Sonar Question

[pstone]

What is the best fish finder for around $200?

I need a new one, but don't have much to spend on one.

Thanks, pstone.

[slabbandit]

Hey there Pstone, whatever you get try to get the most vertical pixel count you can get and the most power (1500 at least) you can afford. These units will show you the most detail.

Eagle and Hummingbird both make some good units in your price range. Let us know what you decide on.

[speediib]

used to use eagle and they are excellent found matrix 77c on sale for 150 cheaper than normal, i done a lot of looking around to make sure it was a deal. that thing is awesome. the color makes it well worth the money.. i seen stuff that i had been over hundreds of times and didnt now was there.. so i would suggest getting a color unit. both lowrance and humminbird make lower end color units for about your price cause i was looking at them before i got the matrix77c. i would suggest looking into garmin units also a friend of mine has those on his boat and i like them alot except the ones he has arent color. will look at those the next time i buy. i just wasnt happy with the features of the lower end color thats why i didnt get them.i agree with slabbandit get the most pixels you can cause that is where you get your detail from. as far as the power goes 1500 is a good number unless you are fishing really deep water that is where the power comes into play. unless your fishing in salt water or the great lakes 1500 will be good. i would say go to a store like bps and play with the unit and decide for yourself. otherwise when you get it chances are you wont like it. then youll be wanting a different one. if possible put that money up and save a little here and there while deciding then you might cacth em on sale a get a little more for your money.they all make good units or they wouldnt be in business.you decide and get what you like that is most important. sorry so long stuff just kept popping up. but i sent alot longer post with less said. good luck

[pstone]

Thanks guys, I really had no clue. Thanks for telling me about the pixels, and the power! The lake I fish mostly (Grenada Lake) is not deep, so the 1500 range should be OK.

I might just save for a while longer and try to get into another price range.
I am thinking about trying some trolling this year, and figure that a good unit would really help.

thanks again, anyone else?

pstone

[pstone]

Here is one I'm gonna look at, any of you had experience with this one?

http://www.humminbird.com/products.asp?ID=640

[Rowdy]

Here is one I'm gonna look at, any of you had experience with this one?

http://www.humminbird.com/products.asp?ID=640

It Dont Matter as long as its a "GARMAN"!
Ive had lots of other brands, for the money They cant be beat.
Rowdy

[Crappie Chatt]

As I look around at all the boats in tourneys(bass, walleye, and crappie) and what they are running, I have found there are 2 companies graphs that are mostly used. They are Lowrance and Hummingbird. The Hummingbird model that is being use is the 987SI at a WHOOPING 2 grand price. I've seen them and they are wonderfull but wouldn't ya think so?? I bought the Lowrance 102C & 332C. Got 2 of the best graphs made and the 332C has GPS. Saved a $1000 over the 1 Hummingbird. Buy the best graph for the money and it's a color screen. <*)}}}><

[THE FISHERMANS EDGE]

you could go with a LOWRANCE X96 T/M FISHFINDER HST-WSU 200KHZ...looks like the best bang for the buck

http://www.lowrance.com/Marine/Products/X96.asp

or smaller but color LOWRANCE X67C TM (HST-WSU) 110-50.....http://www.lowrance.com/Marine/Products/X67C.asp

or GARMIN FISHFINDER 160C W/ TM ...$25 mail in rebate...http://www.garmin.com/products/ff160c/

or EAGLE FISHMARK 320 111-70....http://www.eaglegps.com/Products/Sonar/FishMark320.htm

or EAGLE FISHMARK 480 W/ TM 117-09....http://www.eaglegps.com/Products/Sonar/FishMark480.htm

all around $200 + or -

[fishin]

Eagle 320 is well within your price range and would leave some dollars for other gear or the Eagle 480. They are really good graphs for the money.

[TampaJim]

Just a thought ... I have one of these "Combo" units on one of my boats and absolutely love it. The display is very nice - easy to read in the intense Florida sunshine and it has very good resolution. If you don't have a GPS, this could really be a better purchase, IMO.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...Num=381&N=3238

FYI, the screen shot is split - you can run it either GPS only, SONAR only or split screen. The GPS antenna is internal and it is a WAAS unit (highly accurate - approx 3 feet).