The Best Budget Friendly Fish Finder Today is ...

[@JohnLOdle]

I can tell you I have been a Lawrence guy for large fishfinders for years . I bought a new Lowrance with 9inch screen, down and side imaging since I have a 20 ft boat and it's easier for me to see it at distance. It didn't make it a month and malfunctioned. So the I called the dealer,then I called the factory. They explained that I had to pay shipping,both ways, I had to pay insurance and for the service center to fix it because they only paid for parts. Which everything would of added to over another $300 at minimum. I finally got the dealer to give my money back and let him deal with that. I got little or no help from customer service and it was like ,it was my fault. I took the money ,I got back and bought a Garmin of same size and more features for over $100, less.

[@treecutter116]

What unit did you get $$

[@jamesmundy3127]

The Bests Budget Friendly was great and help me quit a bit. One question on your comment about the 5 inch units. If you compare the Garmin Striker 4 Vivid cv to the Garmin Striker 5 VIvid cv , the 5cv is much larger than the 4-inch unit in width and length. So I don't quite understand your position on the 5-inch units unless it was simply you don't get enough extra screen size to justify the increase in price. In the case of the Garmin 4 and 5 cv the 5 has a much higher resolution screen too. 4cv = 2.1 by 3.7 with 272 by 480 resolution 5cv = 2.6 x 4.3 with 800 by 480 resolution. In any case thanks again for an informative video.

[@TooLucky406]

Great video as always! No biases. Just straight 💯 Facts! Lowrance for best budget and "User-friendly" sonar. Garmin is close second. Hummingbird is mid-tier budget.

[@InDepthSonar]

Thank you!

[@testicen7794]

Great video. I've been watching tons of videos on the subject, and yours are the best. The most straightforward and honest overview out there. Can we get a 2024 version?

[@TheGreatbigsteve]

I bought a Lowrance Hook2 recently. Works great up to about 50 feet then loses bottom. No amount of transducer fiddling worked. Turned it off and on and it would show the correct depth (112ft.) for 5 seconds and then show 4 feet. Going back.

[@InDepthSonar]

Definitely a shallow water unit

[@TheGreatbigsteve]

@@InDepthSonar Bought the Garmin Striker 4. Slightly more expensive...10x better

[@InDepthSonar]

Strikers are the best 4“ units sonar wise

[@dalevonthun5257]

I have watched 2 of you presentations now and have been impressed with both. I have not pulled the trigger on trigger on a fish finder yet. I am getting there.

[@InDepthSonar]

Glad you are liking the videos

[@connerw25]

Thanks to your video I was confident enough to buy the lowrance hook reveal with tripleshot! Half off at pass pro! Thank you so much!

[@InDepthSonar]

Glad it helped you out.I got a whole series on the hook reveal units too. Should take a look at that. Bass pro has some great deals on them right now

[@connerw25]

@@InDepthSonar used that to set up my device as well! You’re the man!

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

These are a long way from the circle with a red blip we used when I was a kid! 😂

[@Superfarts]

No doubt, I'm shopping for the first time in twenty years and just blown away with what you can get these days

[@chrispeterson1247]

Bass Pro shop will hav the Garmin 73SV on sale for $499, from the 10th of this month.

[@InDepthSonar]

That was a sick deal for sure

[@pmoran28]

Checking the site it's still on sale for $499.97 as of Aug-2022. Interesting.

[@InDepthSonar]

Still hard to beat that deal for the features you get on the 73

[@fly_yaker]

Great comparison video. I was going to get the Helix 7 Mega SI for my kayak, until Academy ran a sale on the Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 Tripleshot for $499. I wasn’t passing that deal up, lol!

[@InDepthSonar]

Good call! That is a great deal

[@oliver5911]

Holy hell, that's an awesome deal! When did this happen? I would hop on that in a second.

[@fly_yaker]

@@oliver5911 it was like April 15-17 2022. I couldn’t believe it, lol.

[@InDepthSonar]

You'll probably see a similar deal before the end of August at Johnny Morris' stores

[@treecutter116]

How’s that Hook holding up after a year I’ve got one of the first versions of the lowrance hook 9 I’m getting ready to replace heard bad reviews on the new ones having problems

[@timmyneeley3913]

I think all I need is a depth finder. I just want to know the depth I'm in and I'll find fish. Do they make a depth finder and topographer?

[@friedrice0230]

What should I get for my 17 foot bass boat, not fishing anywhere over 100 feet. Looking for something simple to use, new to fish finders. Under 700$

[@InDepthSonar]

I'd get a touchscreen unit if you are looking for simple. Echomap 73cv might come in around that budget.

[@friedrice0230]

@@InDepthSonar thanks for info, I was wondering what the difference between the 73SV and the 73CV is, I notice CV is more expensive then SV.

[@InDepthSonar]

CV is downvu only, SV is sidevu and downvu. Garmin usually has sales on the SV so they will often be cheaper

[@antoniolopes5587]

Top Chanel. I wanted to buy a new fish finder. To fish between 40 and 80 meters in the sea (salt water) is the garmin striker 9 with the tansducer GT 52 hw better than the hook reveal 9 tripleshot? I have navionics on my samsung S3 tablet and use it for ship. If you can give your county , which is the best buy would appreciate it. Best regards from Portugal. António José 👍

[@thetacos9982]

1. Are they making 2023 models now like cars or is it just a race for the best leap in technology. I need a new unit (boat came with large 20year old Lowrance) and it is not giving back reliable info. Should I wait until holiday sales or is it safe to buy one now? 2. What should I look for 250-300 feet? (SF Bay Area / California coast)

[@highway20ride]

Also, this will be permanently mounted in my lund WC12 at the back of the boat where I sit and run my trolling motor

[@kevinpitts3548]

I just got a Jackson Bite FD. I am new to kayaking and with sonars. I'm still thinking the 4" garmin would be a great fit, but i like the idea of the hummingbird smartview (?) you were talking about. Im not ready to purchase just yet, but i know black Friday is around the corner. Also would a used unit be ok?

[@bluedoggum8373]

If I will ONLY be in water less than 100 feet is the Garmin striker vivid 4cv still a good choice?

[@jorgeoquendo7837]

Great objective video. I just wonder you didn't mention the Garmin Echo Map Plus 44CV with GT 20 transducer at $350. That unit has been out for about a year now. That's the one in my buying list to be install on a kayak. Would you please give me your thoughts on that one and how does it compares with the ones that you mentioned. Thanks

[@InDepthSonar]

They are the exact same unit. Garmin uses the last digit in the model number to reference the maps that are installed from the factory. 3 means LakeVu G3 US maps, 4 means G3 Coastal US Maps, and 5 means Canadian maps. So echomap 43, 44, 45 are all the same, just come with different maps

[@tomwallis722]

Great video! This was exactly what I needed!! Thank you!!!!

[@peterlong9629]

Your thoughts on the Garmin Echomap UHD 93SV with the UHDGT54 Transducer?

[@highway20ride]

Hello and thank you for the fine video but there's too much information here. Also, can you send me a link? Have you done a review for just the entry level around $100 fish finder units with their features? Im a small lake Pan fisherman I only fish two or three times a year, but I'd like to mess around with a entry level fish finder like this video was supposed to be. I don't consider $400 in entry level fish finder. Please let me know if you've done one on all of these manufacturers for their very bare bones entry level units. Thank you

[@michaelandzeudi]

OK great review over all 👍except for the Lowrance 12 inch troubleshoot transducer witch makes it useless for most kayaks .😀

[@InDepthSonar]

10” transducers are hard to mount on kayaks for sure, but there are a lot of aftermarket mounting systems that let you do it

[@enephew6747]

I am looking for a fish finder that can help me with crappie fishing catfishing and finding baitfish, don’t really know much about fish finders and have never really owned one. The depth of the water I’m going to be fishing in isn’t going to be that deep. Thanks

[@InDepthSonar]

Just like I said in this video, I'd recommend the echomap 65 CV

[@saelee33]

Got a questions. I'm looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv Touch-Screen Fish Finder/Chartplotter and the Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv GPS Chartplotter/Sonar Combo without Transducer. Which one you recommend. I'm just using it for livescope but the fine details is a must for me and I don't mind spending a little extra. Please help. Thank you

[@InDepthSonar]

I would get the 1243. It's the newer version so it will have a faster processor in it. It'll support livescope plus better in the future and it's also a smaller unit because the micro SD card slot is now on the back of the unit rather than on the front

[@saelee33]

@@InDepthSonar Thank you for replying back amd giving me the great information. Alot of others KZbinrs haven't even reply back or gave me the information you just told me.

[@esbeltekstil]

Hi there, can you please help me out to decide Garmin Striker 7 Cv Vivid or Lowrance Hook Reveal 7?

[@InDepthSonar]

I'd go Lowrance hands down due to the mapping

[@rogly90]

Is the GT24UHD much better then the gt20 tranducer. I saw that garmin came out just recently with the UHD2 line of Echomap but they have the GT20 tranducer instead of the GT24UHD. What are you thoughts? Was considering the Echomap 44/43 cv for my kayak but worried it might be a bit small to use split screen all the time. So I was thinking about the Lowrance hook 5 with cmap and HDI tranducer but saw your video and agree with you points on the Echomap UHD 63/64. Trying to figure out if I should go with the lowrance or echomap 63/64 or the UHD2.

[@InDepthSonar]

Yes the GT24 is CHIRP while the GT20 isn't. I would go with any of the Garmin's you mentioned over the Hook5. It is a small screen and the layout isn't the best being landscape on a 5" screen

[@rogly90]

Thanks for the help and keep up the videos!

[@zedrad1]

I am really liking your videos! Loads of useful information. Do you have any suggestions for kayakers with regards to new and used models?

[@InDepthSonar]

For kayaks, there's nothing really specific. I would just say get the biggest screen size you can fit and afford. And then decide on what type of sonar views you want. That'll really narrow down your search for a unit. If I had to pick one, I would probably pick an Elite 7 or 9FS from Lowrance

[@joeyd1841]

Raymarine element is budget frindely and good quality

[@jacobsalcedo1633]

Any suggestions for 2007 honda aquatrax fx 12 jetski ?

[@InDepthSonar]

I'd go with a Garmin echomap unit

[@TheVoidNoob]

What do you think about the garmin echomap plus 63cv? at $500 i feel like that is a great unit and could be a budget alternative to the uhd 73sv (~$800) and also an alternative to the 73cv (~$400) albeit a slightly smaller screen but it comes with the lake maps where the 73cv does not. I think it has the potential to be a great pick for someone with a kayak or even a float tube or small boat

[@InDepthSonar]

12:43

[@TheVoidNoob]

@@InDepthSonar thanks i missed the last 2 minutes lol

[@InDepthSonar]

;) all good! It's a great unit for sure in this class

[@TheVoidNoob]

@@InDepthSonar only downside is no side imaging, its too bad because the striker vivid 7sv is the same price bigger screen and has the side imaging(not uhd) BUT doesnt come with the lake maps and you cannot load the maps onto it instead you have to make your own contour maps with the quickdraw setting you could counter that by getting the navionics app on your phone i suppose

[@aaronmeyer6244]

I just got a 93 sv on sale for 1000can (tax in)at Cabela's boxing week sale! They didn't go on sale there for black Friday in Canada, bummer it didn't come with the gt56 it came with the 54 but I guess loseing out on the mega down and the ability to choose what hertz on the down and side from 400to mega range isn't that big of a deal.

[@InDepthSonar]

GT54 is a good transducer. If you get a deal on the GT56 it's worth getting but hard to justify $500 when the GT54 is already so good

[@aaronmeyer6244]

@@InDepthSonar exactly, I think it was 650 off.I would imagine it was their remaing stock with the older ducer they were selling.

[@tasmizitas1319]

which fish finder more accurate about scan strecture.

[@InDepthSonar]

All will have the same accuracy

[@edgarvilmanyi3948]

Great video, can you put me the link of the $699 Helix 7 G4 msi please , thanks...

[@mikebrewz]

Thanks for making this vid it was very informative. Unfortunately the Echomap UHD is $650 for the 64cv version. So for the coastal people would this still be your top pick? Thanks

[@rickyboyce4676]

I'm using the lowrance 7 ti2 units what is your input on those units?

[@InDepthSonar]

Those are excellent units. They are one of my favorites Lowrance has ever made. I've got an original Elite 7TI and love it

[@jasonstokley7274]

Walmart has the 9 inch TI2 units on sale for $598.

[@InDepthSonar]

That's a great deal!

[@kevinspurlin2133]

Thanks for the info.

[@InDepthSonar]

You're welcome

[@alberthighsaw5622]

I DO

[@bigdave461]

New subscriber appreciate the good information 🤙

[@InDepthSonar]

Thanks for the sub!

[@taylornorris156]

Nice video, what would you recommend for a 16’ tiller lund? Budget around $900, primarily fishing the Wisconsin river for walleye in spring and flathead in the summer. Also Fishing lakes In IL and WI for bluegill. Screen size no smaller than 7 inches. Appreciate any feedback :)

[@InDepthSonar]

In that case, I would definitely recommend the EchoMap 93 SV UHD or 73 SV UHD. The 93s go on sale all the time so you probably get that in your budget

[@taylornorris156]

@@InDepthSonar thanks! Just saw they were on sale and picked up the 93sv, I appreciate the quick feedback

[@InDepthSonar]

Nice! That's a great unit.

[@Hightideoutdoors]

Not sure it's budget for kayak fishing inshore or offshore. It's $500 -750 Really budget? I'd say budget if you are on a boat in deeper waters.

[@InDepthSonar]

These days that's budget. The most commonly sold units today are over $1,000

[@billthompson4197]

I'm looking for a unit that I can plot my own maps on small lakes in PA that I don't have Navionics for. And $500 is NOT budget! lol

[@InDepthSonar]

Just about anything, can do that today. Take a look at Garmin Striker vivid units. They'll probably be your best bet for something under $500

[@billthompson4197]

@@InDepthSonar Thank you!

[@chriscampbell1456]

This video seemed biased to me. Isn't it strange he picked a Garmin for almost every category as he sits there wearing a brand new Garmin hat? Hmmm...

[@InDepthSonar]

Yes Garmin had the best units in my opinion and I like that hat. I have other videos with other hats on too. Also I run Lowrance for just about all my units. But in my opinion Garmin had the best for these models... Especially the overall

[@chriscampbell1456]

@@InDepthSonar Fair enough....don't mean no disrespect.

[@InDepthSonar]

Not taken that way at all... All good!! I'd probably think the same way... just wanted to give you some “more to the story“ :)

[@MrHUGOBARRERA]

there is no way to add a map? wow what a deal breaker

[@InDepthSonar]

Not on the Strikers

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

Be advised, Lowrance customer service is horrible!!!!! I’ll never buy another

[@gosttunter]

Budget eh 😀. You must be rich

[@InDepthSonar]

Anything under $1000 is budget these days

[@gosttunter]

@@InDepthSonarperhaps but from the perspective of a senior on SSI at 800 pr month brother .... Budget is more like 200. Lol

[@gosttunter]

@@InDepthSonar great video by the way. Question . What would be the best I can get for under 200 ? Doing river fishing and just need basic. Fish and obstructions . Ohio river is a bit muddy . Want to catch fish and hole three hull and meet Davy Jones . 😁

[@theDanK814]

your video is sooo quite

[@andrewsmyth6027]

Boring,,

[@InDepthSonar]

Almost as boring as reading your comment

[@andrewsmyth6027]

@@InDepthSonar and yet interested enough to reply. It was just boring.. Most boring one I have seen.

[@Ocho-Sinko]

I like to thank you for this video because you have made it easier for me to decide which unit that would better suit my purpose. I Salute U🫡