Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

[fishingdan]

I have settled on separate GPS and FF units. <br /><br />I like the Garmin 250 (dual freq, mono version). It seems like a solid product and I like the display. The white back lighting is very nice. <br /><br />While looking at this unit, I noticed that for a few $$ more, I can get a Raymarine ds400x. The display is smaller, but it is color and seems to have the same features as the higher end Ray A-Series units. <br /><br />From a "can they do the job" perspective, these units seem very equal. I wonder how the "reflective" Ray screen really looks in the sun. They say it gets brighter. <br /><br />I am trying to stay under $300. I am replacing a Humminbird LCR400 and any current model ff will be a significant step up. Any advice? <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dan

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

I'm looking at the DS500X myself. I think the screen on the 400 is a little small. 3 1/2" on the diagonal, not 4". Under $600 if you shop around some.....<br /><br />I brought my polarized "boat sunglasses" to the boat show, per a tip I read somewhere. Was planning on buying a Furuno till comparing the 2 with sunglasses, move a few feet and the Furuno "washed out". Raymarine, bright as could be, should be purchasing one REAL soon. <br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

The ds500x does have a very nice screen and it is brighter than the 400. Unfortunately, the 500 is 2x the cost of the 400. Given what I have already spent this winter and the stuff I have yet to buy, I want to keep the ff at less than $300. <br /><br />I also heard about the sunglasses test. I had no problem seeing the "baby" ray and the garmin with my Hobies. I wish I could say the same for my cell phone. The screen is useless when wearing good sunglasses. <br /><br />When I stood back from the units at the store, there really wasn't a whole lot of difference between the baby ray screen and the Garmin. What I mean is when you are 5' away from them, the small difference in screen size didn't seem to matter that much.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

On another site, someone responded to a similar question. They stated that the ds400x's screen is very good in the sun. Specifically, they stated that it was better than the 500 and 600 in the sun. Can anyone confirm this?<br /><br />I have decided to give the ds400x a shot. There seems to be a lot of value in this small package. Raymarine is offering 30 days money back. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[RatFish]

Re: Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

fishingdan,<br /><br />I am also considering the Raymarine DS400X. I have some space/size limitations and the DS400X fits the bill. Let us know how you make out.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

We'll see how it goes. I picked one up this afternoon.

 

[ST]

Re: Garmin 250 (mono) vs Raymarine ds400x

Fishingdan[/],<br />Well, how do you like your DS400? I've also been comparing Garmin FF250 and DS400 like you did before. <br /> I've been reading that a lot of people are happy with Furuno LS4100[/]. I understand that Furuno excels in Saltwater, I wonder if anyone has used it in Freshwater, and would like to share their opinion of it. Does Furuno able to identify a school of shads under freshwater? (I am interested in Striper fishing, they like chasing those shads). <br />Thanks.