Depth Finder in $250 - $300 2024

INbassMAN reply :

Any recommendations on depth finders in this price range.

Also, when you buy a new depth finder is the transducer and cables included in the price.

Thanks

Goose52 reply :

The new Humminbird 570DI now has down-imaging for only $299 - check out the HB web site at: http://store.humminbird.com/products/410762/570_DI

I have the "old" 570 that I bought last year - a good unit with best-of-class screen resolution. Had I known the DI units were coming, I would have waited to buy. :-?

This unit is so new that there may not be any board members with real-world experience with it so you may not get any actual reviews on it...

And yes, the transducer and cables are included.

INbassMAN reply :

That looks like a really nice depth finder. I would say that is definitely an option. Thanks for the info.

Does anyone have an opinion on the Eagle FishElite 480 Sonar GPS Mapping Combo? It looks like it offers a lot for the money. I'm just worried that it might be too "cheap".

Owasco reply :

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That looks like a really nice depth finder. I would say that is definitely an option. Thanks for the info.
Does anyone have an opinion on the Eagle FishElite 480 Sonar GPS Mapping Combo? It looks like it offers a lot for the money. I'm just worried that it might be too "cheap".

I just received a fishelite 480 from BPS in the mail last Wednesday. After looking at the HB 570DI, I may return it. What I need to know is: Does the 570 offer both DI and traditional Sonar? Is it Dual Beam or just Single Beam?

I Don't mean to hijack the thread.

Thanks

unclejed reply :

I just got the BPS sales ad today. They have dropped the fish elite 480 to $209.99. The only thing "cheap" about this unit is the price. I've got one at the console and at this price, I may put one up front. I can only assume that with the new DSI coming out maybe they are doing away with these, but for that price I don't think you can beat it. With the FHS chip, it is awesome.

Wayne P. reply :

Owasco. The DI model of the 570 has two 2D frequencies and two DI frequencies. It does not have GPS.

You have to move up to the 597 model for GPS and Down Imaging

INbassMAN reply :

Thanks for the responses.

I have seen a lot of good reviews on the Eagle elite 480. Everyone has positive things to say about the GPS, but no one mentions the quality or clarity of the images on the screen. I dont fish much big water, so I dont know if the GPS would be that beneficial for me. I know with the price down to 209 at BPS, it almost seems too good to pass up, but would it be better for me to get a HB 570 DI with down imaging or the lowrance mark 5x DSI with downscan to get better readings of the structure and fish. Or does the Eagle give out just as good readings.

Wayne P. reply :

The Lowrance Mark 5x DSI units have only Down Scan and no 2D sonar and no GPS.

They are good units for that purpose.

That technology by itself is too new to determine if fishermen will embrace it as a replacement for 2D sonar.

The screen resolution of the Eagle is the same as the Lowrance. They are less than the Humminbird.

The Eagle and Lowrance screens are wider than the Humminbird.

A tough decision any way you go.

Carrington reply :

in my opinion, all downscan does over convention 2d sonar is that it cuts out some of the clutter. I really like it because it gives you a better image, but if you are good with a 2d sonar then you can spot most of the same things with the 2d. I dont own a downscan only unit, mine has side imaging also so i cant speak for the 570.

Go Time reply :

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in my opinion, all downscan does over convention 2d sonar is that it cuts out some of the clutter. I really like it because it gives you a better image, but if you are good with a 2d sonar then you can spot most of the same things with the 2d.

Thanks for the insight. I was leaning toward buying a DI unit instead of a 2d/GPS but now I think I will be better suited mastering the 2d sonar. And hopefully someday making the jump to the SI...

Carrington reply :

where i love down imaging is whem im around vegetation because i can see each grass clump and not just a blob. You could get the down imaging though if your fishing small bodies of water and dont need a gps.

INbassMAN reply :

Thanks for all of the insight. I was having a hard time deciding between the Eagle FishElite and the HB 570DI, so I bought both. I will probably regret it when my wife sees the next credit card statement ...but I will be lovin it this summer!! 8-) I'm going to use the Eagle with the GPS on the console and the HB up front. Is that what you all would do?

Go Time reply :

That is awesome!! Wish I could buy both.

I would do as you are planning and put the FishElite at the console. That way you can mark cover/structure then come back with your trolling motor and DI to determine what you marked. Might be nice to have the FishElite on a swivel so you can view the gps when you're up front though.

Carrington reply :

make sure that if you buy that eagle fishmark that it is capable of recieving a navionics chip or some other type of map chip. If you cant put a good chip in it then the gps feature is useless in my mind.

INbassMAN reply :

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Might be nice to have the FishElite on a swivel so you can view the gps when you're up front though.

Good Idea

INbassMAN reply :

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make sure that if you buy that eagle fishmark that it is capable of recieving a navionics chip or some other type of map chip. If you cant put a good chip in it then the gps feature is useless in my mind.

Yes, the one I got does have that. I cant wait to get it out on the water...that may not be until April with the winter we're having :'(

Owasco reply :

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Owasco. The DI model of the 570 has two 2D frequencies and two DI frequencies. It does not have GPS.
You have to move up to the 597 model for GPS and Down Imaging

Thanks Wayne.

That just makes my decision to return my 480 that much more difficult. I like the idea of having the 60 degree sonar and DI. The biggest lakes that I would fish are the finger lakes in upstate NY so I don't know how much I would use the GPS.

UGH! This is difficult.

Owasco reply :

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Doesnt matter how big or small a lake is for GPS. Marking good structure is key so that you can find it again later.
....Bill

Good point Monte.

It looks like the DI on the 570 is 80 Degrees according to Anchorexpress.com's website. So I guess my main question is does the DI of the 570 out weigh the GPS of the 480?

What is your opinion on this?

boatnik13 reply :

On small lakes find a landmark and use a range finder > they go out few hundred yards and then you can locate your target within a yard with a depthfinder, rangefinder and compass. No GPS needed. All for under $400 for all 3.

eyedabassman reply :

I too am looking to up grade. I guide at night alot in the summer and I need a GPS for waypoints and ect. But think of this, I had been on a lake at night when a fog came out of no where and if I would have had a GPS I could have found my way back. I don't want that to happen again. Maybe you don't night fish but if you ever get on a big body of water, you will be happy you had a GPS. I fish Table Rock Lake and you need a GPS for a lake like this fog or no fog!

J Francho reply :

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On small lakes find a landmark and use a range finder > they go out few hundred yards and then you can locate your target within a yard with a depthfinder, rangefinder and compass. No GPS needed. All for under $400 for all 3.

Try two landmarks for triangulation

Owasco reply :

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I too am looking to up grade. I guide at night alot in the summer and I need a GPS for waypoints and ect. But think of this, I had been on a lake at night when a fog came out of no where and if I would have had a GPS I could have found my way back. I don't want that to happen again. Maybe you don't night fish but if you ever get on a big body of water, you will be happy you had a GPS. I fish Table Rock Lake and you need a GPS for a lake like this fog or no fog!

Excellent Point Bassman!

I don't do a whole lot of night fishing, but I suppose I could with the GPS unit.

Thank you. You just helped me make my decision to keep the 480.

I'll be sure to let everyone know how it works.......in a few more months

Todd Driscoll reply :

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Quote
On small lakes find a landmark and use a range finder > they go out few hundred yards and then you can locate your target within a yard with a depthfinder, rangefinder and compass. No GPS needed. All for under $400 for all 3.

Try two landmarks for triangulation

Certainly true, but I suggest that for $200-300 more, either a sonar or DSI unit with GPS is absolutely worth every penny.

J Francho reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
On small lakes find a landmark and use a range finder > they go out few hundred yards and then you can locate your target within a yard with a depthfinder, rangefinder and compass. No GPS needed. All for under $400 for all 3.

Certainly true, but I suggest that for $200-300 more, either a sonar or DSI unit with GPS is absolutely worth every penny.

I have a GPS, but people need to learn how to do it the old fashioned way. What happens when your unit fails? I know my navigation skills went right out the window after about a month of using the GPS.

Try two landmarks for triangulation

Go Time reply :

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I have a GPS, but people need to learn how to do it the old fashioned way. What happens when your unit fails? I know my navigation skills went right out the window after about a month of using the GPS.

Try two landmarks for triangulation

Couldn't agree more! The world is so technologically dependent anymore. Sometimes I leave my watch at home and use a sun dial ;D

Wayne P. reply :

Owasgo, don't believe any specs on any dealer web sites for the Humminbird units.

Those have be misrepresented since the units were announced last year.

Refer to the Humminbird web site for the most accurate specs--even some of those are wrong but they are working on it.

This is the freqeuency and coverage specs for the 570 DI. These figures are for just that signal strength, it can be a lot more and usually is for any sonar specs.

200 kHz / 25° @ -10db

455 kHz / 16° @ -10db

455 kHz / 75° @ -10db

800 kHz / 45° @ -10db

The top two are regular sonar cones and the bottom two are the DI frequencies.

643

Depth Finder in $250 - $300 2024

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