Wanting to update my older Lowrance with a newer unit. Will be mounted at console. Not up on this topic so hang with me.
Here is my prefrences.
GPS
Maps
Able to use on ice with ice transducer. Will make my own suttle if need be.
$500 price range give or take
side image? down image? Chirp? What works for he mud bottom Mississippi River.
Thanks
I was all with you until you got to the price range.
I bought a Helix 7 with GPS, DI, and SI a few years ago used off craigslist for $500. Got a navionics chip for $150 and a ice transducer conversion kit for $95 soon after. Its just a first generation unit, but it has made a WORLD of difference for me.
A Helix 5 G2 with ice kit will run under $500. Keep in mind a 5″ screen works ice fishing, but is not ideal for a main boat screen. Your other option would be a Helix 7 G2 DI with ice kit, but will most likely be closer to $600.
if you need to stay under $500 you could always purchase the screen first and save for the ice conversion kit at a later point. Im not sure if most helix come pre loaded with lakemaster maps or not? if not that could be another $100 or so for a lake chip.
This Lowrance seems to have a lot of features in your price range.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Lowrance-Elite-Ti-Medium-High-Sonar-GPS-Combo/2181101.uts?slotId=0
In that budget, you’ll be limited to a 5″ screen unless you buy used. Not bad for standard sonar or DI, but SI (which is over $500) on a 5″ screen is dang near impossible to see unless you’re up close.
The Garmin Striker Plus 5 ice bundle and GT20 transducer fits in your price range. Lowrance Hook2 5″ ice bundle could also be had with an open water ducer. My vote would go to a Helix 5 G2 bundle and open water ducer. More than $500, but they’re proven to be good units on the ice and a huge improvement over the G1 helix.
I should add that the $500 price range is just the unit and trans for the boat. If I have to add the ice stuff it won’t be till next fall or winter and I can save up the cash for that. Some have said that side scan will not work as good in rivers shallowness and mud bottom. Made more for lakes?? Do like the Lowrance Elite as pointed out. Lowrance chips also cover more states then the others do? Thanks all.
Still confused why the salesman at marine shop said the side scan isn’t worth the extra money for fishing the Mississippi River?
If you haven’t pulled the trigger on anything yet, I saw in my cabelas ad today that the lowrance 9″ elite ti will be on sale for $599 starting next week.
Still confused why the salesman at marine shop said the side scan isn’t worth the extra money for fishing the Mississippi River?
Don’t listen to them, it’s perfectly fine if you know how to properly read a side scan image.
Just say the flier. The add says Elite-9 Ti Touchscreen fish finder/ plotter/ with us Canada NavionicsPlus. They don’t state 3-1 tranducer or total scan. Do you think this deal comes with transducer? Thanks
Still confused why the salesman at marine shop said the side scan isn’t worth the extra money for fishing the Mississippi River?
Hmm. I’d go home without it.
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