Lowrance released their new line of Eagle electronics, starting as low as $120, designed with features commonly found in high-end marine electronics. (Photo by Brad Wiegmann)
Electronics: Affordable Fish-finders
by Brad Wiegmann
We all know that these days it is easy to spend literally thousands of dollars on fish-finding electronics if you want. But let’s face it. Most people either can’t afford it, or simply don’t need or want such high-dollar, advanced electronic equipment.
The truth is, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to rig out your boat with good marine electronics. In fact, Garmin, Lowrance and Humminbird all offer cost-effective fish-finders. Don’t disregard these fish-finders as inferior units as some price points have several features found in their flagship products.
Size of the screen, features, transducer and the ability to interface with other units dictates what the final cost is of a fish-finder. Sonar companies typically have a line of affordable, entry level fish-finders you might have pre-installed in your new boat or purchasing one for a boat that doesn’t have one.
Lowrance just released four new Eagle series fish-finders in 4-, 5-, 7-and 9-inch screen sizes with a price-point as low as $120 for the 4-inch model. The new Eagle series has enhanced sonar capabilities with available TripleShot HD transducer, SplitShot HD transducer and FishReveal on some models. TripleShot HD transducer allows the angler to see 2D traditional CHIRP sonar, DownScan and SideScan all on one screen except on the Eagle 4x (4-inch) model, the smallest screen model in the Eagle series. CHIRP sonar covers a wide-angle view while SideScan and DownScan produce high resolution imaging. SplitShot HD transducer has just CHIRP and SplitShot HD sonar.
Other notable features are new color palettes, connect and cast with a twist-locking connector, autotuning sonar, detailed C-MAP Charts. The detailed charting is in 3-foot increments giving an angler exceptional contour lines without having to pay for an additional mapping. Best feature of the Eagle series fish-finder is the new IPS screen with improved resolution and clarity.
Garmin has the Striker Vivid series of price point unit in a 4-, 5-, 7-, and 9-inch sizes, starting at $140. Some Striker Vivid fish-finders come with a transducer. All Striker Vivid fish-finders have 7 different color patterns to select from with maximum contracts and clarity. Anglers can also connect to ActiveCaptia app allowing them to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications and access to the Garmin Quickdraw Community.
Next is Humminbird’s HELIX series of with 5-, 7-, 9- and 12-inch screen, starting at $220. Similar to the other affordable fish-finders, a multi-function dial allows anglers to move since it doesn’t have a multi-touch. HELIX series features a Basemap built in, internal GPS and Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar. Check with Humminbird for accessory or additional features.
Note that these aren’t touch screen units and feature a multi-touch pad to control the control screen. Depending on the model and space in the driver’s console or bow area any of the Lowrance, Garmin and Humminbird fish-finders can be installed with the gimbal mount included or in dash. Interfacing with the Lowrance Eagle and Garmin varies and can be found on their websites.
Cost does play a part in the overall quality of a fish-finder, however, today there are more and more features like the IPS screens and high-quality mapping built into these units at no extra charge. Anglers will also find these fish-finders overall are better built units compared to entry level units produced years ago.
From Springdale, Arkansas, Brad Wiegmann is a professional photographer, videographer and outdoor writer published in dozens of print and electronic media outlets all across the nation. Every month Wiegmann will be providing CrappieNOW readers with the latest and greatest information on the ever-changing world of fishing electronics. He is also a well-known guide, podcaster and social media influencer. Learn more about Wiegmann and his lengthy experience and expertise at BradWiegmann.com.
