Hobie Forums :: View topic - Lowrance Fishfinders

I need some feedback on which fishfinder to go with for a new 2015 Pro Angler.

Does this new Lowrance fit the new 2015 Pro Anglers without modifications? I don't believe there is any significant change in the size of the transducer.

What is the difference between the 5 and 5x CHIRP? X does not have GPS or chart plotter

Is the Lowrance the best way to go? (I have never used a fishfinder before.) It is all a matter of preference. Go to a store with different units and play around with them. I find the Lowrance easy to use and a good price.

Is moving up to the 5/5x CHIRP worth the expense over the Elite 4 HDI or should I just stick with the 4? CHIRP is the 'new' thing. For the way I fish, it doesn't make $en$e for me to change.

Any other thoughts or suggestions? The only difference in Elite 4 HDI, Elite 5 HDI and Elite 7 HDI is the screen size. I use the 4 and I am ok with the screen size, but would I prefer to be looking at a 7 screen? Yes, but my wallet wouldn't be happy.

Author:	Fishin4Fun [ Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:14 am ]
Post subject:	Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
I need some feedback on which fishfinder to go with for a new 2015 Pro Angler. I was given as a Christmas gift a new Lowrance Elite 4 HDI fishfinder, but I had been leaning towards the 5 instead. It seems that the new Elite 5/5x CHIRP is now available and I was wanting to know what others are using and like the best with the new Pro Angler? Here are a few other questions I have: Does this new Lowrance fit the new 2015 Pro Anglers without modifications? What is the difference between the 5 and 5x CHIRP? Is the Lowrance the best way to go? (I have never used a fishfinder before.) Is moving up to the 5/5x CHIRP worth the expense over the Elite 4 HDI or should I just stick with the 4? Any other thoughts or suggestions? I'm open to them and need to make a decision by Sunday. Just an FYI, most of my fishing will be on lakes in Missouri. Thanks!

Author:	Lppastor [ Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
I just recently installed the Lowrance Elite 7 with chirp. I absolutely love it. I encourage you to read up on the chirp sonar technology. It really helps with identifying game fish and distinguishing between them and bait fish. The chirp models also incorporate downscan technology. I love lowrance products and use them exclusively on my PA and center console boat. The transducer should install without having to make modifications.

Author:	BadKarma [ Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
I will say that over here in Hawaii i am using the Elite 4x HDI and it does hold it's own very well. I would love to get the bigger stuff but it will have to wait. I will say that over here i don't use the downscan much as i am always heading out to water 150' + and not really needing to see the bottom as much as the bait balls and tuna, wahoo, and mahimahi chasing them!!! The only thing i would like more is the chart capability built in as i use a handheld garmin right now and having one unit would be nice! The 4x was super easy to install and fit everything perfectly. I thought i saw a thread or two where the chirp transducer was a bit of a challenge to get hooked up but i could be wrong and it really sounds like it is worth a bit of a hassle. and more so if i had the option of the two, im going with the 7 every time lol. Also i will have to look you up in a year or two when i retire and head back to the ft leonard wood area and go hit the lakes with you! let me know what you decide!

Author:	pa14naz [ Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:56 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
x means no GPS / mapping

Author:	Mtmouse [ Tue Jan 27, 2015 6:55 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
Fishin4Fun wrote: I need some feedback on which fishfinder to go with for a new 2015 Pro Angler. Does this new Lowrance fit the new 2015 Pro Anglers without modifications? I don't believe there is any significant change in the size of the transducer. What is the difference between the 5 and 5x CHIRP? X does not have GPS or chart plotter Is the Lowrance the best way to go? (I have never used a fishfinder before.) It is all a matter of preference. Go to a store with different units and play around with them. I find the Lowrance easy to use and a good price. Is moving up to the 5/5x CHIRP worth the expense over the Elite 4 HDI or should I just stick with the 4? CHIRP is the 'new' thing. For the way I fish, it doesn't make $en$e for me to change. Any other thoughts or suggestions? The only difference in Elite 4 HDI, Elite 5 HDI and Elite 7 HDI is the screen size. I use the 4 and I am ok with the screen size, but would I prefer to be looking at a 7 screen? Yes, but my wallet wouldn't be happy.

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Author:	Bert Vega [ Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
HDS 7 Gen II Touch. Good deals on them right now. Due to the new Gen III coming out. I love mine and don't see a need to upgrade anytime soon.

Author:	Fishin4Fun [ Wed Jan 28, 2015 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
Thank you all for your feedback. I went ahead and took the plunge on the Elite 5 CHIRP. Sounds like this will be a great fit for what I am needing. I also got the Navionics+ chip with it, so I'm excited to learn all about this. Stay tuned!

Author:	Mtmouse [ Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
Fishin4Fun wrote: I also got the Navionics+ chip with it, so I'm excited to learn all about this. Stay tuned! Great choice. The bundle is the way to go. If you have any questions, I will be glad to help you out.

Author:	Fishin4Fun [ Thu Jan 29, 2015 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
Thanks Mtmouse! I'm sure I will have lots of questions since I have never used one of these before.

Author:	BadKarma [ Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:03 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
I have been debating going with something bigger as i have the Elite 4x HDI and really like the idea of having a chart and bigger screen already there. I have heard different things about the transducer not fitting so maybe someone could give me the correct answer, Does the 50/200 fit the lowrance ready mount on my 15 PA? and at the same time the ducer that came with my 4x (83/200) would the 5 or 7 hook right up to the already installed 83/200? i like the 50 better as i am in hawaii and like the deeper ability but i already have the one installed and it is cheaper to just buy the finder without the ducer. thanks all and hope you are loving yours F4F

Author:	Bert Vega [ Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:52 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
The standard 50/200 fits with no modification needed.

Author:	BadKarma [ Tue Feb 24, 2015 2:33 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
I picked up a Elite 7 HDI this weekend and took it out on the water and it drained the battery in half the time it should have taken. I have a 12v 12AH battery but it died in about 6 hours on the water. big bummer when trying to locate bait and still fishing for another 6 hours. I am troubleshooting the battery right now but is there a way to shut the GPS off to save power and just run the ff? The chart is nice but man i will just run my Elite 4x and the separate handheld garmin gps w/ bluecharts if it means i have a fish finder that works for 12 hours while im out on the ocean. Hawaii's big tournament (Makahiki 2015) going on and i only get 25 days to rack up points so each day i fish has to count! Thanks for any help!

Author:	Bert Vega [ Tue Feb 24, 2015 5:03 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
I had issue with the hobie battery lasting all day. Swapped it out for a 18ah and have not had any issue with it running out of juice. Most of my fishing days are 12 hours plus.

Author:	BadKarma [ Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
yeah looking at the power draw of 1.1ah means i should get at least 10.5 hours out of mine but who knows. guess i will have to look into stepping up again. I have a jetski battery i use for my livewell but might need to swap em or just switch to a bait tube style instead. this thing is heavy as hell already and i keep loading it down with more crap all the time!

Author:	JulesTuff [ Sun Mar 01, 2015 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Lowrance Fishfinders - Recommendations?
Hi, I've just installed a Lowrance elite 7 chirp....based on some excellent advice at www.yakfishwest.com I went for a lithium ion phosphate battery. I got a 18ah one and works a treat. The battery is expensive but is half the weight of a normal battery, can be run down without damaging the battery and has a very long useful life .... http://www.fusionagmbatteries.com.au/Pr ... fault.aspx Highly recommend it!

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