I just about have my other boat ready to go and have been looking at FFers again. I have a Hummingbird 8 inch with regular 2d, down imaging and GPS on my other boat. I like it but would like to see what everyone's opions would be on other units. I know for the most part it's a person opinion and how much you want to spend. I would like to stay under $500 but depending on the size and functions might go up to $750. I pretty much only fish crappie. Thank's for any input.

look for used ones on here. Several guys upgrade and sell some really good FF's for reasonable prices. Plus they will usually deal.

I bought my Humminbird from a fellow TFFer for a great price but wanted to see what others think about Lowrance, Garmin etc. I love the livescope but I can't justify spending that kind of money.

I have a Lowrance Hook 9 and it works great. It is not as good as my old Lowrance HDS with side scan but the Hook 9 should work great for crappie fishing. I made a portable case for it and use it on my canoe and jon boat.

Do you happen to have a TM with ipilot or ipilot link? If so I would look at a networkable Hummingbird.

I went with the echomap 93sv so i could add livescope later. i paid $450 used and it is good at all things, but not great. i think you will find trade offs so decide what is important to you.

if you don't upgrade to side imaging, then you are crazy.

you can go bigger size and older tech. i saw a 12 inch Lowrance Hook 2 tripleshot on clearance at academy for $799 (link below) just a week or so ago. you will likely not find a 12 inch screen with side imaging and maps for any less than that. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/lo...-inland-fishfinder#repChildCatid=5859170

or you could go smaller 7 inch screen and get the humminbird mega si gen 3 for around $700. this would have great resolution and the popular vote seems to put HB at the top of the side imaging game.

Pine trees with a Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3

Wayne, that is a great pic. sounds like you are a happy HB customer.

I don't use that unit for sonar, just mapping. I use larger units that have better processors and transducers to produce sharper images.
This is from a Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3N

i can't tell if his signature is his current setup or all the units he has ever owned in his life!

I currently have those units and some more that are duplicates.

I think I kinda like the Echomap 93SV. Actually thinking about a 9 inch and a 7 inch now. Just haven't ever had a Garmin. Ive had a few Humminbirds and Lowrances and liked them both Garnin looks pretty good for the money.

Wayne, is that LOP? I know a spot on LOP that looks very similar. Just curious.

No, that is at Briery Creek Lake in Virginia: