Fishfinders - what do you think?

[demsvmejm]

I thought I wanted a Garmin 250. But the other day I saw a display of a Humminbird MAtrix 17. I liked what I saw, even if it was only on simulator. I know the general opinion on iboats is low for Humminbird. But the salesperson did make a good point that the Wallyworld specials are not the best yardstick. Any experiences or opinions would be appreciated.<br />Thanks all.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

I think the matrix units are decent units. They have nice high resolution screens.<br /><br />I personally like the Garmin 250 over the matrix 17. I think the garmin function menu is easier to operate, you can turn off the key press "beep" and the matrix backlight doesn't compare to the 250. Maybe I'm getting old, but the matrix backlight (an amber color) seems only useful at night. The Garmin's backlight is white and it is a good match to the garmin's crisp display. A friend has the 250 on his boat and the backlight was useful even during the day.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

The Matrix 17 I saw had a white backlight. The resolution seemed very crisp. I liked that you could hook up your GPS to it with an adapter cord. However I think the 250 is the preferred unit.<br />I'm sure it's just marketing hype, but the Garmin specifically says it will seperate fish from structure and thermoclines. The Humminbird alludes to the same, but doesn't state it. This is the type of info I'm really looking for. Thanks for the input though.

 

[whofan]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

I always liked Lowrance/Eagle products. Humminbird looks like they greatly improved their product line so you cant go by opinions based on a finder that was produced 5 years ago. <br /> Kinda like trucks, what would buy: Chevy, Ford or Dodge?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

For fish finders I also like Lowrance. Only thing I can say about hummingbird is a year or so back there way about 20 or so post from humming bird owners and all had the same problem. Above a fast troll or on plane they could not see bottom. At first we all tried to help as sounded like a transducer mounting problem but to me soon became clear that must be a problem with the transducer design. None of the units would work at planning speeds. Since that time and with the matrix units I have not seen those type problems. However I think there are two current threads about interference problems, one when running the trolling motor. Today I think see many more happy Hummingbird owners than ever before. Still is the percentage as good as Lowrance, Garmin, Or Eagle??

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

Originally posted by David L. Moore:<br /> The Matrix 17 I saw had a white backlight. The resolution seemed very crisp. I liked that you could hook up your GPS to it with an adapter cord. However I think the 250 is the preferred unit.<br />I'm sure it's just marketing hype, but the Garmin specifically says it will seperate fish from structure and thermoclines. The Humminbird alludes to the same, but doesn't state it. This is the type of info I'm really looking for. Thanks for the input though.

That's odd. The unit I saw had a amber or yellowish light. Maybe the unit I saw was an older unit.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

fishingdan, maybe you saw last year's models.<br />But OK, I asked for your input and you all seem prefer Lowrance. So that's good enough for me. So what Lowrance model would you recommend, comparable to the Garmin 250?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

Maybe the Lowrance X125 or X126 but really need to know how deep you plan to fish. Also it your are fishing saltwater. Also Eagle Seafinder 320DF or Fishmark 320.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.lowrance.com/Marine/Products/X125.asp <br /> http://www.lowrance.com/Marine/Products/X126DF.asp <br /> http://www.eaglegps.com/Products/Sonar/SeaFinder320DF.htm <br /> http://www.eaglegps.com/Products/Sonar/fishmark320.htm

 

[gss036]

Re: Fishfinders - what do you think?

I just bought an Eagle SeaFinder480DF,w/speed wheel, but haven't had time to get it completly installed yet. There are some really good buys out the right now.