Hi, as a newbie to fish finders, I've been researching them for a while now and am split between Lowrance and Hummingbird.The maximum I'd probably be willing to pay for one is $700, but I don't know what bells and whistles are with the ones I'm looking at.
I definitely want:
- 2D imaging (the normal sonar?)
- GPS capability, where I can also mark certain points on the map to come back to
- Side scan
- Down scan
- Salt water capabilty??? Not sure how that would work, but we will go out to saltwater bays and coastlines at some point
- ATLEAST 7" of display or larger without breaking bank

To start, I don't know if these models have all this...

https://www.humminbird.com/Products/HELIX-7-CHIRP-DI-GPS-G2N/

https://lr.factoryoutletstore.com/detail...ogitemid=484345

https://lr.factoryoutletstore.com/detail...ogitemid=253380


What would be the best out of these and why?

Also, do you guys have any recommendations?

Thanks!!

All three of the ones you listed have 2D sonar and down looking imaging. None have the side looking imaging.

For a Humminbird to have Side Imaging, it has to be a Side Imaging unit.
The Helix 7 has three SI models.
Helix 7 SI GPS---discontinued
Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2--current model
Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2N--same as above but linkable to another Ethernet model.

Oh ok, so would this https://www.humminbird.com/Products/HELIX-7-CHIRP-SI-GPS-G2/ be the cheapest I could get for all that?

Yep, got one on my desk now.

The Hook would have to come with the TripleShot transducer---states SplitShot.
The Elite would have to come with the TotalScan transducer---states HDI.

BTW, that website for the two Lowrance units is not a Lowrance factory outlet.

It is factoryoutlet with most any brand name you put in front of the name.
It is as much a factory outlet as Amazon.

Wait, the displays come with the actual equipment that scans right?

Humminbird units do, but you have to pay attention to what transducer comes with the Lowrance units.

The picture of the EliteTi shows Side Scan but if you read the description, it comes with the HDI transducer and that does not do Side Scan.

There is a HB Helix 7 listed in the trading post this morning. It sounds like it is a new one with transducers. Better hurry as it will go fast if the price is right.

There is no Humminbird Side Imaging unit on the first two pages in the trading post.
There is a first generation Down Imaging model.