Graphs!!!

[BillyBoy23]

I need some advice on what graph to buy. I just bought my boat in June and it has two simple eagle mark graphs on it. I am planning on fishing tournaments next year and would like to know some graph ideas.

I am looking for something that is around the $500 dollar range. I just want to be able to mark way points and see the topographic map.

Any graphs that people know are good buys? And when should I try to buy it? I am assuming that there will be sales coming up to clear out the stock in stores.

Thanks

[Northlander]

$500 will get you a small graph. Check out big box places now until snow flies and you should find some good deals. I would recomend Humminbirds. Great units and great customer service.

I have a 957c and love it. If you can save a bit more and get into a 900 series I highly recomend it.

[BillyBoy23]

The size is not a big deal. Does the quailty change with higher prices or just the screen size?

[TDomaille]

Humminbird 597c combo. $569. Nice unit. Accepts mapping chips also. Check them out on line at Humminbird.com

[BillyBoy23]

Is this a good buy for $ 200?

Anyone have any issues with these models?

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Marine/Full-Size-Sonar-Fishfinders/X135/

[PerchJerker]

The x135 is a depthfinder only, not a gps so you don't get maps and waypoints. Also, it has a black/white screen and I'd suggest you think about going with a color screen, it makes a big difference especially with map cards and detailed contour maps.

The two most popular units in the size / price range you mentioned are the Lowrance HDS 5 and the Humminbird 788C, although both of those units are closer to $600 than $500. But they are great units, 5" color screens, really nice diplays, sonar / gps combos that work with map cards, etc.

If those units are out of your price range, the Eagle 640C and 642C units, as well as the Humminbird 597C and 587C, are all in the $450 to $550 range. They have smaller screens and not as much display resolution, but are still excellent color combo units that work with map cards.

Hope that helps. You can check them all out at Sonar / GPS Combos At Pro Fishing Supply

[dan z]

I have a x135, and a handheld lowrance expidetion next to it. you could pick both units up for around 500-550 the reason i went this way is becuase you can take the handheld in the car on a hike,biking,ice fishing,hunting.... the list never ends with other ways I use it.

Now more about the x135 this is a very strong grayscale. with 4000 watts of power It has really good resolution. it shows bottom contuor like no other grayscale on the market. It also has a gauge pod if you want to know volts speed water temp...

good luck on your purchase and I hope you look into using a type of package like this as I love mine

[BillyBoy23]

I had thought about doing a set up like that. I did have someone show me the hummingbird 587 c and it looks to hard to read. I want to have one graph in the front for fishing and a gps over by the center console.

So you have your graph hook up and then just a handheld to get you to the spots you want???