Sonar Discussion

[Jzo]

Great topic, thx for sharing everyone.

[TCS]

Here are the specs for the HDS. copied from the Lowrance site. Lower, selectable kiloherz. The sonar power output is described differently than the others, so its a little hard to compare.

	HDS 5
Sonar Frequency	50/200 or 83/200 kHz
Transducer Type	Choice of dual frequency Skimmer®
Sonar Output Power	Max Max 250W Peak to Peak (31W RMS) actual; 30,000W Peak to Peak analog equivalent W
Sonar Depth	Max 5000 ft \ 1524 m

[j mo]

Ha you must have some holiday loot burning a hole in your pocket too. Ive polled quite a few people on this very question.

The DSI models you listed will not be avail till spring, very cool technology however I spoke w Lowrance and this technology is mainy designed for lakes/shallow(er) settings not 150' + though they say it has been tested up tp 200 feet, confirming what Jim posted. However, If you are going to fish shallower settings like ~50 feet you may want to hold out untill it hits the shelves.


I setteld on the The HDS 5 (w out gps) functionality/price. Also The HDS series are upgradable. You can have the DSI technology as well if you want a sonar that is worth more than your yak...


Both Garmin and Lowrance will be intriducing new new technology that will come out over the next 2 years and will be game changing...The fish wont stand a chance, and I might be able to see/find my precious tld 5 along w Daveys Locker

Best

[Iceman]

We talked to Lowrance at a trade show in regards to the new DSI. The transducer has to be mounted in contact with the water, you can not shoot through hull to get the new imaging. The transducer is only the size of a shotgun shell so it should fit in the channels of most kayaks.

I personally think Lowrance has the best built products for the harsher kayak environment.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by Iceman

We talked to Lowrance at a trade show in regards to the new DSI. The transducer has to be mounted in contact with the water, you can not shoot through hull to get the new imaging. The transducer is only the size of a shotgun shell so it should fit in the channels of most kayaks. I personally think Lowrance has the best built products for the harsher kayak environment.

Yeah I figured that the transducer would have to be in the water to take advantage of the higher frequency, though I did not say it. It makes sense that the higher the frequency the more effect the hull would have on it.

As to the best I'd say that both are good: I'm just used to Garmin and like their GPS technology but it's really a matter of personal choice. I will honestly say I think Lowrance has better imaging. Still you can't beat Garmin when it comes to being waterproof, or standing up to a wet environment.

Jim