Garmin echomap with gt54 vs gt56 or lowrance elite fs 7 active

[di_ver_gent]

Looking to buy a new fishfinder. I can get the garmin echomap 73sv with the gt54 for $300 cheaper then the 73sv with gt56($850). Is the gt56 worth the extra cost, better image etc? Or a third unit I'm interested in is the lowrance elite fs 7 active($899). Which fishfinder is the one to get?

[Princeton_Man]

Looking to buy a new fishfinder. I can get the garmin echomap 73sv with the gt54 for $300 cheaper then the 73sv with gt56($850). Is the gt56 worth the extra cost, better image etc? Or a third unit I'm interested in is the lowrance elite fs 7 active($899). Which fishfinder is the one to get?

From what I've read the 56 is even longer than the 54! The dang things are beginning to get crazy in size, but from reports the 56 is more desirable in performance. Separately, Garmin sells the 54 for $349 and the 56 for $449. While I like overkill in most things I buy, I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay $300 more to get a ducer that sells for $100 more.

Something to consider is what depths you normally fish. If you primarily fish shallow water, you may never see the difference between the two.

[Grout-scout]

From the images I've seen on other forums, the 56 is better than the 54. I'd say, if a person is in for the long haul with their graph, the 56 would be the better choice. But I know price matters to most of us and the 54 does look good. Given the choice, I'd go with the 56.