So I have a Bass Raider 10e that I fish mostly on smaller lakes, usually state lakes with a no wake policy (we're talking 500 acres or less). That being said, having a chart plotter or gps maps isn't a huge deal to me at this point. 

My budget is $500-$600, and I think I'd really like to have side imaging, although I may be caught up in the hype. I've never used it before personally.

For those who are knowledgeable, is there another unit I should be looking at rather than the Striker 7SV?

 

Thanks in advance.

4 hours ago, ksfishinguy said:

So I have a Bass Raider 10e that I fish mostly on smaller lakes, usually state lakes with a no wake policy (we're talking 500 acres or less). That being said, having a chart plotter or gps maps isn't a huge deal to me at this point. 

My budget is $500-$600, and I think I'd really like to have side imaging, although I may be caught up in the hype. I've never used it before personally.

For those who are knowledgeable, is there another unit I should be looking at rather than the Striker 7SV?

 

Thanks in advance.

Very similar situation as I have a 10 foot Porta-bote with a 45# trolling motor and I fish mainly for largemouth and some crappie on smaller forest preserve lakes and a few larger lakes and with only a few exceptions most of them are not mapped. 

I had been using a Humminbird Fishin Buddy (bolt on single monochrome unit with a four inch screen) and wanted to upgrade to a larger color unit with side imaging and almost bought the Garmin Striker 7 SV at $500. After researching it a bit and talking extensively with the department head at my local BPS who really explained the benefits of side imaging in locating structure, I decided to go with the Garmin Echomap Combo 73 SV. It includes a US map package that covers only five lakes that I currently fish but Garmin now offers a free download update to their Quickdraw Contours mapping program which will allow me to create free maps on every lake and pond that I fish. With the included GPS, it will allow me to create way points for all structure which should hopefully help my future fishing efforts.

This Echomap 73 is the non-chirp model that is being replaced by the the new upcoming chirp model and BPS and Cabela's has them at a $549 closeout price.

I am extremely pleased with my purchase. Good luck with yours.

I'm in the exact same boat as you, ksfishin. I don't really know what I'll gain or lose by the inclusion or exclusion of Chirp, but I'm also looking at the Striker and the Echomap 73sv. Bassman, that's a fantastic price. It's still $849.99 on their websites. I don't live near a store. Any idea where I can pick one up at that price?

I believe Cabela's still has it on their website at $549. The $849 units are the chirp model. Cabela's usually has free shipping at this price point.

Good luck.

11 minutes ago, Bassman37 said:

I believe Cabela's still has it on their website at $549. The $849 units are the chirp model. Cabela's usually has free shipping at this price point.

Good luck.

They did, however it was sold out when you clicked on it. I guess I can call around. If anyone finds it someplace, I'd love to pick one up discounted.

Typically on the Cabela's site you check the drop-down box under state so as long as you're going to have it shipped you may try just another few States to see if it's available there. 

As long as you're going to have it shipped it shouldn't make any difference or you may want to call the 800 number and have them check it out throughout their system.

Just my two cents worth.

7 minutes ago, Bassman37 said:

Typically on the Cabela's site you check the drop-down box under state so as long as you're going to have it shipped you may try just another few States to see if it's available there. 

As long as you're going to have it shipped it shouldn't make any difference or you may want to call the 800 number and have them check it out throughout their system.

Just my two cents worth.

Might be worth a lot more than two cents. Thanks for the advice.

Garmin® echoMAP™ 73sv Combo with LakeVü™ HD

 

 

 

 

Regular Price: 

$999.99

 

Sale Price: 

$549.99

 

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Just checked my local store on the site and they show limited stock on hand.