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!

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.

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Matt Brooks
PA 14 olive



Freedom Lures Prostaff~Lowrance Prostaff~Canyon Coolers Prostaff~Power-Pole Prostaff~Aftco Prostaff

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!

x means no GPS / mapping

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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.

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!

Great choice. The bundle is the way to go.

If you have any questions, I will be glad to help you out.

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Thanks Mtmouse!

I'm sure I will have lots of questions since I have never used one of these before.

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

The standard 50/200 fits with no modification needed.

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!

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.

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!

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!