The Garmin echo 201dv is a powerful unit with advanced sonar features that until now could only be found on much more expensive fishfinders. 201dv provides traditional sonar as well as Garmin’s version of down imaging called DownVü. Broadband sonar gives you excellent definition of fish arches while down imaging displays the structure and bottom in photo-accurate quality. All of that is displayed on a 5 inch, 16 level grayscale screen at a resolution of 480 x 320.
The included 77/200 kHz dual beam transducer transmits 3000 watts (RMS) output power and will dive down to a 1,700 foot depth maximum. 201dv can also be purchased without a transducer and supports 50/200 kHz dual frequency transducers that can go even deeper. Employing an A-scope, real time display, you can watch as the fish swim through the transducer beam.
This fishfinder includes a host of other features, designed to act as a digital toolbox. The Garmin echo includes ‘Smooth Scaling’ depth range adjustments, so that users have a seamless transition when sailing along coasts or varying terrain. The graphics provided by the Smooth Scaling system offers uninterrupted images when switching between the ranges in the depth scales. Additionally, sonar scanning history is saved to the device, so that the user can rewind through previous data and find that perfect spot.
Despite all of the technology packed into the echo 201dv, Garmin included a high amount of usability and digital assistance with this product. Featuring audible alarms that warn when prime fishing spots appear, an Ultrascroll® system that displays fishing targets even at high speeds, and active monitoring of water temperature, this small device is full of useful tools and tricks. On top of all of this, the echo 201dv is simple to install, and takes up little to no space. The system includes a quick-release tilt and swivel mount, and a trolling motor transducer mount so that installation is simple and quick. The technology, features, and ease of installation, combined with the small size of the fishfinder itself, marks the Garmin echo 201dv as a valuable addition to any fishing boat. You can get a great deal on Garmin echo 201dv here.
| Garmin Echo 201dv | Humminbird 561 DI | |
|---|---|---|
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| Screen Size | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels | 320 x 320 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-level grayscale HVGA | 16-level grayscale |
| Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transmit Power | 300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 200/77 kHz 200/50 kHz with optional dual frequency transducer | 200 kHz 2D Sonar 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1750 ft at 77 kHz freshwater | 350 ft DI 600 ft 2D Sonar |
| MSRP | $179 | $199 |
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| Review | Review |