Torn between garmin echomap 73sv chirp and humminbird 899si

[Cat nip]

I need some help making my decision. The garmin has more features but not a lot of information on them that's not a sales pitch. The humminbird has a good reputation but is discontinued but that makes it cheaper but its a push when ya add a map card to the humminbird. Any thoughts or opinions? ?? Will mostly use for catfishing from a toon on a small river.

 

[gm280]

CN, more features are only good IF you have a real need for them. I see tons of Depth finders/fish locators with so many features that the typical guy will never ever use most of them after playing around with such things when new. I would concentrate on quality options that you know you will use and forego all those other "features" you will never use. A good quality sound basic locator will be tons better then some locator with options that may seem great, but will not be used. JMHO!

 

[dingbat]

Why would you buy a discontinued unit knowing full well that the clock is ticking on support for the unit as well?

I agree with gm280, the only " features" I look for on a sounder is great performance, a gain knob (can't stand menu drive gain adjustments) and long term support for the life of the unit.

Go with the Garmin unit and don't scrimp when it comes to transducer selection. Better is diffently better

 

[Cat nip]

I will probably go with the garmin. It comes with a transducer. I could get a panoptix transducer next year if I have the extra $1,500

 

[Laduckhunter]

What is your primary usage needs of the device? I do not know much about the Garmin, but I do have the 899 with SI and I love it. If you do go with the 899, do not open the transducer, call humminbird and ask about the HD transducer upgrade. It costs 80 bucks, but is well worth the upgrade.