Fishfinder is an indispensable helper of the modern fisherman. This device scans the water column and shows the location of everything that is hidden from human eyes. With the help of such a device, you will always be aware of where the big fish is found. The fisherman will no longer randomly drill holes in the frost in search of a catch - the compact screen of the device will show where the prey is hiding.
But to achieve a truly worthwhile result, you can only have reliable and powerful equipment. These include the Hamminberd sounder, a series of American-made devices. A large selection of models of various rulers will allow everyone to choose a device based on the tasks and the allocated budget.
If you take - then the best
To choose a device that can meet your needs, you need to know the criteria for comparing models with each other, as well as the optimal performance of the equipment. The main technical characteristics of any echo sounder are:
- Scanning depth. Determines the thickness of the water through which the device will “legibly see”. It is better to take devices with a margin of 15-20% of the maximum depth of the reservoir.
- Radiation angle. Determines the size of the area that the Hamminberg sounder covers during operation. Devices with a large angle are best used specifically for fishing, and with a small angle - for catching crayfish or exploring the bottom of the river.
- Frequency. The more often the device sends signals, the clearer the image on the monitor will be. Low-frequency equipment is used to study large areas.
In the lineup of the company there are combined echo sounders that are able to change their characteristics. Such devices, as a rule, are of high price, but they are universal and suitable for different types of fishing.
Device series
The company "Hamminbird" exists on the market for more than 35 years. During this time, she managed to please the fishermen with the release of 9 full-fledged series, each of which contains both budget models and copies for professional, “exclusive” fishing. Sounders "Hamminberd", reviews of which make it clear what these devices are, are stable in popularity.
In addition to sonar equipment, the company also produces chartplotters. These gadgets greatly simplify navigation on the water. The functions of determining the location, fixing individual points and creating routes are the standard set of such devices. Among the whole variety of devices, you can also find echo sounders, chartplotters - combined devices.
PiranhaMAX Product Line
Models of the PiranhaMAX series have a practical discreet design and have a set of simple functions (determining the depth and size of fish). A distinctive feature of the devices of this line is high quality workmanship. They are durable, reliable, with careless handling do not fail.
The average price for the “Hamminbird” sounder of the PiranhaMAX series is at the level of 10 thousand rubles. You can find devices with a limited set of additional functions that cost only 5 thousand. It is thanks to these qualities that the device immediately catches your eye and is loved by many anglers.
The disadvantage of the equipment is the inconvenient control - it will take a long time to get used to it. Also get ready to have to work with each beam separately if you purchase a three-beam device.
Fishin`Buddy Fishfinder Series
The Fishin`Buddy series includes compact and mobile devices. Most of them have special fasteners - mounting clamps that allow you to use the device anywhere. You can fix the equipment on the edge of the boat and pick up a fishing rod.
On average, 15–20 thousand rubles will have to be paid for the “Hammingbird” fishfinder of the Fishin`Buddy series. The price of the cheapest models is in the range of 11-13 thousand. They have a small viewing angle and power. The most expensive instrument - Fishin 'Buddy MAX - has a color display, telescopic tube and a large scanning depth. However, it costs 30 thousand rubles.
HELIX Models
HELIX family devices are used by professionals. One of the main features is the horizontal orientation of the screen, which in practice is very convenient. A color display with a resolution of 800x480 dpi will provide the best view of the water column.
Only a few can afford such a device. The average price for a HELIX fishfinder is in the range of 50-60 thousand rubles. Such devices are provided with all the necessary functions for comfortable fishing. More expensive devices, costing from 100 to 200 thousand, are equipped with i-Pilot systems, GPS modules and can be combined with chart plotters. Reviews about such devices are exclusively laudatory.
Onix Model Family
Perhaps the members of the Onix family are the most expensive Hamminbird fishfinders. Prices for models in this line start at 200 thousand rubles. But having bought such a device, you will never regret, in addition, the feedback of professional fishermen speaks about this. All technologies developed by the company over 35 years have been built into the standard functionality of the devices.
In addition, echo sounders feature a high-definition display that is protected from false alarms (for example, from water droplets). All models are equipped with LED backlight, which allows you to use them at any time of the day in any weather conditions. The main feature of the device line is the AutoChart LIVE system, which itself creates a map of the water body.
600 and 700 Series
Looking for relatively cheap and functional Humminbird fishfinders, your choice should fall on the model of the 700th series. On the high-definition display, you can see all the details of the bottom, do not miss a single fish. Optional GPS modules will help you navigate not only on water, but also on land. And all this despite the fact that the average cost of devices is in the range of 15-20 thousand rubles.
If you are looking for something more reliable, functional and ready to give a tidy sum for it, then opt for equipment of the 600th series. Built-in technologies will accurately determine both the type of fish and its location, show what is happening under the bottom of the boat and draw the most optimal fishing route. You will have to pay about 50 thousand rubles for such a device.
Humminbird 800, 900 and 1100
Equipment from the Humminbird 900 or 800 series can be appreciated only by true fishing enthusiasts. These devices are primarily excellent sonars for finding fish. The built-in flasher function allows you to quickly transform them for ice fishing. The 900th sonar sounder “Hamminerd” has a split display function - with it you can simultaneously monitor the map and what is happening under the bottom of your boat.
But the devices of both presented series cannot be compared with the real masterpiece of the company - Humminbird 1100. These echo sounders are created specifically to make fishing dynamic and fun. A wide viewing angle and high resolution will allow you to monitor every meter of the lake or river. Thanks to the bright color display with a resolution of 600 × 800 pixels, you will not miss a single detail. For this miracle of echolocation technologies you will have to pay about 150 thousand rubles. But believe me, the devices of this series are worth the money.