Down Imaging versus Regular Sonar

[wayne123]

I went to buy a Lowrance Elite-5 DSI Fishfinder/GPS ($380) but found out it does not have regular sonar only down imaging. I assumed that a locator with down imaging had regular sonar. Then I found out the same unit with regular sonar is $500. I think if I had to pick down imaging or regular sonar I would pick regular. Any opinions on this matter would be helpful.

[Nick Kuhn]

Regular sonar is far more useful most of the time. Fish can be hard to pick up on down imaging at times, and you don't always need exact details of what is down there, just that something is down there.

[CaptainMusky]

Agreed with Nick. If given the decision of either or I choose regular sonar. Its just what I have learned to read the best. Down imaging no doubt would be helpful at times but cruising at high speeds I want a regular sonar.

[BobT]

I too agree with Nick. I upgraded my sonar this spring but before I did I made it a point that I would want a unit with both features because I wasn't completely sure about the DI. I eventually chose my Hummingbird 596c HD DI and I like it. I am glad I chose this one because it still offers traditional sonar as an option. What I really like is the split screen where it shows traditional sonar on the top half and DI on the bottom half. I find this very useful.

[wayne123]

Thanks for the replies. It helps when people have hands on knowledge.