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.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  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

Humminbird 385ci DI Review

humminbird385cidi

The 385ci DI makes is a powerful combination GPS/Fishfinding solution featuring Huminbird’s Dual Beam technology, Down Imaging system and a Precision GPS system that includes waypoints, trackplotting, chartplotting, GPS speed, incorporates the included Humminbird UniMap and allows for optional Navionics, Gold/HotMaps, and LakeMaster SD Card expansions.

These images are then modified with the Humminbird SwitchFire system which allows the user to switch between high definition imaging which is useful in clear water conditions and a clearer level of definition which filters out the “noise” found in the high definition image under murky or shallow water conditions. These features are all included in this no compromise unit.

In addition to this the Humminbird 385ci DI also includes Down Imaging technology that sends small thin range sonar signals that combine to produce a very detailed image of the bottom showing all structures, cover, and other irregularities.

The Precision GPS on this unit is a powerful tool and with the standard included memory the system can track 2,500 waypoints, 50 routes, and 50 tracks with 20,000 waypoints each. This is more than enough for the standard user, but for those that want more the memory is expandable with an SD card using the included SD Card slot.

With 4,000 watts of peak to peak power, a quick mount connect and disconnect mechanism, and its compact size this unit is capable of meeting the needs of the most demanding sportsman. The Humminbird 385ci DI is packed with features and yet incorporates Humminbird’s user friendly and easy to learn and use X-Press Menu System making the Humminbird 385ci DI the perfect choice for the enthusiast that wants results without complexity.

User Reviews

Posted by Brock

  • 3/5
3

It’s a relatively easy to use unit and it seems to be accurate and reliable. The install guide was not very clear to me. The fisfinder by itself is a good value for the money but the map upgrades are way too expensive.

Posted by Chuck

  • 5/5
5

This is a great little fishfinder. It’s got 2d sonar, down imaging and GPS. Good choice if you don’t mind the small screen size.

Submit Your Review

Rating