Cabelas has this DSI sonar/GPS combo on sale for $200.  I was wondering what your guys thoughts were on this unit compared to other units in the $200 range.  

 

I was also looking at the Elite 4x DSI, the Mark 5x DSI Sonar and the HummingBird  561 DI Sonar.

 

This will be my first fishfinder so I am up in the air with what I want or how these compare to each other.  I guess what I am really asking is what should I be looking for in buying my first fishfinder in the $200 range?

 

 

the problem is they are DSI only. I had the Elite 5 DSI for one season and sold it. DSI is not very useful in some situations. the Bird 561 is downscan and 2D. I would prefer that even though I am  Lowrance user.l

The issue with the Lowrance DSI units is no 2d sonar. Now, depending on your fishing style, that may or may not matter. For a good DSI return the boat needs to be moving. Will this be on the console used for searching or  on the bow with the trolling motor

I read a comment about how you had to be moving for it to work and was wondering if that was true.  I putt around in a 12' deep v so it will be on the back with me for both searching and when I am on a spot sitting still and fishing.  

 

This is why I was kind of asking the question...I guess I may go with the Bird 561 since it has both or maybe I'll step down to the Elite 4x color sonar...decisions, decisions, decisions.

The 2d is nice if your  verticle jigging. When set properly, you can see fish and your bait directly under the boat without moving. You'll still get depth readings with the DSI sitting still, just not the DSI return, If it were me, I'd prefer 2d with gps for my first unit. But that's just me.

 

I ran a bare bones basic X47 off the bow of my old boat for years, with a Matrix then 798ci SI on the console. I used the X47 for temp and bottom composition readings and it did me just fine for the most part. Having a gps is really nice when you're fishing unfamiliar water and most units are pre loaded with some type of maps. Being able to set waypoints prevents you from having to go over water repeatedly looking for your spot.

I am going to have to echo the responses thus far. Another important question is this: what depth do you typically fish? DSI really doesn't shine until 10+ feet of water. It also won't give you any real return while sitting still.

Personally, I wouldn't even run a DSI setup unless I had the GPS capability to mark my findings. This keeps you from having to find structure every time you go out.

DSI is a supplement to sonar, certainly not a replacement. If I were to only have one, I would prefer the sonar.

Hopefully the new HDI series lowrances will soon replace the Elite 5 and 4 units. That technology would really make their elite/mark series competitive again in the down imaging market.

Absolutely nothing wrong with them either way. The non DSI versions are great standalone units.

Well the Lowrance isn't on sale anymore so it is out of the equation.  I'm going to go with the HB 561 DI...actually, I'm purchasing it right after I get done typing this.  

 

Thanks for the info guys, I do appreciate it.