Top 5 Editorial Picks

Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.

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  1. 1
    Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with Transducer - 4-inch LCD Display - Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar - Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces (010-02550-00) | Transducer, 4-inch LCD Display, Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar, Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces 4 Inch STRIKER Vivid 4cv Transducer

    Best Compact Value

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv

    A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.

    • CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar in a compact package
    • A sensible pick when you do not need a chartplotter or SideVü
    • Best fit for budget-conscious small-boat anglers
  2. 2
    Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00) | Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder, Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes 010-02553-00 7 Inch STRIKER Vivid 7sv Transducer

    Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv

    A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.

    • CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar for fish and structure
    • Simple setup with a practical 7-inch screen
    • Strong value for most general boat anglers
  3. 3
    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv with GT54 Transducer, 7” Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland 7' Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland with GT54 Transducer

    Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade

    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv

    The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.

    • Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland mapping and touchscreen control
    • Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü sonar
    • A better fit than STRIKER when charts matter
  4. 4
    Humminbird XPLORE Series GPS Fish Finder MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen Display Transducer Included) 9-Inch Display

    Best Side-Imaging Upgrade

    Humminbird XPLORE 9

    A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.

    • MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+
    • 9-inch display with touchscreen and keypad control
    • Recommended configuration: 9-inch, transducer included
  5. 5
    Lowrance HDS PRO Fishfinder/Chartplotter with Smartphone Integration and Preloaded C-MAP U.S. & Canada Charts 10 Inch ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1

    Best Premium Expandable System

    Lowrance HDS PRO 10

    A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.

    • Active Imaging HD and C-MAP charting
    • Wide networking support for integrated electronics
    • Ready to expand with ActiveTarget 2 and the Lowrance ecosystem

Raymarine a68 Review

Raymarine_a68

Vendor Price
WestMarine $1179.99
Sears $1364.99
Cabelas $1364.99
ISave $1264.99

The a68 fishfinder by Raymarine features CHIRP DownVision built right in with a full featured multifunction display. The CHIRP DownVision channel on the a68 model fishfinder delivers some amazing images of wrecks, fish, and underwater structure with photographic quality. There is also a CHIRP fish targeting channel on the a68 model fishfinder for easy identification of predators and baitfish.

The Navionics Gold charts on microSD are optional and can be upgraded later to satellite photographs with Navionics Platinum Charts and 3D charting. The WiFi version of a68 allows you to control the unit and see the display from a Tablet and Smartphone through the use of Raymarine mobile applications. This provides anglers complete control and access to radar, sonar, and charts from anywhere onboard.

The combination of DownVision and CHIRP sonar, which was first introduced by Raymarine with their groundbreaking Dragonfly earlier this year, is now also available in the aSeries as well. The new multifunction displays offer large specification format and compact dimensions. The MFDs feature the LightHouse User Interface – a compact touchscreen display with network capabilities, sonar, and advanced navigation.

The a68 with its 5.7 inch touchscreen display is designed for coastal and freshwater fishing. The displays on the a68 model fishfinder offer many different add-on options, such as the RCU-3 Bluetooth remote steering wheel. The a68 fishfinder can be a part of a larger Raymarine system or a small boat network because all models are equipped with a Raynet Ethernet port. Boaters will also have the option for an affordable and compact high performance radar system because this Raynet port also enables connection to Raymarine radar scanners. Owners of the Raymarine multifunction display can use any aSeries display as a multifunction graphical instrument display or a full function remote station. You can get a great deal on Raymarine a68 here.

 
 
 Garmin GPSMAP 527xsRaymarine DragonflyRaymarine a68
garmin_gpsmap527xsraymarine_dragonflyraymarine_a68
Screen Size5 in5.7 in5.7 in
Screen Resolution480 x 640 pixels 640 x 480 pixels640 x 480 pixels
Display TypeColor VGAColor VGATouchscreen Color VGA
Imaging2D and Down Imaging2D and Down Imaging2D and Down Imaging
Transducer TypeTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount or Thru Hull (Transducer not included)
Transmit Power1 kW (600W CHIRP) 500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency 40 kHz-210 kHz 200 kHz Sonar/350 kHz Down Vision 200 kHz Sonar/350 kHz Down Vision
Maximum Depth2,000 ft salt water600 ft in both DownVision and Sonar modes600 ft in both DownVision and Sonar modes
GPS Antenna TypeInternalInternalInternal
Waypoint Storage50003000 3000
Routes100150150
MSRP$689.99$649.99$1264.99
ReviewsReviewsReviews

User Reviews

Posted by M. Jenkins

  • 3/5
3

This unit makes sense if you’re fishing in deep water. In shallow water (less than 300ft) StructureScan is still better than CHIRP.

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