Lowrance recently announced the addition of the affordable Elite-4 CHIRP series of fishfinders to the company’s lineup. The Elite 4 CHIRP comes equipped with all of the bells and whistles of the Elite-4 HDI series with the addition of CHIRP that emits a modulated pulse via the transducer. Instead of emitting a single 50 or 200 kHz pulse that bounces off objects and returns at the same frequency, CHIRP pings pass through the water at different frequencies ranging from 28 to 60 kHz, 42 to 65 kHz or 130 to 210 kHz. In this way, regardless of the distance of the targets, pings return at different frequencies, which effectively separates even the smallest objects and provides greater image detail.
Using a single transducer, anglers have the option of changing the CHIRP settings with pings ranging from low to high. Set on the lowest frequency, the sonar illustrates bait and game fish at the deepest depths of the water column. Use a medium setting when attempting to locate bottom structures or fish. The high setting provides the clearest images in shallow or coastal waters. The detail produced makes it possible to watch the action around lures while distinguishing between bait balls and game fish. Images are also visible as the boat moves.
DownScan
Lowrance fishfinders also feature the down imaging that creates even crisper images of what actually lies beneath the boat using high frequency sonar. DownScan creates photograph-like 3D images of fish, vegetation and solid structures, which takes the mystery out of animate and inanimate objects. By applying the Overlay option, anglers can also combine DownScan images with CHIRP sonar to form a single view.
Features
Elite 4 CHIRP features a 4.3-inch screen that provides color images in high definition. See water depth, temperature and boat speed via large on-screen digits. The on/off, menu, page, zoom and directional buttons on the front of the device make the unit user-friendly right out of the box. Once powered on, anglers merely choose from a series of pre-set page layouts ranging from single to triple split screen views. Look at maps while getting CHIRP or DownScan images at the same time. The TrackBack feature scrolls stored images backwards to reassess particular structures or locations. The map feature provides information on more than 3,000 lakes and rivers in the United States along with coastal contours.
The micro SD card slot is suitable for using a variety of plug-and-play maps. Or, use a blank card to keep plotted way-points. The Insight Genesis technology allows anglers to go online and create customized maps using recorded information. Simply upload data to a no cost account, view the desired chart, make the needed adjustments and download the data to the SD card. You can get a great deal on Lowrance Elite 4 CHIRP here.
| Lowrance Elite-4 CHIRP | Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Screen Size | 4.3 in | 5 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color TFT | 256 colors TFT |
| Imaging | 2D using CHRIP, Down Imaging, Downscan Overlay | 2D, Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | 350W RMS 2800W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 455/800 kHz DownScan 50 kHz/83kHz/200kHz CHIRP | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 300 ft DownScan 1000 ft CHIRP 200/83 kHz 3000 ft CHIRP 50 kHz | 600 ft 2D 350 ft Down Imaging |
| GPS Antenna | Internal high-sensitivity WAAS + EGNOS + MSAS (optional external antenna) | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 3,000 | 2,500 |
| Routes | 100 | 45 |
| Plot Trails | 100 trails, 10,000 points / trail | 50 trails, 20,000 points / trail |
| MSRP | $299 | $349 |
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| Review | Review |