humminbird helix vs lowrance vs garmin

[jchez444]

recently purchased a reservoir rig in maryland and looking to get some electronics. unfortunately my knowledge is very limited on this and from researching you can easily get overwhelmed with information. which models would you guys recommend ill get the most bang for my buck. i have a 16ft boat so one on the console that i can spin might work or should i go two, one on console and the other on bow. price range is maxed at $1500 right now

[Bud Kennedy]

It is hard to make a reccomendation without know what your expectation are.  What work you want from your electronics will drive a lot of different discussions.  About the most common thread tends to suggest to get the largest screen you can get.  Beyond that there are just so many options available by all three sources you mention.  Personally I use Humminbird mostly because of the simplicity of use.  If I were buying today I would give considerable attention to the Garmin units.  On the other hand many folks on this forum are solid Lowrance users and would not consider anything else.  Guess it is kind of a ford/chevy style discussion where personal preference is the big deal.

Can you describe what you think you want your electronics to accomplish for you?

[Princeton_Man]

Both Birds and Garmins have great sonar. Sounds like you have no need for GPS, that should reduce the cost quite a bit. I'm a Garmin fan these days. I initially chose Garmin for it's Auto Guidance feature because it adds a comfort level for me on unfamiliar big waters. When Garmin introduced their CHIRP units, I was locked in tight. Since that time everyone else has improved their sonar as well. I added a Helix up for my Ultrex trolling motor and I have to say, the images and sensitivity is about equal.

[Wayne P.]

First of all you have to determine what sonar technologies you want and if you want GPS/Mapping.
There are models that do Depth/2D sonar-only with or without GPS.
There are models that do the above with the additional technology of down looking imaging.
There are models that do both of the above with the additional of side looking imaging.
This is all three sonar technologies at the same time:

[jchez444]

It is hard to make a reccomendation without know what your expectation are.  What work you want from your electronics will drive a lot of different discussions.  About the most common thread tends to suggest to get the largest screen you can get.  Beyond that there are just so many options available by all three sources you mention.  Personally I use Humminbird mostly because of the simplicity of use.  If I were buying today I would give considerable attention to the Garmin units.  On the other hand many folks on this forum are solid Lowrance users and would not consider anything else.  Guess it is kind of a ford/chevy style discussion where personal preference is the big deal.

Can you describe what you think you want your electronics to accomplish for you?

not to concerned with linking up to the trolling motor. next year i am going to upgrade to a spot-lock model but mostly to fish deep structure or points. it will be used to find deep structure, grass lines. finding structure off the points or humps would be the main goal. the shallow water bite is short lived and most of my fishing i like is deep.