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Garmin echo 301dv Review

Rating
4.3/5
 
Garmin echo 301dv has an average rating of 4.33 out of 5 based on 3 user reviews.

Garmin_301dv

VendorPrice
BassPro$269.99
Sears$269.99
Cabelas$269.99
ISave$269.99

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 301dvLowrance Elite-4x HDIHumminbird 346c DI
garmin_301dvlowrance_elite-4-hdihumminbird345cdi
Screen Size3.5 in4.3 in3.5 in
Screen Resolution320 x 240 pixels 480 x 272 pixels320 x 240 pixels
Display TypeQVGA, 256 colors16-bit color TFT256 colors TFT
Imaging2D, Down Imaging2D, Down Imaging, Downscan Overlay2D, Down Imaging
Transducer TypeTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit Power300W RMS
2400W Peak-To-Peak
350W RMS
2800W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency200/77 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 Depth1750 ft300 ft Downscan
750 ft 2D

2000 ft with optional dual frequency transducer
600 ft 2D
250 ft Down Imaging
MSRP$269$199$249
ReviewReviewReview

User Reviews

Posted by Dan B.

  • 5/5
5

The display in this unit is very bright. You can see the difference when comparing to other units at this price. The sonar seems to be accurate. The down image is a nice addition but I don’t use it very often. It’s a good unit if you’re okay with the smaller display.

Posted by TPerry

  • 3/5
3

This unit is a very good sonar. It’s got both down image and 2d. The display is much better than comparable units. The only problem is the detachable mount. It’s made of cheap plastic, mine broke after a couple of months.

Posted by Ryan

  • 5/5
5

I’ve been using this sounder for some time now very simple easy to use nice compact unit perfect for my kayak and flawless images of submerged structure with downvu love the ability to run split screen downvu and Finder very happy with my unit 🙂

Posted by Victor

0

i find this unit fantastic very simple easy to set up and calibrate.
The screen is amazingly visible even in full sun the downvu is picture like of the structure beneath is easy to unclip and attach to and from mount. Small and powerful unit the ability to run downvu and traditional style finder in split screen is great. Favourite feature of this unit by far is the downvu the image of the underlying structure is so impressive !

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