The Garmin echo 301dv is a small but powerful fishfinder that offers down imaging (called DownVü by Garmin) as well as traditional 200/77 kHz dual beam sonar. The Garmin DownVü offers an almost photographic view of the structure underneath the boat. The new echo 301 is an evolution of the echo 300 platform. Along with the dv version Garmin introduces echo 301c that supports 50/200kHz dual frequency, deepwater transducers.
Garmin echo 301dv is a very accurate and powerful sonar. With the Ultrascroll technology users can capture clear imagery as the boat approaches higher speeds. The Smooth Scailing feature keeps all images stable and clear as the scanning range shifts from deep to shallow water. Wide-angle viewing is available if you want to expand your point of observation. The narrow to wide viewing cone angles permit anglers to target fish in shallow or deep water. This is in addition to greater target separation in both saltwater and freshwater situations. Echo 301c version can purchased with or without a transducer and supports a number of Garmin and Airmar transducers with 50/77/200 kHz frequencies.
Echo 301 uses the same QVGA color display display as its predecessor. The display provides 240×320 resolution, has 3.5 inch diagonal size and is crisp and readable in sunlight. The fishfinder comes with low profile trolling motor and swivel/tilt quick release transom mounts, which make the installation very easy. Protective cover is not included and needs to be purchased separately. If you want to convert your echo 301 to a portable fishfinder you need to purchase the portable kit. The kit includes soft carrying case, base/handle, suction cup transducer mount, power cable, battery and charger.
What separates Garmin echo 301 from similar models on the market is the outstanding accuracy and sensitivity of the sonar. Lowrance Elite-4x HDI has a very similar feature set with one exception – it has a bigger screen. In spite of this, Garmin seems to emerge as the more useful unit because of its greater scanning depth and better fish targeting technology. You can get a great deal on Garmin echo 301dv here.
| Garmin Echo 301dv | Lowrance Elite-4x HDI | Humminbird 346c DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  |
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| Screen Size | 3.5 in | 4.3 in | 3.5 in |
| Screen Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels | 480 x 272 pixels | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Display Type | QVGA, 256 colors | 16-bit color TFT | 256 colors TFT |
| Imaging | 2D, Down Imaging | 2D, Down Imaging, Downscan Overlay | 2D, 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 200/50 kHz with an optional dual frequency transducer | 83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Downscan 50/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Downscan with optional dual frequency transducer | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1750 ft | 300 ft Downscan 750 ft 2D 2000 ft with optional dual frequency transducer | 600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging |
| MSRP | $269 | $199 | $249 |
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