The Lowrance Elite-5 HDI features Dual Hybrid Imaging. This is a combination of two technologies, which are Downscan Imaging and Broadband Sounder. These technologies offer fishermen a great view of the water column and everything that’s in it.
The Broadband Sounder Technology is built into the new skimmer transducer which makes it easy to track lure action and mark fish arches. This can be done while the Downscan Imaging offers lifelike views of the details of the bottom and structure. Boaters can use the Downscan Overlay to layer the view from the Downscan Imaging system over the Broadband Sounder for an excellent view that clearly exposes and separates the surrounding structure from fish targets. Also, using the rotary knob on the Elite-5 HDI, the overlay transparency is easily changed and completely adjustable. This fishfinder also has a TrackBack system that permits fishermen to review fish targets, transitions, and structure by scrolling back the recorded sonar history. Anglers don’t have to circle back and retrace their path because the TrackBack system can pinpoint locations.
The chartplotter capability features a highly accurate built in GPS antenna as well as a detailed map of the US with over 3,000 rivers and lakes in addition to coastal contours upto 1,000 feet. The new online Genesis map creation service permits anglers to create their own high resolution, custom, contour vegetation and bottom hardness maps from the sonar logs that are recorded with this chartplotter feature.
The five inch color display has high resolution and a user friendly menu system that offers fast access to all features. There are many different display options and many different configurations of chartplotter, imaging, and sounder screens. While live chart and sonar are displayed, anglers can even choose a multi window.
The HDI 50/200 kHz Skimmer transducer is great for Great lakes and deeper coastal locations. The HDI 83/200 kHz option is best applicable to fishing inland. The HDI 50/200 kHz and the 83/200 kHz Broadband Sounder will reach respective depths of up to 2,500 and 1,000 feet. The depth capability of DownScan Imaging is up to 300 feet. Transducer accessories that are optional include a trolling motor flush mount and adapter kits as well as many bronze thru hull HDI transducers.
The Lowrance Advantage Service Program provides a one year limited warranty and the Elite-5 HDI series can be bought from authorized Lowrance distributors and dealers throughout Canada and the US starting in August 2013. You can get a great deal on Lowrance Elite-5 HDI – here.
| Garmin EchoMAP 50s | Raymarine Dragonfly | Lowrance Elite-5 HDI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Screen Size | 5 in | 5.7 in | 5 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 640 pixels | 640 x 480 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels |
| Display Type | Color VGA | Color VGA | 256 Color TFT |
| Imaging | 2D | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | 500W (RMS) / 4,000W (peak to peak) | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 250W RMS, 30,000W Peak to Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 200/77 kHz | 200 kHz Sonar/350 kHz Down Vision | (50/200 kHz or 83/200 kHz) 2D 455/800 kHz Down Scan |
| Maximum Depth | 1,900 ft fresh water / 700 ft salt water | 600 ft in both DownVision and Sonar modes | 1000 ft/2500 ft 2D 300 ft Down Scan |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 5000 | 3000 | 3000 |
| Routes | 100 | 150 | 100 |
| MSRP | $499.99 | $649.99 | $499.99 |
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