Editor's Review
Lowrance Elite-5 DSI
| Overall Rating |    |
The Elite-5 DSI fishfinder brings exquisite detail to your fishing experience with a display that showcases the underwater world in picturesque quality. The 480 X 480 pixel high resolution display appears in great clarity on the 5” screen. You are able to view the area beneath the surface at a wider angle and with a vibrant brightness that brings it to life before your eyes. The CCFL backlit screen and keypad ensure that you are not limited to daylight fishing by providing the ability to use the fishfinder for your low light and nighttime excursions.
Lowrance DownScan Imaging sets the Elite-5 DSI apart from the crowd. This technology allows you a crisp and clear view of exactly what is lurking beneath the boat. Not only will you receive an unmistakable view of the fish, but being able to expose the boundaries between cooler and warmer water will lead you directly to where the fish are at. Worrying about structures interfering in your experience will be a thing of the past as you will easily identify them in photo-like quality. This ability to differentiate between the fish, structures and bottoms without interpretation will only serve to enhance your angling experience.
The Elite-5 DSI boasts 4000w of peak to peak and 500w of RMS power output that offers expanded capabilities for users. This fishfinder defies the obstacles of depth and speed. You will be able to capture images at depths of up to 200ft and boat speeds of up to 40mph. The dual 455/800 kHz coverage will ensure that your views go wider and deeper than ever before.
Navigating the waters with the Elite-5 DSI is a much simpler task due to the internal 16 channel GPS antenna. Slip your favorite mapcard into the microSD card slot and you will be plotting your way through the waters like a pro. This fishfinder accepts the most current and up-to-date mapcards so that you are always on top of your game.
Lowrance HDS-5 vs Lowrance Elite-5 vs Humminbird 597ci HD DI
| Lowrance HDS-5 | Lowrance Elite-5 DSI | Humminbird 597ci HD DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Screen Size | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels | 640 x 640 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color SolarMAX™ PLUS TFT | 256-color SolarMAX PLUS TFT | 256 Color TFT |
| Imaging | 2D | Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W Broadband, analog equivalent 30,000W and 32W Broadband, analog equivalent 3,750 W | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 50/83/200 kHz | 455/800 kHz | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1900 ft | 1000 ft | 600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS | Internal high-sensitivity WAAS + EGNOS + MSAS | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 5000 | 3000 | 2,500 |
| Routes | 200 | 100 | 50 |
| Plot Trails | Up to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail | 100 retraceable plot trails/up to 10,000 points per trail | 50 w/ 20,000 points each |
| Background Map | Lake Insight | Over 3,000 enhanced lake maps with depth contour and shoreline detail, plus coastal shoreline detail with offshore depth contours to 1,000 ft./305 m and spot depth soundings | Humminbird UniMap |
| MSRP | $719.99 | $629.99 | $649.99 |
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Reader Reviews
Posted by Bass Man
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5This is the only down imaging fishfinder/GPS combo in this price range that comes with preloaded cartography (the Gold version). It’s great value considering that Navionics Gold card by itself costs around $250. I got Lowrance Elite5 preloaded at fishfinders.com for $650 with their coupon code, can’t beat that price.
Posted by Mike715
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5DownScan Imaging is an unbelievable Technology!!! No need to interpretation of images, you see exactly what’s beneath. I’ve got 2 transducers, one mounting bracket on the console, one on the bow and I can easily move the device using quick disconnect. Best electronics money can buy.
Posted by FDIRT
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5This fishfinder is amazing. It shows the bottom structure with incredible detail. This fishfinder shows you what’s underneath the boat instead of the annoying Fish ID. I’m not longer using the HD Sonar feature and I rely solely on the Down Scan Imaging. I’ve used it on a lake I thought I knew very well. After 3 outings I found out more about the lake than I had known after 20 years of fishing this lake.
Posted by Al from Canada
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5Lowrance Elite-5 DSI fishfinder is one of the latest Lowrance models. It’s affordable but that does not mean that it does not have the high tech features incorporated in all fishfinders. All the constituent parts like the sonar, transducers, viewing screen, charting system, GPS are all based on the latest technology to the field. High definition pictures and super bright displays, smart menus, ease of operation are all features which make the use of the fishfinder very easy. All the individual parts are packed in a case of new design. On the whole every fisherman will be happy when he gets the Lowrance Elite 5DSI in his boat.
As in the case of all fishfinders the Lowrance Elite-5 DSI also operates using a sonar device sent under water to the place where fish can be seen. The sonar can operate at up to a depth of 250 ft. bringing the ultra sonic device reflects images of the fish to the viewing screen which is mounted on board the boat. The sonar has the capacity to view the fish within the area covered by a wide angle. It is water proof, and has track back and scroll back features so that all the fish covered by are brought to the display screen. It has dual coverage imaging capacity. The sonar is controlled by a transducer unit, which is mounted on a transom. The sonar has the maximum imaging speed of 40 miles per hour.
The images sent by the sonar are displayed on a color display screen that is 5-inches in size. The Lowrance Elite-5 DSI 5” display unit has a very bright display, maximum visibility and viewing details in all conditions. The smart menu card gives you easy and fast access to all your requirements by switch button operation. The picture on the screen is so good that you can see all the fish very clearly. In addition, you also get details and structure of the sea bottom. Only a single source of power is required for the viewing of the monitor.
This Lowrance fishfinder comes with special navigational facilities and GPS chart plotters. The GPD antenna is built in and it is possible to have many charting options. Devices for these functions are built into the fishfinder structure. The compact unit has only a few components to be taken out for being installed. The installation is very simple and easy and takes only about 5-6 minutes. As in the case of all Lowrance fishfinder models, Lowrance Elite 5DSI is covered by 1year free warranty. A payment of $200 you can get the warranty extended by 2 more years, so fish with one less worry knowing that Lowrance has you protected.
Posted by jkk
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1I’ve had problem with this fishfinder since the day I bought it. Setting it up for a nightmare, the manual is horrible. I managed to got it installed after a few days. I took it for a spin and I realized that I can’t see any fish. Large object are displayed with greater detail than a regular 2D sonar but it’s really hard to distinguish fish. That is not what I expected from a $650 piece of equipment.
Posted by Basscat
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1If you like your devices to work out of box, this is unit is not for you:
1. You will need software update at some point (most likely right after the purchase). You will have to buy an adapter to download it.
2. The manual is a joke, it doesn’t cover half the functionality offered by the product.
3. You will need to install a special filter for the power cord if you want to use DSI. Why isn’t this installed by the manufacturer?
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