I have recently rigged by boat to fish crappie and want to add a 2nd depth finder up front on the trolling motor. I found what I like but cannot afford it now (Lowrance LCX-17M). Instead I am shopping for a $200-250 substitute I can mount upfront until I can afford one of these bad boys. The ones that have my eye now are

1. Hummingbird Matrix 27
2. Lowrance X96
3. Eagle 480

Any suggestions?

Can't go wrong with the Eagle 480... IMHO

I agree with robsco! I have an Eagle 480 on my trolling motor and it works great.
I'll soon replace an older Eagle 1000 that is on the console and intend to go with the Lowrance 332C or the new 334C when they come out.

go with the matrix 27 its what i have. great for vertical jigging shows ur bait along with fish holding around brush piles as well as a dual beam sonar for added speed reading.

1. Lowrance X96
2. Eagle 480

Cant go wrong with either one. Lowrance makes eagle, I have eagle elec. on my boat.

I agree with that John.
For what its worth, here is my three cents worth:
I have an X97 up front. When I upgraded my consol unit from the Lms320 to the 332c, the thought of getting another unit up front didn't even cross my mind. I am used to the unit and its settings.

When there is no "wrong" choice for you to make, I figure you are in a pretty good place...

Love my eagle 480 on the TM too. hope to upgrade the console to the 334C early this year.

Definatly go with the Hummingbird Matrix 27. I saw some at Gander Mountain that were at bit more reasonable than those at BPS.

my vote is for the 480. It will mark fish great and has plenty of definition for a clear picture. The only bad thing i know of is its hard to see in the sun light. Its a great unit though!

Eagle 480 is the best value in your price range. Plenty of people on here have them and love them. Lots of bang for the buck.