Author Topic: Need help deciding between sonars (Read 2623 times)

Salmonquest · « **Reply #60 on:** Feb 22, 2019, 09:19 AM »

I have used a lowrancre Elite-5 for the last 5-6 years. The knock I hear a lot about graphs v. flasher is that there is a delay. This is false. The large part of the screen shows the past. If you look at it there will of course seem to be a delay. On the right side is a vertical reading in real time that is every bit as sensitive as a flasher. Also the unit has a flasher but why mentally convert round when you have an actual picture of the water column on the main screen. ( I know it's not hard and yes I can easily use a flasher.)

I like the graph option to transfer back and forth on the boat and use way points I found on my boat or transfer a SIM card from a friends unit, etc.

Ryan V · « **Reply #61 on:** Feb 28, 2019, 02:01 PM »

I finally was able to use a Lowrace for a little bit out on the water and I really liked it. I think I've finally decided to go with that style over a flasher. Now I just need to figure out which one to buy....

BradGill · « **Reply #62 on:** Feb 28, 2019, 08:56 PM »

I have the Lowrance elite 3x, elite 5x, and a hook2 5 split shot. All are in a ice pack. Below are my comments on all 3.

Elite 5: This is my go to unit. Split zoom, amplitude scope and good target separation. No undesirable issues that I can think of. It is the best of all 3.
Elite 3: Decent functional unit. No amplitude scope or split zoom. Target separation not as good as elite 5.
Hook2 5: Good chart plotter and preloaded lake maps. Amplitude scope and split zoom. I am disappointed with sonar so far. Unit is feels like it lags compared to other units. when hole hopping it sometimes takes a few minutes to find bottom and register my jig and can lock up from time to time. I was really hoping this would be as good as the elite 5. In fairness I am still learning it.

Hope this helps if you decide to purchase a Lowrance unit.

Ryan V · « **Reply #63 on:** Feb 28, 2019, 09:19 PM »

Quote from: BradGill on Feb 28, 2019, 08:56 PM

I have the Lowrance elite 3x, elite 5x, and a hook2 5 split shot. All are in a ice pack. Below are my comments on all 3.

Elite 5: This is my go to unit. Split zoom, amplitude scope and good target separation. No undesirable issues that I can think of. It is the best of all 3.
Elite 3: Decent functional unit. No amplitude scope or split zoom. Target separation not as good as elite 5.
Hook2 5: Good chart plotter and preloaded lake maps. Amplitude scope and split zoom. I am disappointed with sonar so far. Unit is feels like it lags compared to other units. when hole hopping it sometimes takes a few minutes to find bottom and register my jig and can lock up from time to time. I was really hoping this would be as good as the elite 5. In fairness I am still learning it.

Hope this helps if you decide to purchase a Lowrance unit.

Thanks, do they still make the Elite series?

bobberbill · « **Reply #64 on:** Feb 28, 2019, 09:47 PM »

Nothing is better than a camera. No doubt about what's happening when you can see it. Cameras have their downsides, too. They are the best when used in a shanty, poor when out in the open. Sonar is far superior to a 'flasher'. New sonar units include a flasher mode that is seldom used.

Ryan V · « **Reply #65 on:** Feb 28, 2019, 09:56 PM »

Quote from: Ryan V on Feb 28, 2019, 09:19 PM

Thanks, do they still make the Elite series?

Fond where the sell them and I'd love to get a elite 5 but I can't spend $500 for my first sonar I've got a budget of $300

tjk3rd · « **Reply #66 on:** Mar 01, 2019, 07:47 AM »

Quote from: Ryan V on Feb 28, 2019, 09:56 PM

Fond where the sell them and I'd love to get a elite 5 but I can't spend $500 for my first sonar I've got a budget of $300

Hey Ryan V, you should be able to find that Elite 5 on ebay for the money you want to spend. I have an Elite 4 Chirp bought off ebay and it is great. Mine was used but they also have new ones available. Worth taking a look.

Ryan V · « **Reply #67 on:** Mar 01, 2019, 09:00 AM »

Quote from: tjk3rd on Mar 01, 2019, 07:47 AM

Hey Ryan V, you should be able to find that Elite 5 on ebay for the money you want to spend. I have an Elite 4 Chirp bought off ebay and it is great. Mine was used but they also have new ones available. Worth taking a look.

Thanks I've been looking a little and I cant find and used ice kits but I might be able to buy the head of a Elite 5 and buy something like this to put it in.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/NAVICO-UNIV-PORTABLE-PACK/1641223.uts?productVariantId=3327111&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03572231&rid=20&ds_rl=1246549&ds_rl=1246552&ds_rl=1252242&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzePjBRCRARIsAGkrSm6IKei2TTAtQOuE3OVrDhH8vHg6X3Lo4Cucky6If6FwfUWXCs109lMaAqjzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds