GPS/Fish Finder Opinions

[Big-Al]

I'm looking to purchase a combo GPS/Fish Finder. I want uploadable maps capability. I sure don't need top end, but would like a decent unit. I'd like pointers on resolution, color or back and white or color, Garmin, Eagle or ???, or any other comments? Thanks for the help.

[Hookmaster]

Don't overlook the Humminbird 700 series. I've had the 737 (black and white) out a few times and like it. Will use it and the 777c2 (color) one next week on Rainy Lake. I don't need the GPS/sonar combo but they make the 767 (black and white)and the 787c2 (color) that have both. I believe they use Magellan gps components. I bought it for the Quad Beam transducer, 640 vertical pixels and 4000 watts of power. All the 700 units have the same sonoar specs. I verified a 2.7 inch target separation with two jigs on my line in 35 feet of water.

[PerchJerker]

My advice is to buy a color unit, my opinion is if you don't buy a color unit now you will be kicking yourself soon after. Same goes for higher resolution and screen size, but I would take higher resolution and a smaller screen over a larger screen with lower resolution.

I like Lowrance and Eagle products, if price is a consideration Eagles are great units. I have a Lowrance 332c and it draws a really nice picture, but I think the comparable (or almost comparable) Eagle will save you a couple hundred bucks.

Good luck, have fun shopping.

[PDN]

I run an Eagle 480 elite,I love it. It does everything I need it to except not color Oh well. I have spent alot of time on the water with it and it works well. My buddys' run 332c and a 334c both like thiers but I'm not made of money it does everything thiers does

[dieguy]

I will second the Eagle fish elite 480. It takes my Lakemaster chip and is very easy to use (very similar to the H2O). I debated for quite a while between this and the color unit from Eagle for $100 bucks more. I decided to go with the Black and white because of the larger screen and the higher resolution. I like to use the split screen GPS/Sonar and the larger screen is nice for that. Also saving $100 was a determining factor. The color is a bit easier to see but I don't have trouble with the B & W. The best price and availability I could find anywhere was at Dick's sporting goods which surprised me.

[Big-Al]

Thanks to all that responded. I've had other recommendations for the 480 elite. How about the Garmin?? I am definitely a Garmin fan when it comes to the GPS's, but what about the fish finder/GPS?

[PerchJerker]

Garmin makes great GPS units, I have a handheld and like it a lot. I've never used any of their sonars or marine units though.

Garmin is moving more and more toward land and air (automobile and airplane) navigation lately and putting less attention on their marine products --- I work in the hunting and fishing industry and we see this first-hand as well as hear it from others in the industry. I think Garmins are good units and I wouldn't advise against buying one, but if you're wanting uploadable maps, etc. I think you may be better off with Lowrance / Eagle products as they seem to have more focus in this area.

Don't know if that helps you or not but good luck anyway.