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

Humminbird 386ci DI Review

Rating
3.3/5
 
Humminbird 386ci DI has an average rating of 3.33 out of 5 based on 3 user reviews.

humminbird_386cidi

Vendor Price
BassPro $399.99
FactoryOutletStore $399.99
ISave $399.99

The Humminbird 386ci DI is a must-have gadget for those people who enjoy launching their kayak or small boat into rivers, lakes and oceans. Versatile and attractive, this device will make the process of locating fish much easier. Prey can be seen instantly and clearly through the color TFT display, and the integrated features make the Humminbird 386ci DI the ultimate tool for fishing trips. Its compact size makes this device easy to transport and the vibrant screen enables anyone who is using this accessory to have a major advantage when on the water.

The most notable feature on the Humminbird is definitely the 320V x 240H 3.5-inch display. This display boasts a built-in backlight for increased viewing accuracy when fishing in dark conditions. When viewing this screen, the color TFT display will make each image stand out and the Down Imaging Enhance boosts resolution, so that even the smallest details can be detected with ease.

A newly introduced feature on the Humminbird 386ci DI is the DualBeam sonar with 4000 watts of PTP power output. Better detail and more coverage can be enjoyed when utilizing this tool and in 30 feet of water, the beam will cover 30 feet of area. This tool focuses on two main beams, giving the user the ability to view the structure and weed coverage under the water and a precise image of fish in the area. An equal ratio of area coverage to depth makes locating prey effortless.

GPS Chartplotting will influence the productivity of fishing trips, due to sensors retrieving updated map images every few seconds. Combine this with a UniMap and the Humminbird 386ci DI provides a detailed chart at 98 feet for each pixel resolution. A feature like this will make fishing throughout the United States precise at all times.

When viewing each individual feature put into the Humminbird, it is clear to see why this device has garnered interest from people who want to advance their fishing skills. The precision GPS, chartplotting and trackplotting features ensure that no mistakes are made when trying to expose the target of attack.

Features include:

• Routes: 50
• Waypoints: 2,500
• Tracks: 50 w/20,000 points each
• Split Screen Zoom
• Sonar Recording
• Switchfire Sonar
• Screen Snap Shot to Memory Card
• TrueArch Technology
• Sonar Echo Enhancement
• Freeze Frame
• Instant Image Update
• Real Time Sonar RTS Window
• Selective Fish ID+
• Wide Narrow Cone Split Screen
• Split Screen Bottom Lock
• Triplog
• 3D Chart View
• Large Digits View
• Selectable Background Colors
• Selectable Display Colors
• Custom View Selections
• Temperature Alarm

Based on reviews for this product, the Humminbird maximizes performance when on the water and despite its portable size, the 3.5-inch display is large enough to determine exactly where the next catch lies, proving this to be a worthwhile investment for keen anglers. You can get a great deal on Humminbird 386ci DI here.

 
 
 Lowrance Elite-4 DSIHumminbird 386ci DI
lowrance_elite-4-dsihumminbird386cidi
Screen Size3.5 in / 89 mm3.5 in / 89 mm
Screen Resolution320 x 240 pixels320 x 240 pixels
Display Type256 colors256 colors TFT
ImagingDown Imaging2D and Down Imaging (DI only mode available)
Transducer TypeTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit Power350W RMS
2800W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency 455/800 kHz200/455 kHz 2D
455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth200 ft600 ft 2D
250 ft Down Imaging
GPS Antenna16 Channel InternalInternal
Waypoint Storage3,0002,500
Routes10050
Plot Trails10050 w/20,000 points each
Card Slot(s)1 MicroSD1 MicroSD
Map CompatibilityFishing Hot Spots Pro USA
Navionics Gold
Navionics Gold/HotMaps
LakeMaster
MSRP$349$399
ReviewReview

User Reviews

Posted by bIlly b

  • 1/5
1

I had problems with noise interference when I first installed HB 386 DI on my boat. When the trolling motor was running the display was basically useless. I was able to pinpoint the problem – unfiltered power and transducer cables. I had to get the right power cables and redo the installation.

Posted by Randall Harris

  • 5/5
5

Why on Earth would you give it a 1 star rating when you know the problem was the way you had it hooked up?
You never hook up a fish finder to the same battery you use for trolling motor.

Posted by John Salzo

  • 4/5
4

All features are as advertised but the screen is too small for the split-screen mode.

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