Raymarine dragonfly 7 vs. Lowrance Elite 7

[ib18]

I am upgrading my black and white Hummingbird fish finder and Garmin GPS to 1 single unit. So, bought the Raymarine dragonfly 7 but i am having a buyer remorse. So I did this comparison to help others and seek your opinion about these 2 machines. #1 reason - I wanted to upgrade? because i want the color fish finder and I want to be able to see my drop shot lures and line so I am not drop shoting blindly.

 

[ib18]

No Title

comparison table

 

[gm280]

ib18, personally I have never used either one. So I have no knowledge of either other then the comparison chart. So when things like this happen. I look for something to give one or the other the advantage. The Lowrance Elite 7 seems to have an edge from just the comparison chart. But cost, availability of service/parts and warrantee(s) has to play into the equation. So ultimately, you have to make that decision. JMHO!

 

[ib18]

ib18, personally I have never used either one. So I have no knowledge of either other then the comparison chart. So when things like this happen. I look for something to give one or the other the advantage. The Lowrance Elite 7 seems to have an edge from just the comparison chart. But cost, availability of service/parts and warrantee(s) has to play into the equation. So ultimately, you have to make that decision. JMHO!

Thanks, Raymarine is a little cheaper. Yes, Lowrance Elite 7 does look like a bit better, but the screen display is not as good, so ....

 

[gm280]

Thanks, Raymarine is a little cheaper. Yes, Lowrance Elite 7 does look like a bit better, but the screen display is not as good, so ....

Well it sounds like you have made your decision after all. GO for it. As you use it, come back and post the good things as well as the not so good things for others to read and understand. That way we all gain better knowledge of those units. JMHO!

 

[dingbat]

These on-line sounder comparisons are a joke nine times out of ten. The manufactures don't give any real performance data at all. Like comparing automobiles using the manufacturers rated top speed but that advertised top speed has an asterisk and lots of small print below...lol

Anyhow...when looking at sonar, here are my top priorities. "Adjustables" affect how the units performs in both shallow and deep water

1. Power in rms, adjustable?
2. Display size and quaiity
3. Transducer cone angle rated at 10 db
4. CHRIP frequency range(s), adjustable?
5. Ping/Pulse rate, adjustable? (PPR)
6.Long term Customer support. (Discount vouchers replaced long term support for one of those two companies)

 

[fishin98]

When I purchased my new unit, Lowerance Elite 4XChirp,DI, GPS, I spent many hrs comparing all the units at BassPro and at Cabelas. Loved the Garmin units,Humminbird had the best screen, settled on the Lowerance, because the overall clarity and PRICE. So it all comes down to comparing apples to oranges.

 

[gm280]

In my situation, whatever I purchase, it is already obsolete. And that is because I can't afford the latest and greatest gadgetry. But then I use mine for mere contour readings and structure. Actually seen fish is not that important to me. And the reason for that is, seeing fish and making them bite are two entirely different things. So see schools of fish really is meaningless unless you can convince them to bite. But understand structure and contour can be just as rewarding...to me. JMHO!

 

[dingbat]

In my situation, whatever I purchase, it is already obsolete. And that is because I can't afford the latest and greatest gadgetry. But then I use mine for mere contour readings and structure. Actually seen fish is not that important to me. And the reason for that is, seeing fish and making them bite are two entirely different things. So see schools of fish really is meaningless unless you can convince them to bite. But understand structure and contour can be just as rewarding...to me. JMHO!

The last time I checked, the physics of sonar has not changed much in the past 50 years or so. What goes obsolete is the gadgets and gizmos the marketing department talks you into. No gadgets or gizmos = no obsolescence problems


I understand a small lake is different than the waters I fish but the principals of catching fish are still the same...identify the species, use a bait that imitates what they are feeding on and put in within striking distance. Sooner or later they will bite.

Jigging a minnows 6' above a carp feeding on grass at the bottom isn't going to bring the desired results.

 

[ib18]

The last time I checked, the physics of sonar has not changed much in the past 50 years or so. What goes obsolete is the gadgets and gizmos the marketing department talks you into. No gadgets or gizmos = no obsolescence problems


I understand a small lake is different than the waters I fish but the principals of catching fish are still the same...identify the species, use a bait that imitates what they are feeding on and put in within striking distance. Sooner or later they will bite.

Jigging a minnows 6' above a carp feeding on grass at the bottom isn't going to bring the desired results.

well said man, but these 2 images I captured are really fun and COOL!
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/fish...sonar-images-captured-with-my-new-fish-finder

 

[ib18]

In my situation, whatever I purchase, it is already obsolete. And that is because I can't afford the latest and greatest gadgetry. But then I use mine for mere contour readings and structure. Actually seen fish is not that important to me. And the reason for that is, seeing fish and making them bite are two entirely different things. So see schools of fish really is meaningless unless you can convince them to bite. But understand structure and contour can be just as rewarding...to me. JMHO!

these 2 images are really COOL!

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/fish...sonar-images-captured-with-my-new-fish-finder

 

[ib18]

When I purchased my new unit, Lowerance Elite 4XChirp,DI, GPS, I spent many hrs comparing all the units at BassPro and at *******. Loved the Garmin units,Humminbird had the best screen, settled on the Lowerance, because the overall clarity and PRICE. So it all comes down to comparing apples to oranges.

LOL- very true - I find some useful use other than fishing - http://forums.iboats.com/forum/fish...sonar-images-captured-with-my-new-fish-finder