1
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
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2
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
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3
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
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4
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
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5
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
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Humminbird 581i DI Review

Rating

2.8/5

Humminbird 581i DI has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 5 user reviews.

Vendor	Price
	$299.99

The Humminbird 581i DI is a Fishfinder and GPS in one affordable unit that includes Dual Beam Real Time sonar, Humminbirds incredible Down Imaging technology and full 50 channel track and chart plotting GPS. The ultra bright and easy to read high resolution 16 level gray scale black and white 640×320 5 inch screen makes all images easily readable even in bright sunlight.

The GPS system incorporates standard chart plotting and route memory as well as track plotting which records, for example a specific successful trolling path that you can follow repeatedly in order to achieve the same results. The overall GPS system is also useful for saving waypoints as well as the path to that waypoint.

The Humminbird 581i DI is a great buy for an affordable feature packed Fishfinder/GPS combination unit. With 2000 watts peak to peak power, 2,500 waypoints, 50 routes, and 50 tracks with 20,000 points each the unit has more than enough memory for most users. The 50 channel GPS with Navionics Compatible cartography also includes GPS speed as well as the Humminbird UniMap. All of this is mounted on an quick connect/disconnect mounting system making the Humminbird 581i DI a solid budget minded consumer best buy.

You can get a great deal on Humminbird 581i DI here.

	Humminbird PiranhaMax 176i	Lowrance Mark-4	Humminbird 581i DI

Screen Size	4 in	3.5 in	5 in
Screen Resolution	240 x 160 pixels	320 x 240 pixels	640 x 320 pixels
Display Type	16-level grayscale	16-level grayscale	16-level grayscale
Imaging	2D	2D	2D and Down Imaging
Transmit Power	200W RMS 1600W Peak-To-Peak	262W RMS 2100W Peak-To-Peak	300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency	455/200 kHz	83/200 KHz	200 kHz 2D Sonar 455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth	600 ft	250 ft	250 ft (DI), 600 ft (2D Sonar)
Waypoints Storage	500	3000	2500
Routes	0	100	50
Trails	0	100	50
Map Compatibility	Humminbird UniMap	Fishing Hot Spots, NauticPath & Navionics (Hotmpas, Premium and Gold)	Fishing Hot Spots, NauticPath & Navionics (Hotmpas, Premium and Gold)
MSRP	$129.99	$199.99	$299.99

	Review	Review	Review

Down Imaging, GPS/Fishfinder Combos, Humminbird Fishfinders, Mono Fishfinders

User Reviews

Posted by R. Stiner

I chose HB 581i DI because it was cheapest fishfinder/GPS combo with a 5 inch display and down imaging. I’m very happy with it. It even allows you to mark and save spots on the map. I wish it came preloaded with Navionics maps but it’s a good deal anyway.

Posted by bw

First off all, this fishfinder isn’t waterproof, the screen got fogged up after couple weeks. Secondly, it’s difficult to use, too many options, too confusing. Thirdly, the screen is not very clear, the fish markings are blending with the grey background, I guess that’s the downside to all greyscale displays. This fishfinder does have a few nice features. The install was simple, navigation in 3D is great, very easy to mark waypoints. Overall, however, not a great unit.

Posted by Fishing Fool

I wasn’t able to get this sonar to work properly. I’m not new to fishfinders, I own three other HB units, this one just doesn’t work. I checked all possible settings. Humminbird phone support is not very helpful either. On top of that the GPS is useless unless you buy a separate map card.

Posted by Ronald Norris

This humminbird unit does not mark fish ….been thru all possible settings…it’s useless!!!!!!!

Posted by rtlgator

This is a great mid-range unit for the money. I had seen several bad reviews online form buyers who felt it did not live up to their expectations. In the course of my sporting life I have used fish finders from all price ranges and manufacturers. Trust me when I say that this one delivers on every promise. It has every GPS and sonar feature you could want and is easy as pie to install with the included guide. I have put it through its paces on big and small bodies of water and it has never let me down. The only thing that could be improved are the charts but you can purchase better charts from one of their partners like Navionics. I really like the split screen display for keeping the info I need close at hand.

Humminbird 581i DI Review

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