Editor's Review
Garmin Echo 550C - Review
| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
The Garmin Echo 550C has set the bar high for those anglers who want to step up their game. Everything about this fishfinder exudes user-friendly from the set-up to the operation. Installation of the unit and the included transom-mount transducer occurs in minutes using the quick release tilt mount. The interface is simple for even a beginner to navigate with easy to understand buttons and a trouble-free menu.
Because the Echo 550C has the exclusive Garmin HD-ID, you will never be left guessing about the underwater world. See the bottom in accurate detail and know where drop-offs may occur. View structures that could hinder your success and identify them easily. Target and spot the fish you want with ease. Watch your drop on-screen as it occurs to be notified of anything that could prevent your success. With this fishfinder you will get to know the bottom like never before.
The Echo 550C boasts 500w of RMS power that only helps to bolster its ability. With a dual-beam transducer the viewing angle is expanded beyond that area directly around the boat. The beams extend your vision to an angle of 120 degrees wide. Because this fishfinder possesses powerful sonar capabilities, you are able to see defined bottom detail up to 1900ft in freshwater. The dual frequency of the unit allows for enhanced performance regardless of whether the water is deep or shallow.
The display of the Echo 550C is one of the top features. Every detail of the fish, bottoms and structures that lie beneath the surface will be presented to you in clarity on the 5” color screen. With a 640 X 480 high resolution display, every image captured will appear to you in video quality.
Since the Echo 550C has Smooth Scaling technology, you never have to worry about losing your sonar history. Regardless of a change in water depth, the history will still be there for you to view. This fishfinder also has the ability to rewind that history and take a look back at the spots you have previously visited.
Using the Garmin Echo 550c you can see well beyond your sides of your boat thanks to a dual-beam transducer with up to 120 degree viewing angle. Plus the powerful sonar lets you see as deep as 1,900 ft. There is no way a bass can even think about hiding from me now.
Where to mount? There are flush mount kits for under $10 for the 550c. It will give you a sleek install and be out of your way. The flush mount kit will make it very easy to install your system almost anywhere in your boat. Maybe even have two: one for the console and one for the bow.
My favorite thing about the 550c is how easy it is to use. The menu is very easy to navigate and all the buttons are self-explanatory. You can do just about everything with this unit. If you are looking to upgrade then I very highly recommend the Garmin 550c for any angler.
Garmin Echo 550c vs Lowrance Elite-5x DSI vs Humminbird 596c HD DI
| Garmin Echo 550c | Lowrance Elite-5x DSI | Humminbird 596c HD DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
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| Screen Size | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels | 640 x 640 pixels |
| Display Type | VGA, 256 colors | 256-color SolarMAX PLUS TFT | 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 | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 200/77 kHz | 83/200 kHz | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1900 ft | 1000 ft | 1000 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging |
| MSRP | $449.99 | $419.99 | $549.99 |
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