Anyone have an opinion on the Garmin 431s?

[Far-I]

I see it has a dual beam transducer, which is designed for freshwater fishing mainly. It also has a quality gps...how goes garmins sonar units compare to some of the other brands. I have a gift cert. for a garmin product, plus a rebate coupon, and this unit has the right price, and I think would be the perfect fit in my small boat, The USS Minnowslayer

I think these units are new, but was wondering if anyone could give some input?

[croixflats]

I see it has a dual beam transducer, which is designed for freshwater fishing mainly. It also has a quality gps...how goes garmin's sonar units compare to some of the other brands. I have a gift cert. for a garmin product, plus a rebate coupon, and this unit has the right price, and I think would be the perfect fit in my small boat, The USS Minnow Slayer

I think these units are new, but was wondering if anyone could give some input?

Just noticed this thread. You will love the Garmin I have the 530s witch is similar to the 431 just with the 5 inch screen.Ive had it I think 3 years and no probs. The color display is phenomenal. They are a quality unit. Keep in mind for the mariner eye and fish eye 3d view you are limited to a short list of lakes that it works on 29 I believe. The dual beam transducer is awsome. The capeabillity of adjusting each cone to what size you want. I am tlli learning new ways to use this unit. Its easy to navigate through the menu.

Garmins IMO are the best on the market it just their not recognised in the upper miswest for some reason.

[Far-I]

Thanks for the reply. I ended up buying the unit, but it is on backorder. Not like I'd be using it it right away, but i would love to have the manual and unit in hand to learn. I'm wondering if i'm not going to regret digging a little deeper for the bigger screen. I spent what i could afford, but I am sure that extra inch makes a big difference!

When you say that the mariner eye and fish eye 3D work on 29 lakes, is that 29 of the MN lakes, or 29 of the total lakes?

Anyone else use one of these units? Seems to be a lot of bang for the buck, especially with a Garmin $100 rebate for them floating around on the interent.