I really need to stay under $500. Any thoughts? Buy a new one with less tech or a used one with more whistles?

I have been very partial to Lowrance when it comes to sonar/gps combos.  I have an older LMS332 I believe as well as a new HDS on the same boat.  Honestly there isnt much difference for now anyways.  There are supposedly supposed to be some big upgrades comming for the HDS series but right now its not much different.  If I were you with the budget of $500 I would look on ebay or find a lightly used one, either way you should be able to stay under $500.   I think Lowrance got up to a 520 series before switching to HDS so I would look for something like that.   I also seen garmin has a new combo for like $569 or something on BPS but I have no experience with those units.  Ive always felt like Lowrance has better sonar / chartplotter technology and they always seem alot clearer and more defined IMO.

I just googled the Lowrance LMS520C and found one for approximately $415 at First Choice Marine. They are end of sale so if you search you should be able to find a good price. Cabelas is selling the Lowrance x510c for $399 right now as well. I can't say they are the best but these would be my choices.

LMS520c

200 kHz sonar/GPS plotter

5" diagonal, 256-color SolarMAX TFT display

480x480-pixel resolution

Built-in temp sensor and up to 60° of fish detection coverage

2,400 watts peak-to-peak power, depths to 900 ft.

Compatible for NMEA networking

5 pin ethernet expansion port

X510c

5" diagonal, 256-color SolarMAX TFT display

480x480-pixel resolution

Built-in temp sensor and up to 60° of fish detection coverage

2,400 watts peak-to-peak power, depths to 900 ft.

I have the LMS520C on my Triton and it workd fine. It has a ton of stuff that I'm not familiar with yet but it seems to be a good unit. I read about some problems some of the guys had with it but I haven't had any yet. Lowrance has a great reputation. If it were my money and I was thinking 500, I would save up a little longer and get one of the Humminbird side imaging units. My buddy has one and it's the best thing I've ever seen. I'm slowly but surely saving up! However, if you're looking for something now you can't go wrong with Lowrance, Garmin, or Humminbird in the price range you're talking about. Good luck and enjoy it!

Thanks for the input everyone. I just ordered the 520c online from Reed's for $489 and free shipping. It includes everything. So now lets hope I can install it.

The older LCX15mt GPS/Sonar units are all over the network for around 250.00 to 300.00. They work great and have the large screen. They look exactly like the X28 only are not color. I have two on my boat and really like them.

I buy and sell a lot of them and have never had a problem with any. I currently do not have any, but will be glad to locate one for you. AT NO CHARGE. I will just put you in touch with the seller. Stay off EBAY, there are no deals on them there.