Raymarine recently introduced the Dragonfly 7, the big brother of the Dragonfly 5. The difference between the two being a larger, 7-inch screen that provides an 800 x 640 resolution. Otherwise, the newest version offers the same great features of its predecessor. The Dragonfly was designed as an easy to use combination fish-finding/GPS device that is ideal for novice as well as experienced angler.
The most impressive in the long list of features is the CHIRP, or Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse, “downvision” technology that provides incredible, nearly photograph-like images from the depths below. Comparable technology was only previously available on units costing thousands of dollars. The down vision SONAR emits a wide, elliptical fan of layered impulses at multiple frequencies that when combined, produce extremely clear images. The resulting display is so crisp that the differentiation and detail between solid formations, plant-life and fish is quite dramatic. The unit also has the more traditional, multi-colored SONAR display.
Accurate up to depths of 600 feet, the device display also provides craft speed, water temperature, bottom depth measurement and gradient depth graph. Having LCD back-lighting and 1500 nits, the display is clearly visible in the shade or in bright sunlight. The unit comes equipped with a 50-channel GPS/chart-plotter that can handle Navionics cartography. Raymarine additionally offers optional U.S. inland and coastal water charts on SD cards, which increases navigating options.
The simple operation design entails the on/off button that also controls brightness, the back button and the joystick rotary button that scrolls through screen options, menus and SONAR, GPS and map modes. While some may be deterred by a lack of fine-tuning options, the SONAR automatically focuses, which increases fishing time by eliminating the need for constant adjustments. Screen options include having a full-screen display or a horizontally split-screen illustrating both SONAR functions or SONAR and map functions simultaneously.
The waterproof unit has a small footprint and attaches to a convenient tilt/swivel, quick release holster. Users also have the option of keeping the Dragonfly attached to the boat via an optional Thule lock. The transducer comes with a transom mounting kit, but through hull and trolling mounts are also available.
Commonly compared to the Lowrance Elite 7 HDI, the Dragonfly 7 might be slightly more expensive, but the CHIRP technology is well worth the money. The definition of the images and the unit’s fish-finding ability is far superior to the Elite 7. You can get a great deal on Raymarine Dragonfly7 here.
| Lowrance Elite-7 HDI | Garmin echoMap 70dv | Raymarine Dragonfly7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  | |
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| Screen Size | 7 in | 7 in | 7 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels | 800 x 640 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color, Full VGA SolarMax PlusTFT | Multi-touch touchscreen WVGA display | WVGA |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes | No |
| Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W RMS 30,000W Peak to Peak analog equivalent | 500 W (RMS) 4,000 W (peak to peak) | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 50/200 or 83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging | 77/200 kHz 50/200 kHz with an optional dual frequency tranducer | 200 kHz Sonar/350 kHz Down Vision |
| Maximum Depth | 1000 or 2500 ft 2D 300 ft Down Imaging | 2,300 ft at 77 kHz freshwater 1,100 ft at 77 kHz, saltwater | 600 ft in both DownVision and Sonar modes |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS | Internal | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 3000 | 5000 | 3000 |
| Routes | 100 | 100 | 150 |
| MSRP | $699 | $1149 | $849 |
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