Some fishfinders opt for flash and glitz; others for basic functionality. The Humminbird 561 throws its lot in with the reliable and effective, making it a top choice for a monochromatic fishfinder. Its display showcases detailed, thorough results on its 12 level grayscale 320V X 320H 5” screen, so you reap the benefits of Humminbird DualBeam Plus technology. For the 561 model, this means 20° (which gives highly accurate results) and 60° beams (which give broad, expansive results). It also means never having to choose between accuracy and distance, since the beams’ results can be seen one at a time, but also on side by side screens or fully integrated. The beams reach a deep (and useful) 800 feet. Because of the TrueArch Technology, much interference and noise is weeded out, providing superior sonar visuals.

For your ease of use, the Humminbird 561 comes with an in-dash mount, and features Quick Disconnect capabilities, so you can move with the speed of your fish hunt. In keeping with that theme, the fishfinder’s X-Press Menu System allows you to control your screen at lightnight speed; the most commonly employed settings are available at the press of a button, so you don’t need to spend your minutes fiddling with the controls and can stay focused on your fish.

There are a variety of other features which make the 561 model shine. For instance, it has an optional Triplog feature, in case you want to connect a speed accessory or Paddlewheel. This lets you keep tabs of how fast, how far, and how long you’ve been traveling. It also has a super fast Real Time Sonar Window (in Sonar View) that updates at the speed of life; the window can be displayed in a variety of ways, including standard and wide.

Garmin Echo 100 vs Garmin Echo 150 vs Humminbird 561

	Garmin Echo 100	Garmin Echo 150	Humminbird 561
Screen Size	4 in / 102 mm	4 in / 102 mm	5 in / 127 mm
Screen Resolution	160 x 256 pixels	160 x 256 pixels	320 x 320 pixels
Display Type	8-level grayscale FSTN	8-level grayscale FSTN	12-level grayscale FSTN LCD
Imaging	2D	2D	2D
Transmit Power	100W RMS 800W Peak-To-Peak	200W RMS 1600W Peak-To-Peak	300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	200 kHz	77/200 kHz	83/200 kHz
Maximum Depth	600 ft	1300 ft	800 ft
MSRP	$79.99	$99.99	$149.99
	Reviews	Reviews	Reviews

The Lowrance HDS10 Gen2 is the largest available HDS model on the market. It is a total of 10.4 inches measured diagonally and provides the best viewing experience possible with this family of products. The screen can be sectioned off into various windows, the most being 4 quarters of the screen displaying 4 different types of data such as sonar scanning, fish tracking, plotting and even a compass or map. The Broadband Sounder can help locate individual fish, the thermoline, fish stacks and echo viewing.

Other properties of the screen include high brightness levels, brightness adjustment and a sunlight viewable display. The LED lighting solution for the back light helps to reduce power consumption. The higher resolution also provides gorgeous display of 3rd party maps with the optional SD data. It provides the clearest and most up to date information in the HDS family because it is designed to be faster hardware.

The HDS10 is compatible with the Insight HD and Fishing Hot Spots Pro, Navionics Gold-Platinum+ and other third party plotters to get the most out of plotting routes. There are also different options which can be used in terms of transducer for specific location usage. These packages are designed to be used for inland and fresh water locations, deep lakes and coastal saltwater use. Greater specialization can be added for deep salt water GPS plotting and fish tracking.

If the user wants to be in a certain region, they will need to choose between the Americas or Non-Americas for their mapping options. The option they choose will only work within these regions and are not supported cross regionally. Although this can be somewhat off putting for some consumers it is to ensure super accurate internal GPS functionality that will be best suited for that region. The Lowrance HDS10 Gen2 can be customized for greater accuracy based on these different options.

Lowrance HDS-10 vs Humminbird 1198ci SI vs Humminbird 1158c DI

	Lowrance HDS-10	Humminbird 1198ci SI	Humminbird 1158c DI
Screen Size	10.4 in / 264 mm	10.4 in / 264 mm	10.4 in / 264 mm
Screen Resolution	600 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Display Type	16-bit color Super VGA SolarMAX™ PLUS TFT	4:3 Color TFT	4:3 Color TFT
Imaging	2D	2D and Side 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 equivalent 3750W	1000W RMS 8000W Peak-to-Peak	500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	50/83/200 kHz	83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Side Imaging	200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth	5000 ft / 1524 m	1500 ft 2D 150 ft Side Imaging	600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging
GPS Antenna Type	Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS	Internal	Internal
Waypoint Storage	5000	3000	3000
Routes	200	50	50
Plot Trails	Up to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail	50 w/20,000 points each	50 w/20,000 points each
Background Map	Expanded U.S. BaseMap or Insight USA	Humminbird ContourXD	Humminbird Contour XD
MSRP	$2429.99	$2799.99	$2199.99
	Reviews	Reviews	Reviews

The Lowrance Elite-4 DSI Combo is a little device packed with a lot of functionality. It comes with a dual 455/800 kHz coverage: 455 kHz for when you want broad, general scanning and 800 kHz to help you focus in on specific areas and fish. One major bonus of the Lowrance Elite-4 DSI Combo is that it features the special DownScan Imaging, which is as close as you can come to seeing the sea beneath your boat without strapping on some goggles, an oxygen tank and taking a dive. The results derived from the DownScan Imaging are so clear they appear nearly photographic, so that you can quickly and easily identify everything it picks up. You can see both hard and soft bottoms, beds of seaweed, eager fish and more. Even thermoclines are clear, so you can see the difference in the water temperatures. Additionally, it may be said that this device is one that keeps up; even going some 40 mph, clear results can be obtained. The transducer can scan as deep as 200 feet underwater.

The Lowrance Elite-4 Chartplotter/Fishfinder Combo is truly a marriage of convenience, uniting the Elite-4’s 300 RMS Sounder (which penetrates some 800 feet into the water) with its more than capable Skimmer transducer (complete with dual frequency and as many as 120 degrees of accurate coverage). But this compact, versatile device has many more features than that to recommend itself to any smart fisherman. Take the TrackBack feature, for example, which allows you to store up to four pages of crisp sonar results – including literally thousands of waypoints, one hundred routes and a significant number of plot trails. This allows you to plan your voyage with accuracy and ease, without losing track of where you have been and what you might have seen on the way. You can also use it to pause and do a closer inspection of your sonar results.

The Elite-4 Chartplotter/Fishfinder Combo is pre-programmed with a basemap; however, it also contains an SD slot so if you need something more thorough or specific, you need only load it onto the SD card for easy installation. Of course, this slot is water proof, so you don’t risk damaging anything. The device is compatible with a variety of popular chart programs, including Navonics Gold and Premium, and Fishing Hotspot Pro. The hardware is likewise impressive. The Elite-4 Combo also has a bright backlit, controls which are easy to use (even single-handedly) and a GPS antenna which provides accurate location results. The accompanying tilt and swivel bracket makes it fast to click into place and faster still to release. Sonar results are displayed on a sharp, ultra sharp 4 inch screen, perfect for any kind of eyes. As a bonus, it also comes at a reasonably affordable price, compared to others in its class.

Garmin Echo 300c vs Lowrance Elite-4x DSI vs Humminbird 345c DI

	Garmin Echo 300c	Lowrance Elite-4x DSI	Humminbird 345c DI
Screen Size	3.5 in / 89 mm	3.5 in / 89 mm	3.5 in / 89 mm
Screen Resolution	320 x 240 pixels	320 x 240 pixels	320 x 240 pixels
Display Type	QVGA, 256 colors	256 colors	256 colors
Imaging	2D	Down Imaging	2D and Down Imaging
Transducer Type	Transom Mount/Trolling Motor	Transom Mount/Trolling Motor	Transom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit Power	300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak	350W RMS 2800W Peak-To-Peak	500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	200/77 kHz	455/800 kHz	200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth	1500 ft	200 ft	600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging
MSRP	$219	$199	$379
	Review	Review	Review

It is time to pack your winter coat, because the Lowrance Elite-5 IceMachine is improving the way you fish on ice. Specially created to provide not only reliable performance and easy portability but also perfect angles for ice fishing, the Elite-5 IceMachine has a brilliant, vibrant 5 inch display with special SolarMAX 256 color, so you can view each graph, chart and number with perfect clarity no matter what the weather is like or how cold it gets (the Elite-5 IceMachine can withstand temperatures as low as negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit). The machine has a backlit and a keyboard designed specifically to provide ease of use, even if you’re holding the machine with only one hand and a single thumb – a crucial capability when you’re fishing on ice and don’t have a free second hand.

Power is key when you’re ice fishing (it’s hard to know what’s under all those layers of ice), but that’s what this IceMachine delivers with its 200 kHz ice transducer and sonar cone; it is capable of reaching 1,000 feet deep. It also has a compatible Ice Transducer Float for easy control. Though it may be hard to navigate certain snowy, icy locations, you have an ally in the Elit-5, due to its 16 channel GPS-WAAS antenna and 3000 pre-loaded, intricate lake maps. And just in case you’re in a location not pre-loaded, the water-proof SD card slot allows you to add in more locations.

Traveling with your Elite-5 is easy because it comes with an Ice Fishing Pack: a special weather proof bag, battery charger, tackle trays and more. It contains an adjustable mount as well, so you can customize its placement according to your needs. All of these features combine to make the Lowrance Elite-5 IceMachine an ice fishing power house fishfinder and chart plotter.

While Garmin Echo 150 qualifies as one of the budget models, appealing to the cost-sensible fisherman, it has numerous features and qualities which make it feel like a top of the line system. For starters, there are its excellent dual beam capabilities. Making the most of its 200 watt sonar power, the beams go down 1,300 feet in fresh water, relaying back superb detail. And, there is a viewing angle of up to 120 degrees, so you can see far and wide. The Echo 150 also boasts Garmin HD-ID technology, which provides more detail and definition on your compact but bright 4 inch screen.

Useful in all weather conditions, the Echo 150 is waterproof and can be wiped off with a simple cloth. Other amenities of this model include Ultrascroll technology (so you can travel the speed you want to without sacrificing results), AutoGain technology to improve visual clarity, a water temperature sensor to help you track all the right fish, and 1,600 watt transmit power, peak to peak.

The best way to experience the benefits of this model are to just set it up and try it out for yourself; luckily, the mount and go capabilities made that a piece of cake to accomplish. As is standard with many fishfinders, it has a quick release mount; and, can be easily set up on any boat, tiny to large, due to its relatively small size. And of course, you do not have to reach too deeply into your pockets to make the purchase possible, as the Echo 150 is (somewhat surprisingly) an economy model fishfinder.

Garmin Echo 100 vs Garmin Echo 150 vs Humminbird 561

	Garmin Echo 100	Garmin Echo 150	Humminbird 561
Screen Size	4 in / 102 mm	4 in / 102 mm	5 in / 127 mm
Screen Resolution	160 x 256 pixels	160 x 256 pixels	320 x 320 pixels
Display Type	8-level grayscale FSTN	8-level grayscale FSTN	12-level grayscale FSTN LCD
Imaging	2D	2D	2D
Transmit Power	100W RMS 800W Peak-To-Peak	200W RMS 1600W Peak-To-Peak	300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	200 kHz	77/200 kHz	83/200 kHz
Maximum Depth	600 ft	1300 ft	800 ft
MSRP	$79.99	$99.99	$149.99
	Reviews	Reviews	Reviews

Humminbird 345c DI features a comfortably large 3.5 inch display, with 256 Color, so you can easily identify everything that it’s 16° and 25° beams pick up (for depths of up to 600 ft). The screen can be altered to your preference as it sports both customizable display and background colors. The results are displayed in real time, due to the Instant Image Update feature. And, utilizing its special SwitchFire technology, you can switch between the ultra detailed Max Mode and the simplified Clear Mode, depending on weather conditions.

Although some may be disappointed that this model doesn’t also include a chartplotter, consolation can be found in the Humminbird 345c DI fishfinder’s advanced features, which include sonar recording, Wide/Narrow Cone Split Screen (which lets you view the results from both the beams at the same time) and a freeze frame functionality, so you can do a deeper, careful inspection of the underwater surroundings.

Because your time is valuable, the Select Fish ID feature allows you to weed out the small fish and focus on just the ones that are worth your effort. You can further narrow down your search via the temperature alarm, which sounds when you reach a specified temperature (important when your fish of choice resides in a certain temperature band). And, you will not need to spend the minutes squinting away at your screen, because of the Large Digits View, which displays critical information in a large, easy to see format.

Garmin Echo 300c vs Lowrance Elite-4x DSI vs Humminbird 345c DI

	Garmin Echo 300c	Lowrance Elite-4x DSI	Humminbird 345c DI
Screen Size	3.5 in / 89 mm	3.5 in / 89 mm	3.5 in / 89 mm
Screen Resolution	320 x 240 pixels	320 x 240 pixels	320 x 240 pixels
Display Type	QVGA, 256 colors	256 colors	256 colors
Imaging	2D	Down Imaging	2D and Down Imaging
Transducer Type	Transom Mount/Trolling Motor	Transom Mount/Trolling Motor	Transom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit Power	300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak	350W RMS 2800W Peak-To-Peak	500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	200/77 kHz	455/800 kHz	200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth	1500 ft	200 ft	600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging
MSRP	$219	$199	$379
	Review	Review	Review

The Lowrance HDS8 Gen2 can help prevent users from getting lost on their travel adventures out in the open water and fishermen from coming home empty handed. It bares an 8 inch full color backlit screen with a resolution of 600 by 800 pixels. It is simply a great looking addition to any boat.

Accuracy is not an issue with the HDS8 Gen2 as it operates on the 50/85/200 kHz channel with a great rendering capability. The transducer options for deep water imaging include both Lowrance and Airmar. The sonar depth that the device can reach is a maximum of 5000 feet but that is great for any type of fisherman.

The information that the screen provides is always relevant to the operation of the device. It provides a depth alarm and shallow alarm when they are crossed. A temperature display can help ensure proper operation temperatures within the 5-130 degrees Fahrenheit (-15-55C). Any temperature more or less than the threshold will not guarantee accuracy with the device. It is waterproof so owners can rest assured that it will not get damaged with a splash or high humidity conditions.

Depending on the location where the Lowrance HDS8 Gen2 is going to be used, the consumer will need to purchase the appropriate antennae type for their operation location. The choice for internal antennae to be used in the Americas is the GPS+WAAS and the Non-Americas is the GPS+EGNOS+MSAS.

Lowrance HDS-8 vs Humminbird 898c SI vs Humminbird 958c DI

	Lowrance HDS-8	Humminbird 898c SI	Humminbird 958c DI
Screen Size	8.4 in / 213 mm	7 in	8 in
Screen Resolution	600 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Display Type	16-bit color Super VGA SolarMAX™ PLUS TFT	256 Color TFT	16:9 Color TFT
Imaging	2D	2D and Side 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 equivalent 3750W	1000W RMS 8000W Peak-to-Peak	500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	50/83/200 kHz	83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Side Imaging	200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth	5000 ft / 1524 m	1500 ft 2D 150 ft Side Imaging	600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging
GPS Antenna Type	Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS	Internal	Internal
Waypoint Storage	5000	3000	3000
Routes	200	50	50
Plot Trails	Up to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail	50 w/20,000 points each	50 w/20,000 points each
Background Map	Expanded U.S. BaseMap or Insight USA	Humminbird ContourXD	Humminbird Contour XD
MSRP	$1819.99	$1666.99	$1499.99
	Reviews	Reviews	Reviews

Humminbird 958c DI provides down imaging a technology that can reveal unusual details beneath the boat. It has great accuracy at depths of 250ft to 600ft and deeper imaging can be achieved with the SwitchFire option. It is available to provide sonar returns from 20 degrees to 60 degrees in split screen.

The screen itself is a generous 8 inches across and has a backlight to provide viewing access even in the dark. The 480/600×800 pixel resolutions of the 958c DI are perfectly matched with the split screen viewing with the dualbeam plus options. Monitoring all of the data that is needed during an outing is possible without having to fiddle with the screen. Everything is customizable with this model and owners of the system can make it fit their preferences. There are several ways to network the system including Ethernet, Cannonlink, WeatherSense and InterLink so sharing favorite fishing locations or navigational routes is possible.

The Humminbird 958c DI has a great deal of memory available that can help plot routes. A total of 50 routes can be stored on the precision GPS so favorite fishing locations can be stored. Using the waypoint system, several different locations on the map can be stored so the user can find their way back to certain locations if they ever get confused. 3000 standalone waypoints can be set as well as a total of 20,000 waypoints for each route making it an efficient system for route plotting.

Lowrance HDS-8 vs Humminbird 898c SI vs Humminbird 958c DI

	Lowrance HDS-8	Humminbird 898c SI	Humminbird 958c DI
Screen Size	8.4 in / 213 mm	7 in	8 in
Screen Resolution	600 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Display Type	16-bit color Super VGA SolarMAX™ PLUS TFT	256 Color TFT	16:9 Color TFT
Imaging	2D	2D and Side 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 equivalent 3750W	1000W RMS 8000W Peak-to-Peak	500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	50/83/200 kHz	83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Side Imaging	200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth	5000 ft / 1524 m	1500 ft 2D 150 ft Side Imaging	600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging
GPS Antenna Type	Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS	Internal	Internal
Waypoint Storage	5000	3000	3000
Routes	200	50	50
Plot Trails	Up to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail	50 w/20,000 points each	50 w/20,000 points each
Background Map	Expanded U.S. BaseMap or Insight USA	Humminbird ContourXD	Humminbird Contour XD
MSRP	$1819.99	$1666.99	$1499.99
	Reviews	Reviews	Reviews

When it comes to selecting the perfect fishfinder for all your fishing needs, value is everything. This is where the Garmin Echo 100 comes into play, as a strong fishfinder packed with all the important functionality but nevertheless light on both the frills and your wallet. The benefits of the Echo 100 start with its crisp 4 inch display (with a pixel resolution of 160 x 256 and an 8 level grayscale FSTN screen) and quickly extend to include its single 200kHz beam transmitter, which brings up details hidden under as many as 600 feet of fresh water. There is a significant amount of sonar power in that beam (100 watts).

Garmin Echo 100 is a reliable companion as it eliminates much of the guesswork. It has Fish Symbol ID, to help you track the fish you want to catch, and AutoGain Technology to help you avoid being distracted by clutter or noise in the water. There is also a water temperature sensor so you can make sure you are in the same temperature bands as your favorite fish reside.

Because of the compact sizing, the Garmin Echo 100 is perfect for small to mid-sized boats and will not crowd your limited space. Everything you need comes in the box, including the fish finder itself, a tilt and swivel mount, all the proper power cables, transducer and instructions. This makes installation a very easy matter, once again saving you time. What this fishfinder lacks in flashy features, it makes up for in reliable, efficient performance, speed and of course, excellent value.

Garmin Echo 100 vs Garmin Echo 150 vs Humminbird 561

	Garmin Echo 100	Garmin Echo 150	Humminbird 561
Screen Size	4 in / 102 mm	4 in / 102 mm	5 in / 127 mm
Screen Resolution	160 x 256 pixels	160 x 256 pixels	320 x 320 pixels
Display Type	8-level grayscale FSTN	8-level grayscale FSTN	12-level grayscale FSTN LCD
Imaging	2D	2D	2D
Transmit Power	100W RMS 800W Peak-To-Peak	200W RMS 1600W Peak-To-Peak	300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	200 kHz	77/200 kHz	83/200 kHz
Maximum Depth	600 ft	1300 ft	800 ft
MSRP	$79.99	$99.99	$149.99
	Reviews	Reviews	Reviews

The standalone Garmin GPSMAP 740S outperforms most fish trackers. It has preloaded coastal data for all US coastal locations including Alaska and Hawaii. It has a simple and intuitive touch screen that most users can figure out within minutes. The brightness of the screen can be adjusted at any time and includes a feature to dim during darkness periods to help reduce energy consumption. In addition to the capabilities of the touch screen, the 7 inch display is able to provide all of the vital fishing and location data needed within the frame.

The BlueChart g2 Vision SD card upgrades are recommended when fishing at a favorite location. The 3D view of the location both above and below the waterline can be an essential part of navigation and location setting for an outing. The hi-res satellite imagery can be used to double check the accuracy of the GPSMAP 740S. Many people will enjoy using the auto guide to plot their course.

Small boat navigation is better with a simple yet high performance multi-function compact GPS chart plotter and digital fish finder. The Raymarine e7D is one of the most advanced options on the market which is also available in the mid cost range for plotters and fish finders. It is highly specialized to work in nearly every environment with real time data. Fetching fish data is possible with only a few selections.

It has a 7 inch screen which can be adjusted with any type of display that the user needs. It can provide a standard fish display, radar, weather, thermal night vision and many other types of displays with the touch of a button. A specialized remote for the steering wheel can be purchased separately to allow users to control additional data and produce waypoints during the routing runs in fast paced environments.

The WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity makes it possible to connect Raymarine e7D to Apple devices such as the iPad, iPod or iPhone. It can sync to streams of the data whenever and wherever the user is on the boat. All facets of the Raymarine e7D display capabilities and controls can be accessed in this manner through the Apple devices and a specialized app available from iTunes.

It is definitely a high end product that has more features than the majority of products on the market. It includes a wide variety of interface connection options compatible with the NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 and SeaTalking connections. This increases the compatibility with a with an even wider selection of third party equipment which may be added to the boat. Networking is possible between boats wirelessly and can even share streams with other e7D users.