Depth finder graphs

I would really like to know what everyone is using or what everyone recommends as far as quality fish finder graphs. Please post your thoughts on this as we are considering a new unit.

Honestly, in my experience, these things tend to go haywire at the drop of a hat. We are considering getting a new one as our Lowrance X85 has been about as dependable as the 8-track at your neighbor’s garage sale. I have to pull the cords out to act as an on/off switch, plus it seems to think that the river is at a constant depth of 59.9 ft., though it flashes this depth on the screen. Perhaps it is still thinking about its answer!

Are you looking for just the sonar or a GPS/Sonar? If your looking for just the sonar/graph, I’d recommend the Eagle FishMark 320, it is 320hx320v pixels, 1500 Watts of power, and is only $189.99, depending upon where you buy. If your looking for a GPS/Sonar, look into a Lowrance lcX-15mt, as far as I concerned, I don’t think there is a better unit on the market, it is very simple to use and the GPS features are unbelievable.

Right now depthfinders are only getting cheaper and better, 5 years ago who would’ve thought buying a 320×320 unit with 1500 watts of power for less than 2 bills? I work in fishing retail and the FishMark and Lowrance units are flying off the shelves. Interestingly enough, Humminbird came out with a new unit called the Matrix20. This unit is nice also (although I question Humminbird’s qaulity), it features weather sensors, 240×240 pixels, and can be linked to a GPS. That unit runs roughly $230. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Ross

Greg,
Sounds like you have had some bad luck with electronics. Over the years I have ran units priced from 100.00 to 700.00. Never had any problems with any of them. Nothing that was not my fault anyway. A few of my favorites were Bottomline, Pinpoint, and Eagle. I was not really impressed with Humminbird.
If you are looking for a gps/finder combo check out the Garmin 188. Dual transducer and you can add a second mounting station to change location in the boat. Garmin also has a great warranty and tech service, plus they take trades when you want a new one. Check out customer service before you buy, this can save alot of headaches.

Thanks guys…

How would you know if a unit needs to be sent in or if there is a problem with the external wiring or puck? We’ve had just a bunch of quirky things with that darn X85 (the 59.9 ft., buttons not working, etc.) Also, I have never marked a fish with the X85 on manual mode, not one arc! However, put it on auto and, POOF, thousands of fish show up everywhere!

Something definitely sounds “fishy” with your unit. The best way to determine if it is your setup or your unit is to connect it to a friend’s setup. Trouble is, you need a buddy with he same unit (or compatable unit) to test it with.
I agree with Ross’ comments above as well. I think the X-15 is a nice unit. The earlier models had a few bugs but the software is updated now and seems to work well. My Dad used my boat last summer while I was in a tournament fishing from my partners boat. He was absolutely in love witht he GPS and accompanying Navionics map card. He’s buying one for his own rig this spring. I gave him the Navionics chip for his B-Day.

Loomy

I’m not sure what to do with that X85…it was too expensive to just toss aside, so we might have to look into repairs. That Eagle is tempting, but they are essentially Lowrance. We were told that the X85 was the best thing going when it came out. Seems to me this area of fishing could use some refinement in terms of toughness. We’ve had our boat for about 7 or 8 years now, and as we encounter wiring problems and depth finder problems friends and family members just smile and nod knowingly! I think these occurrences are all too common to the experience of owning a boat.