Every angler would rather be fishing than messing with equipment or trolling around looking for a good spot. Thankfully the folks at Lowrance kept this in mind when they designed the Elite 9 CHIRP fish finder and chart plotter. The simple set up, bright HD display, and easy operation make it a huge time saver. The unit is great out of the box but Lowrance offers several software and hardware upgrades to take the capabilities even further. Coming in at around $1200 the Elite 9 may seem pricey but it is definitely worth the investment.
Hardware
On the hardware side the Elite 9 is everything a top end sonar/gps should be. The case and mounting brackets are composite and built to endure some strenuous situations. It runs off a standard 12 volt power supply making it simple to set up and get going. There are too many transducer options to list here but rest assured that whatever the depth and accuracy need, they have it covered. The 9″ HD display provides ample space for viewing up to three data screens at once. There is a high capacity Micro-SD card slot for storing user data or upgrading the maps or software.
Finding Fish
This is where the unit really shines. It combines CHIRP sonar with DownScan imaging in real-time. Then out puts this data into an easy to read overlay display providing crisp easy to read images at any zoom. Advanced signal processing makes differentiating structures, fish, and bottom readings a breeze with virtually no adjustments necessary. The CHIRP sonar allows for excellent game and bait fish identification at higher speeds and greater depths. Finding the right spot to drop anchor and start casting will take less time than ever.
Managing Maps
The Elite 9 comes loaded with maps of over 3,000 U.S. rivers and lakes almost assuring that every destination is covered. For favorite fishing spots sonar data can be uploaded to Lowrance’s Insight Genesis website to create accurate charts of areas of interest. For even more detailed charts there are various packages of map upgrades available for purchase. These include Navionics HotMaps Premium, Lake or Nautic Insight PRO, and Fishing Hotspots PRO. For those who opt for the Insight Genesis premium membership, there is access to a wealth of community knowledge including tons of recent user-generated data to help choose the right destination.
Upgrades
With the optional software and hardware upgrades available, the Elite 9 goes beyond boating aid into the range of professional hydro-graphic tool. Navtronics and C-Map compatibility allow integration of the most up to date navigational charts available. Combine this with an impressive array of increasingly accurate sonar transducer and GPS antenna upgrades, and this unit is capable of producing amazingly detailed charts at any depth. There is also an optional Navico Cartography Toolkit available for professional chart makers. Anything accurate enough for professional cartographers is a truly precise instrument.
Final Thoughts
While sticker shock might scare away first time buyers, the money is well spent. The standard options available in this unit are more than enough for even the most avid angler.The design is solid and the controls are easy to master. A wealth of upgrades ensures that the capabilities of the unit can scale to fit any future need. Seriously, if the need goes beyond what this thing can offer surveying equipment will be necessary. The Lowrance Elite 9 CHIRP fish finder and chart plotter is worth every penny. You can get a great deal on Lowrance Elite 9 CHIRP here.
| Lowrance Elite 9 CHIRP | Garmin echoMap 93sv | Humminbird 999ci HD SI | |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  |
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| Screen Size | 9 in | 9 in | 8 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color TFT | WVGA | 16:9 Color |
| Imaging | 2D, DownScan, StructureScan, Downscan Overlay | 2D, Down Imaging, Side Imaging | 2D, Down Imaging, Side Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W RMS, 30000W Peak- to-Peak | 500W RMS 4,000W peak to peak | 1,000W RMS 8,000W Peak-to-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 455/800 kHz Down Imaging 50 kHz / 83kHz / 200kHz CHIRP | 77/200 kHz 2D (50/200 kHz transducer included with the 94sv version) 455/800 kHz Down Vu/Side Vu | 83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Side Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 300 ft Down Imaging 1,000 ft at 83 kHz 3,000 ft at 50 kHz | 2,300 ft freshwater 1,100 ft saltwater | 1500 ft 2D 150 ft Side Imaging |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal high-sensitivity WAAS | Internal only | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 3000 | 5,000 | 3000 |
| Routes | 100 | 100 | 50 |
| Plot Trails | 100 trails, 10,000 points / trail | 50,000 points; 50 saved tracks | 50 tracks, 20,000 points |
| Default Maps | 3000 US lake maps US coastal maps | LakeVu HD (inland maps) | Humminbird ContourXD |
| MSRP | $1299 | $1199 | $1499 |
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