Lowrance has released their new line of Eagle electronics designed
with features commonly found in high-end marine electronics.
Fish Finders You Can Afford
Story and photos by Brad Wiegmann
Entry-level fish finders often have some of the same features as flagship models.
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to rig out your boat with marine electronics. In fact, Garmin, Lowrance and Humminbird all offer cost-effective fish finders. Don’t disregard these fish finders as inferior units as some price points have several features found in their flagship products.
Size of the screen, features, transducer and the ability to interface with other units dictates the final cost of a fish finder. Sonar companies typically have a line of affordable, entry-level fish finders you might have pre-installed in your new boat or purchased for a boat that doesn’t have one.
Lowrance just released four new Eagle series fish finders in 4-, 5-, 7- and 9-inch screen sizes with a price point that will appeal to budget-minded anglers. Fish finders in this series have enhanced sonar capabilities with available TripleShot HD transducer, SplitShot HD transducer and FishReveal on some models. The TripleShot HD transducer allows the angler to see 2D traditional CHIRP sonar, DownScan and SideScan all on one screen, except on the Eagle 4x, the smallest screen model in the Eagle series. CHIRP sonar covers a wide-angle view while SideScan and DownScan produce high-resolution imaging. The SplitShot HD transducer just has CHIRP and SplitShot HD sonar.
Other notable features are new color palettes, connect and cast with a twist-locking connector, auto tuning sonar and detailed C-MAP Charts. The detailed charting is in three-foot increments, giving an angler exceptional contour lines without having to pay for an additional mapping. The best feature of the Eagle series fish finder is the new IPS screen with improved resolution and clarity.
Garmin has the Striker Vivid series of price-point units in 4-, 5-, 7- and 9-inch sizes. Some Striker Vivid fish finders come with a transducer. All Striker Vivid fish finders have seven different color patterns to select from, with maximum contrast and clarity. Anglers can also connect to the ActiveCaptia app, allowing them to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community.
Next is Humminbird’s HELIX series of with 5-, 7-, 9- and 12-inch screens. Similar to the other affordable fish finders, a multi-function dial allows anglers to move since it doesn’t have a multi-touch. HELIX series features a basemap built in, internal GPS and Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar. Check with Humminbird for accessory information or additional features.
Note that these aren’t touch-screen units and feature a multi-touch pad to control the control screen. Depending on the model and space in the driver’s console or bow area, any of the Lowrance, Garmin and Humminbird fish finders can be installed with the gimbal mount included or in dash. Interfacing with the Lowrance Eagle and Garmin varies and can be found on their websites.
Cost does play a part in the overall quality of a fish finder. However, today there are more and more features like the IPS screens and high-quality mapping built into these units at no extra charge. Anglers will also find these fish finders overall are better built compared to the entry-level units produced years ago.
(Brad Wiegmann of Springdale, Arkansas is a fishing guide, podcaster, social media influencer, professional photographer, videographer and outdoor writer published in dozens of print and electronic media outlets across the nation. Every month, he provides CatfishNOW readers with the latest information on the ever-changing world of fishing electronics. Learn more at BradWiegmann.com.)
