Well, my wife is hooked on ice fishing and my son digs it too, so she has been asking for a sonar unit for her. I have a nice one that I help them use when we fish together, but she wants her own... She is not real serious and mostly will fish for trout close to home. I don't need anything fancy. Any suggestions on something not too expensive? I am sure this topic has been discussed, but figured I would just start a new thread... thanks.
Inexpensive sonars
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Joined
·
145 Posts
Not sure what you consider inexpensive, but based on this thread I ended up with the Lowrance Elite 4 HDI. I have have been quite happy with it so far, still learning all of the features. $300 from the links I provided.
http://www.coloradofisherman.com/fo...ishing/111921-black-friday-flasher-deals.html
http://www.coloradofisherman.com/fo...ishing/111921-black-friday-flasher-deals.html
I use an elite 4x..works great...With all the different Elite Series now...this may be the same unit I use.
It comes with a skimmer transducer,,you can just mount it to a stick...or for another 70 bucks you can buy an ice ducer..I picked up the ice ducer this year.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lowr...12&Ntt=elite&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products
It comes with a skimmer transducer,,you can just mount it to a stick...or for another 70 bucks you can buy an ice ducer..I picked up the ice ducer this year.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lowr...12&Ntt=elite&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products
Joined
·
145 Posts
I considered that one as well, but really wanted the GPS so went with the 4 HDI.
On backorder from Cabelas...in stock at Bass Pro. Pretty sure the 3x is the 4x I have..relabeled since they went with chirp technology on the new 4x.
http://www.basspro.com/Lowrance-Elite-3x-Fishfinder/product/14061507515512/
Yeah wishbone...if you wanted the gps...I'm sure you'll be happy.
http://www.basspro.com/Lowrance-Elite-3x-Fishfinder/product/14061507515512/
Yeah wishbone...if you wanted the gps...I'm sure you'll be happy.
Hahaha... I have an FL18 that suits me fine. I am not really an avid ice fisherman.No no no Oyey your looking at this all wrong!
This is an excellent excuse to buy HER the top of the line you've always wanted, and when she's not using it YOU get to borrow it
More and more and more
From what I am reading, the ice pack (which is discontinued) would work with my HDS7 but I would have to mount my bracket on it... I am very tempted.
Joined
·
705 Posts
Have you considered looking on eBay, Craig's list, etc.? Always worth a look..
Joined
·
145 Posts
$123 for the Ice Pack, add your Lowrance and off you go.
http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Lowranc...nsducer-F-Eli-p/low000-10209-001.htm?CartID=2
edit - Not sure if it works with the HDS7, maybe call Lowrance to be sure.
http://store.navico.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductName=000-10209-001
PPP-18I -Elite/Mark Icefish bag with transducer (Sonar unit not included.)
Includes: Two utility boxes, one battery, one battery charger, and weighted ice transducer.
Works with: Elite-3x,Elite-5, Elite-5X, Elite-5 CHIRP, Elite-5x CHIRP, Mark-4, Mark-4X, X-4, & X-4 Pro.
Includes: Two utility boxes, one battery, one battery charger, and weighted ice transducer.
Works with: Elite-3x,Elite-5, Elite-5X, Elite-5 CHIRP, Elite-5x CHIRP, Mark-4, Mark-4X, X-4, & X-4 Pro.
Joined
·
6,685 Posts
An HDS-5 is a tight fit for the ice pak... I leave the protective cover on mine and it barely zips closed.
I just took a couple pics so you can see what i mean:
As you can see it fits and zips up... but it almost form fitting LOL
Even when unzipped I dont think there is enough clearance for a 7
I use my HDS7 on the ice. I made a travel case to hold the battery and unit. ( like the Genz box) Before I bought the ice puck, I adapted my skimmer. I use the flasher mode when ice fishing. I also have a "suction cup" mount to use on my friends boat. It works good enough until save up for a Vex. It does use up the batteries. I take along 2 12v 9amp batteries for the day.
Oyey - I'm like you . I have an HDS7 on my boat and have been tempted to buy the pack to see what it can do on the ice but I am afraid about 'messing it up'. I have a Vex FL-20 for the ice but it sure would be nice to try the HDS7 when fishing with a partner. If it works, it seems like it would be a real bang for the buck.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
PM Sent, littlemac... I am leaning towards using my HDS 7 for the gps capabilities... I have read a lot and as long as I get a goood battery and make a good case, it should work like a charm and be a solid addition to the collection!
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
