ibzyak wrote:
Hello All!
We have recently upgraded to a 2020 Outback. I would like to take advantage of the new guardarian transducer mount, however, trying to find a fish-finder that has all of my "wishes" under a price point (thinking $500) is proving to be a tough decision.
I am currently looking at the Garmin Echomap, 64CV, which gives me only chirp VS the Lowrance elite with sidescan VS the humminbird helix 5 chirp?
I have a possible deal on the Garmin Echomap, which makes me lean towards that. I like the GPS capabilities as well as the full maps. I'm on the fence on the sideview or not. I'm currently in FL, however, will be headed to AK very soon, so trying to balance what might be best in both locations.
Have any of you done the Echomap (comes with the GT23M-TM tranducer) with the guardian mount?
I have not done the Echomap but I've recently been looking into upgrading my current Lowrance down scan unit and doing some research. What I've found the overall opinion from reviews I've seen is Hummingbird comes in first as they have the best side scan clarity followed by Lowrance then Garmin (a distant third). Raymarine wasn't in this conversation since they don't currently offer a side scan unit. I know you have a budget but you won't get a quality unit with side scan in that range unless you buy used. I strongly recommend a side scan unit. Kayak fishing isn't like fish out of a boat. In a boat if you go to a spot and nothing is biting you can move to another spot. Not so easy in a kayak. I want to have every tool I can available to make the most out of my trips. Side scan let's you see fish/structure you normally would pass up. For a middle of the road side scan unit you'll spend $800-$900 for new. You can find them for less but you get what you pay for.