Top 5 Editorial Picks

Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.

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  1. 1
    Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with Transducer - 4-inch LCD Display - Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar - Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces (010-02550-00) 4 Inch STRIKER Vivid 4cv Transducer

    Best Compact Value

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv

    A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.

    • CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar in a compact package
    • A sensible pick when you do not need a chartplotter or SideVü
    • Best fit for budget-conscious small-boat anglers
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  2. 2
    Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00) 7 Inch STRIKER Vivid 7sv Transducer

    Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv

    A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.

    • CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar for fish and structure
    • Simple setup with a practical 7-inch screen
    • Strong value for most general boat anglers
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  3. 3
    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv with GT54 Transducer, 7” Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland 7' Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland with GT54 Transducer

    Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade

    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv

    The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.

    • Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland mapping and touchscreen control
    • Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü sonar
    • A better fit than STRIKER when charts matter
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  4. 4
    Humminbird XPLORE Series GPS Fish Finder MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen Display Transducer Included) 9-Inch Display

    Best Side-Imaging Upgrade

    Humminbird XPLORE 9

    A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.

    • MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+
    • 9-inch display with touchscreen and keypad control
    • Recommended configuration: 9-inch, transducer included
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  5. 5
    Lowrance HDS PRO Fishfinder/Chartplotter with Smartphone Integration and Preloaded C-MAP U.S. & Canada Charts 10 Inch ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1

    Best Premium Expandable System

    Lowrance HDS PRO 10

    A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.

    • Active Imaging HD and C-MAP charting
    • Wide networking support for integrated electronics
    • Ready to expand with ActiveTarget 2 and the Lowrance ecosystem
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Lowrance Mark-5X DSI Portable Review

lowrance_mark-5xdsi

Vendor Price
BassPro $159.99
WestMarine $199.99

Lowrance Mark-5X DSI Portable boasts extremely clear views of the water below you, due to the Lowrance DownScan Imaging technology included on the device. The scanning abilities are so powerful you are basically presented with crisp pictures of everything below you. This is possible because of the serious power running through the Mark-5x DSI (4,000W peak to peak and 500W RMS) for top of the line sonar scanning. Depths reached are as deep as 250 feet. There is a caveat: for the best picture clarity, boat speed should be below 10mph.

Mark-5x DSI includes the Skimmer DSI imaging transducer, along with a temperature sensor and mount. The screen has been optimized for both aesthetics (with attractive, large icons and fonts) and use, has a bright backlit, maintains all of its visibility even under direct sunlight and features the SuperTwist 16 level gray scale display. The fishfinder also has the benefit of the TrackBack technology, so you can study different spots and return back to them if need be. Depending on your skill level and current need, it has an automatic and manual mode (automatic for when you’re busy and manual for when you want to get hands on with the specifications). Though you may need a chance to catch your breath after reading through the included features, you will have plenty of chances to relax while fishing, comfortable in the knowledge that your Mark-5x DSI is providing you with top tier results.

You can get a great deal on Lowrance Mark-5X DSI Portable here.

 
 
 Garmin Echo 200Lowrance Mark-5x DSIHumminbird 570 DI
garminecho200lowrance_mark-5xdsi1humminbird_570di
Screen Size5 in / 127 mm5 in / 127 mm5 in / 127 mm
Screen Resolution320 x 480 pixels 480 x 480 pixels640 x 320 pixels
Display Type16-level grayscale HVGA 16-level grayscale LCD16-level grayscale
Imaging2DDown Imaging 2D and Down Imaging
Transmit Power300W RMS
2400W Peak-To-Peak 		500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak		300W RMS
2400W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency 200/77 kHz455/800 kHz200 kHz 2D Sonar
455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth1,500 ft 250 ft250 ft (DI), 600 ft (2D Sonar)
MSRP$159.99$269.99$299.99
ReviewReviewReview
Down Imaging, Lowrance Fishfinders, Mono Fishfinders, Portable Fishfinders

User Reviews

Posted by floridakeys

  • 1/5
1

If you’re looking for high definition unit that you can easily ready in sunlight, this one is not it. I bought this fishfinder because of downscan but I can’t read it while on the water in my kayak. I’ll have to return this one and buy a color unit after all.

Posted by A Miller

  • 1/5
1

This “fishfinder” doesn’t find fish. It has downscan capability only, no regular sonar option. It’ll only give you an image of the structure and bottom but it won’t mark fish. Unfortunately I found that out after I had bought it. Even the sales person at the store didn’t know that, he had to call the manufacturer and confirm when I came back to return it.

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