I am looking to upgrade my electronics on my boat and not wanting to spend $1000+. I am looking in the price range of $500-650. I am looking for color sonar and GPS unit. I only fish cedar Creek and mainly sandies/hybrid or catfish. Looking for help as to find best valued unit in this price range. I am not opposed to a used unit if the value is right? Lets see what you guys have to offer as far as advise.

I just recently purchased the LMS-522C. took it out for the first time this weekend. Can't speak highly enough of the DF. Very functional and easy learning curve. Because of the many options it will take several months to learn the whole thing. But I have time!

BTW, puchased it at BPS for $399 (price matched from Academy). Normally sells for around $599, I think. Can't go wrong with this one.

If you have your eye on a SI or something in that range Your $500-$650 will turn into $1700.00 after you think about it. My buddy did the same thing now he has a new 597ci just sitting getting dusty.

LMS-522c

I have 2 520 C's myself. If you can find the 520 or 522 you should be able to get well within your range or under. I bought my first one last summer and paid $649. I have seen them since for $399 and $425. I bought my second one off ebay for $400.

There is an LCX 25 C for $650.00 in the trading post, I have that unit and it is a great unit!

The 520 and 522 by Lowrance are basically discontinued. If you can find one, you should be able to get it at a good price.

Go to the humminbird website or even BPS. Check out the 788 CI. It has 2 SD card slots. 3 programmable buttons so you can quick change to which view you want. Internal GPS ant. I had one, but took it back to buy the SI model. The cost for the 788 is $649.

I was going to get the Lowrance 522 when I was looking a few months ago, but by the time I had the money and the ok to get it, they were hard to find, so I had to start looking at the next level up.

Best of luck

GB

Humminbird 788ci ($650) on the console and 778c ($500) on the front deck is what I went with on the new skeeter. I am really happy with both. Call John @ Fun N Sun in Cleburne he will fix you up.

I have the 522c and love it. The are hard to find but call Boris Marine in Fort Worth and tell him Academy sells them for $499 and he will Match that if he has any...The 522c had an internal GPS and works great on my boat up front.

gbrooks, I haven't heard that the 522 is being discontinued. The stores are still selling them enmass. Where did you hear this?

Looks like I need to put a HDS on my Christmas list.

thanks guys for all your advice I think I will go find a 522c before they are gone.

Back last weekend, Cabela's in Buda Texas had a couple of Lowrance� LCX-27 Series Sonar with GPS units available for $699.00

Also, Lowrance LMS 522 C with Internal GPS for $499.99
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_


I like Lowrance...

However, the Humminbird Fishfinder 595 c Sonar/GPS Combo is on sale for $349.99

Good Luck

I called Cabelas about a month ago and they did not have anymore in stock and will not be getting anymore in...