So now that I got my new feelfree lure 11.5, which is freaking sweet by the way! I've got some store credit a some coupons for DSG and have been eyeballing the Lowrance elite 3x finder for $99. Anyone have any experience using is model? Also was wondering if it would be favorable to spend a little extra for their down imaging model? I plan on fishing primarily small lakes and rivers.

i have the 4xhdi model on my ride 135 and it does pretty well.  but i have to admit i barely if ever use the down imaging, so i don't know that it's really worth the extra coin.  my buddy has an elite 7 on his predator and his down imaging is light years better than mine!  i think you would do just fine with that 3x for $99.  

how you end up mounting the transducer is likely to have the biggest effect on the readings.  any thoughts yet on how you'll mount the transducer?

I would use the Lowrance scuper mount. I'll be using it even if I won't be using a Lowrance unit.

The hull design makes it easy to place the transducer out of harms way.

Being my yak is the 2016 model it has the new electronics pod so I'm hoping to utilize that

I was thinking of the 4xhdi but I doubt the quality is there to justify the price.

I have a down imaging humminbird on the tracker and the DI isn't much different from sonar.

It's the 1000 dollar plus systems that have the real picture quality.

I have a bird w DI for my kayak.  I never use the DI.  I would say the features in order of benefit:

 

1. Color

2. GPS

.

.

.

10. DI

Once you hit 200 hundy and up the DI gets better. Check Raymarine Dragonfly those are pretty nice units, but not in the 99 dollar range.

Being my yak is the 2016 model it has the new electronics pod so I'm hoping to utilize that

Well in that case, You have to use that then.

I have a bird w DI for my kayak.  I never use the DI.  I would say the features in order of benefit:

 

1. Color

2. GPS

.

.

.

10. DI

 

i would gladly trade my DI capabilities for the GPS....  my 4xhdi doesn't have the GPS and i wish it did.  not because i'll get lost, because i would want it for marking waypoints.

i would gladly trade my DI capabilities for the GPS....  my 4xhdi doesn't have the GPS and i wish it did.  not because i'll get lost, because i would want it for marking waypoints.

 

BINGO...Spot on.