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 PiranhaMAX 165 Portable Review

humminbird_piranhamax165portable

Vendor Price
FactoryOutletStore $139.99
ISave $139.99

Throughout the years, experienced anglers have appreciated the Humminbird PiranhaMAX fish finder because of its precise pinpointing of fish, its automatic alarm system and its user-friendly format. Now, the PiranhaMAX is available in a smaller, compact size, the PiranhaMAX 165 Portable.

The 165 Portable comes packed with features, including:

• Large, four-inch LCD display with an eight-shade grayscale screen and 240V x 160H resolution
• 100 watts (RMS) power, and 800 watt peak-to-peak power output
• Single beam sonar that runs up to a depth of 600 feet at 200 kHz / 28° @ -10db.

This fish finder has it all: powerful wattage with high-tech accuracy, a large, easy-to-read screen monitor, and durability. Even in a glaring sun, you’ll be able to see the contrast-enhancing grayscale screen, which clearly displays the images produced by the sonar beam imaging system. The screen is also backlit, so you can read it at night and in low-light conditions. All icons are large and easy to read as well.

The wattage on the device is powerful enough to provide a two-and-a-half-inch target differentiation. The detection function goes up to 600 feet, deeper than many fish-finders on the market. The high-wattage, single sonar beam provides precision accuracy no matter what type of water you’re in.

The PiranhaMAX 165 has audible fish and depth alarms, in addition to a zoom function. The device is waterproof, so you can fish in the roughest waters without worrying about the sensitivity of the mechanism. The compact device also includes a tilt and swivel mount, and the casing features large touch buttons that are easy to see and use. Like other PiranhaMAX products, the 165 Portable comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

Online reviewers agree: the PiranhaMAX 165 Portable offers the durability and dependability that you can expect to find in all of Humminbird’s products. Reviewers say that it’s easy to install; it can be fully-installed and ready for the water in less than an hour. Reviewers especially praise the compact portable design, which allows this device to mount easily onto various areas of just about any size of boat, even if it’s a small canoe or kayak. Reviewers also cite the convenience of the audible fish alarm, which is loud enough to be heard even in windy or noisy conditions.

The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 165 Portable fish finder is a much-welcome addition to Humminbird’s PiranhaMAX range of products. This invaluable device is already gaining a large following of enthusiastic users because of its multi-function features, its pinpoint accuracy and its tough durability, all in a convenient, portable package. You can get a great deal on Humminbird PiranhaMAX 165 Portable here.

 
 
 Humminbird PiranhaMax 165Garmin Echo 150Humminbird PiranhaMax 175
hb165garmin_echo_150humminbird175
Screen Size4 in / 102 mm 4 in / 102 mm 4 in / 102 mm
Screen Resolution240 x 160 pixels 160 x 256 pixels 240 x 160 pixels
Display Type8-level grayscale8-level grayscale FSTN 16-level grayscale
Imaging2D2D 2D
Transmit Power100W RMS
800W Peak-To-Peak
200W RMS
1600W Peak-To-Peak
200W RMS
1600W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency 200 kHz 77/200 kHz 200/455 kHz
Maximum Depth600 ft 1300 ft600 ft
MSRP$89.99$99.99$99.99
ReviewsReviewsReviews

User Reviews

Posted by Rick67

  • 3/5
3

This is a decent, no-thrills fishfinder. It has a nice black and white display and lots of different settings. You can’t use auto settings, everything has to adjusted manually, otherwise you’ll end up with displays that only use half the screen. Also, it doesn’t allow you to save locations which is a big problem for me.

Posted by J A

  • 5/5
5

Simple, no frills fishfinder. Displays temperature and depth. The suction cup transducer sticks to bottom of the boat and stays attached. Battery lasts a long time without charging.

Submit Your Review

Rating