19 best echo sounders for boat and shore fishing

How to choose a sounder for fishing?

The process of choosing a fishing echo, like any other product of a large market, is associated with a number of specific criteria. They are set by the functionality of the models themselves, their purpose (for fishing from a boat or from the shore), as well as the parameters established by the arrival of new devices on the market. In order to make the right choice, the magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ recommends to pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Rated working power. Parameter responsible for the quality of the echo sounder. In general, the higher the power value, the greater the depth that the useful device can scan, and the more accurately the shallow water areas will be detailed. The optimal performance of this parameter can vary in the range from 300 to 500 watts. However, to solve the problem of a significant increase in the productivity of fishing, you can give preference to more powerful models.
2. Working frequency range is the second important factor in choosing a good echo sounder, on which the depth and width of the scanned area depends. Devices with a low frequency value work at large depth horizons, however, they give a less clear and accurate picture. In turn, high-frequency echo sounders make it possible to obtain an image that is detailed to the smallest detail, but only at a shallow depth. The best choice in this case would be an echo sounder with the possibility of frequency switching (for example, at 83, 125 and 250 kHz), the benefit of such on the modern market is the overwhelming majority.
3. Display Parameters. Generalizing criteria, including the size of the working screen, the quality of the picture and the amount of information displayed. It affects both the usability of the echo sounder and the possibility of more detailed preparation for the fishing process. In addition, the size of the screen (coupled with contrast and clarity) significantly affects the perception of the picture in sunlight.
4. Sensor sensitivity. This parameter is very rarely given as the main one, although it plays quite an important role in the operation of the echo sounder. High sensitivity, as a rule, is observed at low operating frequencies (50-83 kHz), causes good image quality, however, the sensor is exposed to interference. The opposite picture is with low sensitivity, therefore, to achieve maximum balance, give preference to models with the ability to control this characteristic.

Top echo sounders for fishing

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best stationary echo sounders	1	Lowrance HOOK-7x	44 540 ₽
	2	Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4	17 501 ₽
	3	Humminbird HELIX 5 SONAR	21 500 ₽
Best portable echo sounders	1	Deeper Smart Sonar PRO +	20 900 ₽
	2	Humminbird PiranhaMAX 197c PT	-
	3	LUCKY FF718LiCD	9 990 ₽
	4	Rivotek Fisher 35	9 990 ₽
	5	"Practitioner" ER-6Pro2	6 950 ₽
Best GPS Sounders	1	Garmin Echomap PLUS 92SV	78 700 ₽
	2	Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP DI GPS G2N	62 090 ₽
	3	Lowrance HOOK2 7x GPS	47 720 ₽
	4	Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV	34 790 ₽
	5	Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS	25 000 ₽
The best echo sounders with 3D mode	1	Lowrance HDS-9 Carbon	184 850 ₽
	2	Raymarine AXIOM 12 RV	263 700 ₽
	3	Simrad GO7 XSE	85 570 ₽
	4	Humminbird 788ci HD Combo	38 450 ₽
The best echo sounders for winter fishing	1	LUCKY FF718 (Slope Beam)	5 290 ₽
	2	Rivotek Fisher 10	3 600 ₽

The best stationary echo sounders

Lowrance HOOK-7x

Rating: 4.9

Lowrance HOOK-7x occupies a leading position in the ranking due to exceptional performance bands, which other representatives of the market segment cannot repeat (and even come close). Structurally includes two modules: a control (remote) and an irradiating, which includes a sensitive sensor. It is noteworthy that the operating frequency of the device can vary smoothly, ranging from 83 to 800 kHz, however, with significant (and understandable in this situation) variation in viewing angle. However, the limitation of the visible border does not affect the range, which can also vary in the range of 90-300 meters.

With regard to ergonomic and sacrificial characteristics, the Lowrance HOOK-7x is prudently packed in a rubberized case and has an IPx7 degree of protection. The resolution of the 7-inch screen, made in 16: 9 format, is 800x480 pixels. There is a database of optional add-ons, such as a snap-in GPS sensor and microSD-cards. It is a lot of such an echo sounder, however, due to its enhanced performance, it is able to quickly pay back all the costs of acquisition.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4

Rating: 4.8

Excellent stationary echo sounder for fishing from the shore, the popularity of which is due to the excellent margin of safety, coupled with a large amount of internal memory. Thanks to Garmin's patented software (called Quickdraw Contours), Striker Plus 4 is able to automatically create and save maps of water bodies, which can reach up to 8,000 square kilometers. Thanks to the implementation of this function, the angler can independently monitor various depth changes, as well as habits and places of the usual accumulation of fish.

However, the cartographic "chips" models do not end there. By default, the echo sounder from the factory is equipped with a powerful GPS receiver, thanks to which you can create actual routes with marked waypoints and view the current speed of the vessel. The rest of the Striker Plus 4 looks quite standard: the dual-beam sensor can work with frequencies of different levels, the 4.3-inch screen is equipped with a backlight, and all the electronics are placed under a reliable waterproof housing.

Humminbird HELIX 5 SONAR

Rating: 4.7

The sonar model SONAR from the company Hummingbird is an updated version of the popular HELIX 5 series, which incorporates a number of point improvements. Firstly, it is worth noting the updated five-inch display with a resolution of 480x800 dpi and 256 TFT colors, which significantly gained in the picture clarity parameters and general information content. To facilitate the use of the device in the dark, there was a powerful LED backlight left here from the standard version.

The main innovation of the Humminbird HELIX 5 SONAR was the equipment of a two-beam tracking sensor operating at frequencies of 200 and 83 kHz (with a viewing angle of 20 and 60 degrees, respectively). At the same time, these rays can work to separately, and simultaneously, producing actual information on a split display. In order for the information to be distinguished by high accuracy, the SwitchFire interference filter, which works with databases of “parasitic” frequencies loaded into the system, was installed as an additional module on the sonar. And finally, it is worth noting the high power of the echo sounder as a whole: in nominal operation it produces up to 500 W of power, which is a good result even for a stationary model.

Best portable echo sounders

Deeper Smart Sonar PRO +

Rating: 4.9

Deeper Smart Sonar PRO + is a representative of the conceptually new approach to the production of echo sounders, deservedly taking the leading line in the ranking of the best. His work is based on the compilation of a detailed map of water depths, whose image is informative, accurate in detail, and extremely accessible for understanding.

The work of the portable sensor Sonar PRO + (65 millimeters of diameter and 100 grams of weight) begins with an ordinary cast into the water through fishing rods and synchronization with a smartphone on an Android or iOS platform. Stable wi-fi connection allows you to take a picture at a distance of up to 100 meters, without fear for disconnection and loss of valuable data. Despite the initial coldness of consumers to acquire an innovative echo sounder, the level of sales still gradually reached its estimated figures. The main advantages of Deeper Smart Sonar PRO + users are the high degree of reliability, good quality of the resulting image, as well as durability and relevance in the context of the development of "smart" technology.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 197c PT

Rating: 4.8

Powerful dual-beam echo sounder of the portable version, the potential of which often far exceeds the performance of full-fledged wire models. Actually, one does not have to expect anything else from such an expensive device: Hummingbird deliberately approached the equipment of the Piranha. By the will of constructive surveys, the echo sounder received an emitter with a frequency of 400 and 225 kHz, respectively. The stable output power of the device was 300 W, however, at peak values ​​it can reach up to 2400 W.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 197c PT has a fairly wide color screen with organically entered indicators of water temperature and working depth, together with an accurate display of the bottom relief. As measures of protection, all the electronics of the device is packaged in a waterproof soft-touch case with a provided universal mount. According to users, this echo sounder is a great helper in any kind of fishing (from a boat or shore), fully paying for the cost of its acquisition.

LUCKY FF718LiCD

Rating: 4.7

Lucky FF718 LiCD is an original attempt to create a portable hybrid echo sounder, endowed with the functional potential of a full-fledged wired version. For offline operation, it comes with a powerful lithium-cadmium battery, as indicated by the "LiCD" prefix in the title itself. In contrast to the closest competitors, the central part of the system is adapted to select the working frequency range in the automatic mode. There are, by the way, three echo sounders: 83 kHz (with a provided viewing angle of 60 °), 125 kHz (with a review of 90 °) and 250 kHz with the smallest (tunnel) visibility indicator - only 20 °.

As measures of protection against the negative effects of water and high-humidity air, the Lucky FF718 electronics are housed in a rubberized case, the ergonomic parameters of which are observed with the inherent accuracy of the Chinese company. An important fact for domestic users is the presence of the Russian translation of the interface, which makes the handling of the echo sounder extremely simple and understandable.

Rivotek Fisher 35

Rating: 4.6

The Fisher 35 two-beam portable echo sounder belongs to the category of rather expensive devices of its segment, which justify the high price tag by including innovative technologies. In this case, we are talking about the proprietary function "A-Scope", which allows us to inflate the moment of detecting fish in the zone of the echo sounder to a few milliseconds. In the general case, tracking and scanning of the bottom relief is carried out by a two-beam sensor operating in the 83 and 200 kHz bands. The viewing angle is 60 and 20 degrees, respectively.

Of the other features of the Fisher 35 should be noted the presence of an anti-glare screen for 512 colors, the possibility of changing the background, as well as a bright LED backlight. A slightly controversial decision looks to equip such a portable device with four AAA batteries that, even if it foresees a large energy reserve, it speaks of a non-optimized power supply process. However, this nuance does not greatly affect the work of the echo sounder, slightly impairing its ergonomics, but ensuring stable operation throughout the fishing session.

"Practitioner" ER-6Pro2

Rating: 4.5

He was honored to be included in the rating of the best and echo sounder of the domestic development Praktik ER-6Pro2, intended for all-season use. As the manufacturer himself notes, the main advantage of this device is a high degree of protection from mechanical and hydro actions, as well as high sensitivity of the tracking sensor. The latter, by the way, is able to distinguish the mormyshka even from a distance of 20 meters, being in orderly turbid water.

The lower threshold of operating temperatures is also the strength of Praktik ER-6Pro2, and is as much as -30 degrees Celsius. It was possible to achieve such results due to the use of a special frost-resistant cable as a braid that is immune to cold fracture and cracking. The role of batteries in this echo sounder is performed by ordinary AA batteries (Duracell Turbo Max kit), the resource of which (due to optimized power consumption) lasts for 150-200 hours of use. This is the best budget choice for productive fishing enthusiasts who are ready to slightly sacrifice ergonomics for the sake of high reliability.

Best GPS Sounders

Garmin Echomap PLUS 92SV

Rating: 4.9

The largest, and at the same time, the most productive echo sounder in this segment, unconditionally claiming to be the first position in the ranking of the best. It has a 9-inch WVGA-display with a resolution of 480x800 pixels and a special LED backlight with continuously adjustable brightness. It is completed with a very powerful and extremely demanding scanning sensor, which is capable of operating at a huge number of discrete frequencies. In order not to be unfounded, we give them a detailed list:

when operating in standard sonar mode 2D CHIRP: a variation of 150-240 kHz with viewing angles of 24 and 16 degrees, respectively;

CHIRP ClearVu and SideVu mode: at 425 or 485 kHz with an overview of 2 and 50 degrees, as well as in the range of 790-850 kHz with a tunnel visibility of 1 and the standard 30 degrees.

Of the other advantages of the Garmin Echomap PLUS 92SV, it is worth noting that it has a wi-fi module and a full touch screen that facilitates navigation and general use of the interface. Yes, there is such a model is not enough: the developers of Garmin tried to make an elite device, focused mainly on professionals. What they successfully succeeded in, as with ordinary fishers this echo sounder appears extremely rarely.

Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP DI GPS G2N

Rating: 4.8

A very powerful Hummingbird echo sounder model is located one step away from the leading position in the rankings. It can boast excellent performance and a very good memory reserve for storing travel routes. By the way, on the last point the 7-inch HELIX 7 CHIRP DI GPS G2N is significantly inferior to the competitor in the face of the Lowrance HOOK2 7x GPS, which makes them roughly equal devices with a modest set of losing nuances. So, in this echo sounder you can store a total of 2,500 waypoints, 50 routes and 50 tracks (with 20,000 tags each).

As a cartographic software, two programs are used at once (Navionics + and AutoChart Live), which is an important positive feature of the echo sounder. In addition, with a huge selection of working frequency ranges, the HELIX 7 CHIRP DI GPS G2N is able to change the viewing angles, setting the sonar coverage from 16 to 28, 45 and 75 degrees. The frames of the maximum scanned depths shifted slightly, taking the values ​​of 105 and 200 meters, respectively. From the point of view of cost, this echo sounder looks too expensive, however, due to the large number of implemented technologies and the general quality of workmanship, this disadvantage is completely leveled.

Lowrance HOOK2 7x GPS

Rating: 4.8

Two positions above the 5x model are the updated Lowrance HOOK2 7x GPS echo sounder, the main difference of which lies in a more “bloated” memory base for storing routes and waypoints. In other words, this device is intended for serious expeditions to large areas, where there is a need for constant marking of the swim on the GPS-map. In general, up to 100 routes (with 50 points each), about 3,000 random waypoints, and 100 tracks (each of which may include 10,000 labels) can be stored here.

The rest of the functionality and characteristics of the Lowrance HOOK2 7x GPS are identical to version 5x - all, except for the size of the display. In this case, we are talking about expanding the frame to 7 inches with the same indicators of resolution, chromaticity and backlight level. In general, the solution is not bad, but there is a reluctance of the manufacturer to delve too deep into the process of differentiation of its own product. And Americans can be understood: the current pace of technology development needs at least some local deterrence in the name of greater profits.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV

Rating: 4.7

Another representative of the company Garmin, referring to the range of standard echo sounders with the implemented function of GPS-navigation. In terms of operating modes, it is an advanced version of the Striker Plus 4 discussed above, providing a greater level of accuracy when plotting cartographic routes. A significant increase in performance was achieved through the use of a more powerful GPS-receiver (with a frequency of 5 Hz).

Of the other positive changes Striker Plus 5CV should be to increase the screen up to 5 inches, improving the quality of the transmitted images (due to an integrated approach to noise reduction and calibration of the display), as well as expanding the range of operating temperatures. From now on, the echo sounder is able to function properly at -20 and at +70 degrees Celsius, making it a full-fledged device for year-round use.

Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS

Rating: 4.7

The SplitShot version of an interesting echo sounder from the American company Lowrance has earned a place in the ranking of the best with a wide range of operating frequencies, determining the excellent dynamics of fishing from both the boat and the coastline. A rather compact device with a 5-inch screen always accurately and clearly responds to the appearance of fish in the location area, which is immediately reported to the angler thanks to an audible alert. The dual-beam sensor of the model operates at 200 and 455/800 kHz, providing a scanning depth of 91 and 152 meters, respectively, while consuming 200 to 500 watts of power.

From the point of view of the operation of the navigation receiver Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS is considered to be one of the best models of its segment. The active module copes with the construction of routes, mark reference points and broadcast the approximate speed of the vessel. This may seem strange, but rather modest temperature tolerances in the range from -15 to +55 degrees Celsius can be considered the only more or less negative nuance towards the model. And if in the winter it is still worth using it with caution and delicacy, then in the summer nothing prevents the angler from squeezing out of the device the maximum possible

The best echo sounders with 3D mode

Lowrance HDS-9 Carbon

Rating: 5.0

The leading place in the rating goes to a moderately expensive and no less functional (than Raymarine AXIOM 12 RV) system from Lowrance, which has a huge amount of memory for memorizing routes (over 200) and various tags (up to 5000). However, on this charm 3D-echo sounder is not limited. Due to the introduction of the “Multiple Lowest and Airma” type emitter into the system, the frequency ranges of the device operation have significantly increased in diversity, as well as the angles that are adjusted for this. However, only two frequency parameters (455 and 800 kHz) are displayed in the general specification, which suggests the optional nature of other values.

Despite a slight loss in size of the display - here it is 9 inches - Lowrance HDS-9 Carbon provides the highest quality of the displayed image, depending on the resolution (1280x720 pixels) and on the configuration of the thin settings (along with anti-glare and backlight). Mandatory mention requires a maximum scanning depth equal to a whopping 1524 meters. For what needs such an echo sounder may need a standard domestic fisherman - we can only guess. However, the fact that such systems are on the market means that someone is still interested in them.

Raymarine AXIOM 12 RV

Rating: 4.9

Raymarine AXIOM 12 RV is far from the canons of the standard echo sounders, embodying the likeness of a multifunctional sonar system and navigation. Applying the complex technology RealVision3D, the company Raymarine launched a new quality standard for scanning depths, but did not stop there. Instead, a seemingly simple tablet has become a real base for optional enhancements. Thus, the location-navigation system can be expanded by adding radars (like Quantum), thermal imagers, cameras, autopilots, additional scanning sensors, etc.

To enable seamless integration with control platforms (such as smartphones and other gadgets), the Raymarine AXIOM 12 RV was equipped with wi-fi and Bluetooth modules.This fact is reflected in the convenience and ease of handling the "fashionable" echo sounder, however, mainly from Western anglers. Those few who dare to buy such an expensive thing in Russia pay homage to the high resolution of a 12-inch display (1280x800 pixels), a good navigation module amplifier (10 Hz), and a high degree of moisture protection.

Simrad GO7 XSE

Rating: 4.8

This echo sounder is a specialized tablet with the possibility of a thorough study of reservoirs: from the smallest details of the bottom topography to the type and size of fish at a specific location. All observations are carried out by displaying information on a 7-inch touchscreen display, under which is a very interesting “stuffing”. There is a special data repository, designed to fill the saved routes and spaced points, as well as to host a large database, which includes maps C-MAP, Navionics, NV Digital and many others.

In obedience to modern trends, the wi-fi module was included in the standard equipment of Simrad GO7 XSE, thanks to which it became possible to control the echo sounder from any paired smartphone on the Android or iOS platform. The main problem of all this magnificence is the low relevance among the old-time fishermen, of which the number prevails to this day. However, it is also not necessary to talk about a zero sales indicator in Russia: these models are actively bought up, even though it is not a small price.

Humminbird 788ci HD Combo

Rating: 4.7

In the general context of the manufacturers rating, this sounds strange, but the Humminbird 788ci HD Combo is the cheapest representative of high-quality 3D echo-sounders, which are in a wide market sale. Applying mainly for the needs of fishing from a boat, this device provides a very informative bottom scan, giving an extremely clear picture straight to a small 5-inch display (640x640 pixels and 256 TFT colors). The scanning depth of a dual-beam sensor (with rays of 20 and 60 degrees) can reach up to 330 meters, which makes it possible to catch sea waters without much difficulty.

As with all advanced echo sounders, the Humminbird 788ci HD Combo features a navigation and mapping system. At the disposal of each user is an internal memory reserve, which is enough to memorize 3,000 waypoints, 50 routes or 50 tracks with 20,000 labels each. The final "trick" of the model is the possibility of optionally equipping with another sensor (QuadraBeam), the beam width of which is 90 degrees. Otherwise, it is a canonical representative of the segment, the acquisition of which is appropriate for professional anglers.

The best echo sounders for winter fishing

LUCKY FF718 (Slope Beam)

Rating: 4.9

Unlike its main opponent in the category of LUCKY FF718 “Skat Ray”, it allows you to get a more detailed picture, showing not only floating fish, but also the enlarged features of the bottom relief. In other words, thanks to this echo sounder, the angler can get a general idea of ​​the state of the bottom, even if without the smallest accompanying nuances.

The depth of action of the model in question is slightly different from the Rivotek Fisher 10: the relevant values ​​range from 0.5 to 73 meters.At the same time, there is a significant improvement in the overview parameter, since the angle increases to an impressive (in this case) 45 degrees. But the parameters of the display LUCKY FF718 leave much to be desired: dimensions of 1.8 inches are not included in any frame of normal visibility. Whatever it was, the echo sounder found a huge response from the fishermen of our country, in particular for its cold resistance. The operating temperature range here varies from -25 to +70 degrees Celsius, turning an uncomplicated device into a true “monster” of winter echolocation.

Users in the reviews indicate such advantages of the LUCKY FF718 (Skat Luch) echo sounder, such as compactness, clear drawing of the bottom relief, and frost resistance. There is a device and cons. For example, sometimes he defines bubbles from prikormki, as the approached school of fish.

Rivotek Fisher 10

Rating: 4.8

An inexpensive single-beam echo sounder does not belong to the elite of its segment, but it performs the scanning functions correctly. It operates mainly in shallow water during the harsh winter season, when the use of more expensive equipment is unjustified, either in terms of costs or in terms of common sense.

Specifically, the Rivotek Fisher 10 is not the best combination of selected frequency and information content. At 200 kHz, its viewing angle is only 20 degrees, which is why “behind the scenes” a large part of the reservoir remains (many blind spots). Fortunately, the depth of the fish echo sounder determines the error: the scale includes a fairly wide range from 0.6 to 70 meters. In addition, a small 2.4-inch monochrome screen displays the value of water temperature, determined using thermocouples integrated into the radial sensor. As for the working temperature range, here users are waiting for values ​​from -20 to +70 degrees Celsius, enabling them to immerse the echo-sounder in water without difficulty while under ice fishing. Very attractive feature at a low price.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.