Anyone experienced using either unit? Which one is better? I'm on the market for one would like to hear your opinion.
Also, It seems that there's not many deals on Fish finders. Surely many ozbargainers love fishing too.
Garmin Striker 4cv or Lowrance Hook 4x
hyperbid on 27/09/2017 - 22:30
Comments
Yes if your fishing bays/offshore having at least the ability to mark spots (without having to get your mobile out all the time) is an advantage.
I have a Garmin echomap (got lucky with price).why not one of these (http://www.outbackmarine.com.au/dragonfly-4pro-fishfinder-4.…)
You can connect it to a tablet via wifi for a bigger screen…
I bought a Garmin Striker 4 from BCF when they had their sale on a month or two back, picked it up for $99 from memory!
I got it for my kayak and I don't know your intended use but for river/lakes then the Garmin was rated the best of feature to cost. If you are heading out to sea on a boat then I would look at a more power unit to get better accuracy for the depths your fishing at.
It depends on what you are mounting it on and where you are fishing. I fish from a kayak in the estuary. Weight isn't a big issue as the kayak and the mods on it brings the total to 70kg. The fishfinder and battery weight becomes hardly relevant. I ended up using the Hook 5X in a Hobie PA14 with an 12,000mAh SLA, which weighs a combine total of ~4kg.
On the offshore kayak, I'll be installing something much more lightweight (TBD at this stage) as the kayak is carbon fibre and weighs 19kg. Every bit of weight significantly effects my usage. Looking at a smaller screen to conserve power but still has down scan, and LiPO4 battery. Should be able to keep the combine weight at ~2kg.
Most of the fish finder deals will be through BCF during their sales. 20-25% off fairly regularly with up to 50% of clearance models. Maps are also just as important, so don't forget to budget for that.
PS. Fishing in estuaries, I have found the downscan (which I assume why you're looking at those 2 models) quite redundant. The water isn't clear enough for downscan to give you a meaningful read. I've found it does a great job once I am far from any tributaries and in >10m of water. I've been told they work well in still water lakes but I don't fish freshwater.
Both the Garmin and Lowrance are great units from build quality, function and design thought perspectives. The buttons are quite tactile and pressable with slimy hands. I cannot say that of all products out there. Touch screen and wifi connection is a gimmick unless you're on a 40footer.
Have only used Lowrance Hook 4x, and its really easy yet accurate, but just make sure you get the unit with maps, IMO you'll regret if you don't… :)