Thread: GT54 vs GT56 transducer

I am in the same boat. Exactly the way mine looks. I am considering getting a 56 or maybe going to a helix. Just hate to spend more money not knowing if it will get better. Hope I didn’t hijack your thread and we both can get some reply’s that help.

Originally Posted by biskitboy

I am in the same boat. Exactly the way mine looks. I am considering getting a 56 or maybe going to a helix. Just hate to spend more money not knowing if it will get better. Hope I didn’t hijack your thread and we both can get some reply’s that help.

No worry about a hijack. Like you I’m hesitant to spend another $400 for the GT56 unless it’s a dramatic improvement. I think they’re about $420 on Bass Pro. I saw it listed at $385 on Amazon. As it is the side view is about worthless for any practical use. The only thing I haven’t tried is, I have seen it stated that it works better wired directly to the battery and not through the fuse panel. But I can’t imagine that would be more than a minimal improvement.
I just feel like I’m missing something. As it is, I cannot imagine it would have gained any popularity if this is as best that it was just one generation ago, transducer wise.

This is from one of our member sponsors Russell Marine Products.

Check out double t fishing on uTube. If you subscribe, you can get cheat sheets on setting up your unit.

I have the 54 and my returns are awesome. Found a stack of tires and could read the raised letters when zoomed in.

I own all Garmin units for last 10 years. Price point being the reason starting out and sticking with them. Hands down Birds are the best for side scans even 1st gen mega birds vs gt56. I did notice a major improvement side scan image replacing a echomap uhd 93sv with a ultra 106sv on a gt54. The processor is faster and the pixels are higher. I've seen a new 106 ultra 2 with gt56 and garmins getting better with the side scan image. Depends on what your putting the gt54 gt56 on. You can sell the uhd 93sv for $475, Take the money you thinking about dropping on a gt 56, join the club at bass pro and have 12 months to pay off the remaining $200 interest free on a 106sv ultra gt54. Your side scan images will be way better and if you ever do get the gt56 you will have the proccesor that works best with it. Or not, just a suggestion

I used to be a die hard hummingbird fanatic!
since they were so far behind the 8 ball with their live image and I upgraded boats that already had the Garmin units I decided to give them a try . my transducer for the side/down image is a 36 which is the same as a 56 from what I understand just without 2D which I get from my shoot thru hull transducer for that . I can see so much more on the Garmins at such slower speeds even have picked up stumps, blue gill beds , grass lines etc setting still that I couldn’t ever pick up on the bird unless I was moving at 3 mph or more ! Hope this helps I’d say the 56 would be worth every penny ! Can’t speak for the 54 hadn’t ever had it but the Garmin units work outstanding for me .

I bought a 56 when they came out . There are somethings better than 54 but the hummingbird in my opinion better than either . I think overall the 56 is better but not the cost difference .I have a 93uhd and that may be why I am a bird fan . my last boat had helix 9 side view may be the larger difference .

Originally Posted by tlefire

Check out double t fishing on uTube. If you subscribe, you can get cheat sheets on setting up your unit.

I have the 54 and my returns are awesome. Found a stack of tires and could read the raised letters when zoomed in.

Well this is encouraging. But at the same time baffling. Obviously I’m missing something or have a setting(s) screwed up. I have watched a number of Double T videos and have his spread sheets. I guess I need to go back and revisit some of that.
Do you happen to know off the top of your head what frequency you run it on?