird!   

-Allen

Yep!!

Oh ya I forgot, Allen is a Hummingbird pro staff.
So if anyone has any issues with broken units, warranty issues, tech questions or anything hummingbird related really Allen should be able to take care of that for you.

It's nice to have knowledgable pro staff from different sonar companies on the board to help ncka members out. You da man Allen! 

When I made the comparison btwn the cost of HDI & CHIRP, I said 2x the price...but I was wrong. In general, the difference is more like 30% [unless considering purchasing a refurb HDI unit; in which case the difference IS close to 50%].
So the question would be: is the difference in technology worth paying an extra 30%? And the answer depends on your specific situation. There is no universal answer. Just like there is no universal fishfinder...it comes down to which features you want, what type of fishing you do, and how much you can afford to pay.

BUT...the Elite 4 HDI seems like a killer deal @ $150 right now at Cabelas (includes 83/200/455/800 transducer). The transducer alone retails for $150 by itself!!