Any recommendations for a lower to middle end Finder I have used Garmins stuff for the last 5 years and have been thru 3 now looking to try something else

just mainly use for structure and depth and temps...lakes I fish are so small don't need GPS

3 minutes ago, Nebasska said:

...lakes I fish are so small don't need GPS

was a time that I thought that....I was wrong.

 

What's your budget?  What sort of boat?  Do you need/want side imaging?

Couple hundred... just have a 14 ft alum with 55 pd trolling no side imaging needed

Helix 5 Sonor only model is $199.

I have a Lowrance Hook 4X on my kayak, but there are few days that I don't wish I had GPS AND side scan.   But, as a solid downscan unit for two bills, it is a good buy.

The Lowrance Hook models are great units for the money. Buy the biggest screen you can afford. 

3 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I have a Lowrance Hook 4X on my kayak, but there are few days that I don't wish I had GPS AND side scan.   But, as a solid downscan unit for two bills, it is a good buy.

 

Yeah, I'm with you on the GPS thing.  Not always on the DI/SI.  I have the Helix 5 SI/DI GPS with a Navionics chip.  Even for small bodies that I know well, I have way points for fish.  So many, in some spots that the catches actually help define the spot.  SO, in that aspect, I'm not using GPS to navigate, but to map out the catching.

20 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I have a Lowrance Hook 4X on my kayak, but there are few days that I don't wish I had GPS AND side scan.   But, as a solid downscan unit for two bills, it is a good buy.

 

I've spent the last two days doing nothing but reading about different model fish finder/gps units.  I have found several used and factory refurbished(full manufacturer warranty) garmin 73 sv for under 400 dollars.  

 

Don't know if you want to spend that much but thought I'd mention it since i haven't seen any other side imaging units in that price range.  

Thanks for that, @Spyder7723. 

Not a problem.  Just keep in mind i don't know Jack about fishing, boats, or marine electronics. I'm brand new to this hobby. Anout a month ago my little girl asked to go fishing so we went to Wal-Mart bought a coupe cheap rods and worms, each of us landed a 2.5 to 3lber (almost back to back, this creek beside our house seems just loaded with them) and we were hooked.  Less than a month later we've got a nice older 16 ft tracker hooked up behind the f150. 

If you can wait until Black Friday, you will usually get more for your money

1 hour ago, NHBull said:

If you can wait until Black Friday, you will usually get more for your money

It has been some time since I shopped/bought sonar, but I always thought prices were pretty well rigged.  You might get something thrown in during a sale week, like a ram mount, or charts or something....but I always had a strong sense that there was forced min pricing...or collusion...or whatever, but a $299 unit was NEVER available anywhere for even $298...in my limited experience, anyway

 

so I run two units on my jon boat,

Helix 7 DI & Garmin 7SV

Both are awesome, Helix 7 for down imaging but sonar is so so on it

7SV for side scan and the sonar on it (which i use the most) is absolutely amazing

my sonar has caught me 8 fish since ive owned it, pretty sweet once you learn your electronics

 

dont get a small screen!

3 hours ago, NHBull said:

If you can wait until Black Friday, you will usually get more for your money

i'm also curious about this. do they normally go on sale at tackle warehouse?

1 hour ago, Scarborough817 said:

i'm also curious about this. do they normally go on sale at tackle warehouse?

 BPS told me yesterday to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of their upcoming sale.......just passing along what the electronics mgr told me

Just now, NHBull said:

 BPS told me yesterday to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of their upcoming sale.......just passing along what the electronics mgr told me

thank you that is exactly what i wanted to hear 

Great Info thanks everyone

Cabelas has the Garmin echomap 73sv on sale right now. I don't remember the price but it's a good deal.

39 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Cabelas has the Garmin echomap 73sv on sale right now. I don't remember the price but it's a good deal.

599 for the chirp version.  Bought it this morning.  

On 10/25/2017 at 7:40 PM, Spyder7723 said:

599 for the chirp version.  Bought it this morning.  

I bought 2 of these last year and love them! Good choice!