Sonar help

Been out of the game about 10 years. Retired and bought a used Ranger. I'm wanting to upgrade the electronics but feeling a bit over whelmed with choices and their reviews. It seems all choices have their share of bad reviews. I'm wanting a sonar only on the front (5/7) and a chirp,plotter,downscan (7/9)on the console with a max budget of 1500 for both. My last boat was loaded with Lowrance but open to Garmin, Birds or Ray M. Thanks for the help and try to be objective.

My best advice is to go to a store like Bass Pro and play with them. You will get so many different opinions here that you will still be confused. I run Lowrance and have no problems, some here have Humminbird and love them. It's best to go play with them in real life.


What kind of trolling motor do you have? I ask because some of Lowrances transducers are stupidly long.

Running a 70lb MG

Ok, if you look at Lowrances then they have a model that comes with a "Totalscan transducer". It has side imaging, down imaging and sonar all built into 1 ducer and this sucker is about 10" long. It should fit on your trolling motor. If you are thinking about getting a Humminbird then find member Wayne P here (he's on almost every Humminbird question, giving the answer), this man can answer every and any question you could possibly have, he is the sharpest guy I know of on the many forums I frequent.

I don't know anything about Garmins and there's not a lot posted about them; but if you like them then make sure they have lake map coverage for your area, they are lacking in that dept.