Best sonar/GPS for under $700

[JIGGIN']

Anyone have some good ideas here? I am in the market for a new color sonar/gps and really like the Lowrance units I am seeing out there for $649-$700. Anyone have an opinion on this if my budget is $700.

[Central Bassman]

Lowrance is the way to go period!!

[boatfixer]

lowrance 334c would be my suggestion.

[muskiechaser]

I just got a Lowrance 522c with the internal GPS. With limited use so far this year I am pleased with it. Easy to see/read even in the sun. So far so good.

John

[PerchJerker]

Lowrance is good. The comparable models of Eagles are just as good too although have a little less power (not an issue on in-land lakes) and maybe a few less features, but are essentially the same.

[LMITOUT]

The Lowrance 520/522 would fit your price range nicely. Replaces the 332/334 line. Basically the same, just a new number.

[sparcebag]

If I'm not mistaken,Does'nt lowrence make Eagle,as their secondary line or more affordable.

[Central Bassman]

Yes you are right Lowrance does make Eagle... The Eagle wont have the same amount of pixels as the Lowrance units will.

[PerchJerker]

= Eagle FishElite 640c, color sonar and gps combo, 5" screen, 640v x 480h pixels, under $600.

- Lowrance 520C, color sonar and gps combo, 5" screen, 480x480 pixels, over $600.

In this case the Eagle has more pixels than the Lowrance.

[JIGGIN']

So the 334C is basically the same as the new 500 series except that you need a puck to run the GPS and it seems most of the 500 series Lowrance units are now moving to the internal GPS. I can get a 334C new from Reeds sports for 500. Can anyone tell me what the advantages of the 500 series over the 334 LMS would be? I like the idea of internal GPS in the 522C, but am concerned that since it is so new, it may have some quirks and not read well on my W/t windsheild boat. Anyone have one of the 522's mounted under a windsheild?

[Central Bassman]

I have a 334 and LOVE IT... If you keep upto date with the updates you wont have any problems with the internal GPS.

[Hookmaster]

If you don't care about using Navionics instead of Lakemaster, I'd take a long, hard look at the Humminbird combo units. I have the 777c2 (sonar only) and I tink it has better target separation than any Lowrance unit out there. 640 vertical pixels. I believe they use Magellan gps.

[Orlip]

I'm pretty sure the humminbird takes Navionics. I am real interested in the 787 for $649

Had to double check and yes they do take navionics.

[capmorgan]

I just bought the 334c last week and this is my first Lowrance. How do you update the software and what do I need? Also which mounting system should I get with it?

[Central Bassman]

I got a ram mount and love it...

To up date the software you are going to need to download the updates to a SD card and then place the SD card in the unit. Turn if off and on and it will update it all for you.

Go to the Lowarnce HSOforum. Click on Download, Product Updats... Pick the unit you have then read what to do.

Here is the link to the page for the 334 updates... I dont know if can post it but i will anyways to help you.. If i wasnt suppost to im sorry just helping him out

Updates

[Central Bassman]

capmorgan u get it updated??