Each year, the fish finder is becoming an increasingly common attribute of fishing equipment. It allows you to save valuable time and do what you love with maximum efficiency. With the increasing popularity of echo sounders, their assortment is growing, so even sophisticated anglers sometimes do not just choose the right model. Today we will consider the rating of echo sounders for fishing (2017), which will help simplify the choice of this, of course, useful device.
Fishfinder device
Before making a rating of fish finders for fishing, we will get acquainted with the device and its main characteristics, which you should rely on when choosing the right model.
The sounder consists of four parts:
- Transmitter;
- Converter;
- Receiver;
- Screen.
An electrical impulse comes from the transmitter to the converter, where it is converted into a sound wave, which, in turn, is sent to the water. Faced with any underwater object, the wave is reflected, and in the form of an echo it falls back into the converter, which turns it into an electrical signal and transmits it to the screen. Since the speed of sound in water is constant, by measuring the time interval between the transmission of a signal and its receipt, you can calculate the distance to the object. The fish finder repeats this procedure many times at high speed, which allows the angler not only to find the fish, but also to trace its movement.
As a rule, echo sounders operate at a frequency of about 200 kHz, but in some models this indicator can vary. Despite the fact that the frequency of the device is in the sound spectrum, the fish, as well as humans, do not feel this. Therefore, it is not worth worrying about the fact that the echo sounder can frighten off the alleged prey.
The device should be arranged with the expectation of the joint work of the above 4 parts, in different weather conditions. The more powerful the transmitter, the better the device copes with the tasks assigned to it at great depths and in adverse weather, and the more small objects it can recognize.
The converter must not only convert one type of energy to another with minimal loss of signal strength, but also cope with the high load from the transmitter. On the other hand, it needs to recognize a faint echo reflected from small objects.
The receiver deals with a wide range of signals. It amplifies the weak signals coming from the converter, and weakens the strong ones coming from the transmitter. In addition, the receiver must distinguish between objects too close to each other and show them as separate pulses on the display. The higher the screen resolution and its contrast, the more accurate information the angler can read from it.
Since the range of instruments and their functionality is quite large, the rating of fish finders for fishing will be divided into several categories.
Portable Fishfinder
Being the most convenient and easy to use, portable models have gained immense popularity in the fishing environment. They bribe, first of all, compactness and ease, and more recently, the ability to synchronize with smartphones. Some models can be used both from a boat and from the shore, which is very convenient.
3.Rivotek Fisher 30
The rating of the best echo sounders among portable models is opened by the Russian device, Rivotek Fisher 30, which is produced in China. In terms of features and functionality, there are absolutely no complaints about it. A special moisture-proof housing makes it possible to use the device in bad weather conditions. A beam with a power of 4333 kHz is responsible for scanning the underwater world, the radiation angle of which is 90 degrees. The echo sounder can work at a depth of 36 meters, which is a very worthy indicator, given its modest dimensions and price. The resulting picture is transmitted to a four-color display, which thanks to the backlight can be used at any time of the day.
A clear drawback of the Russian apparatus, which prevented him from winning the ranking of wireless echo sounders, is a limited temperature range, and only in one direction. So, the device can function normally at temperatures up to 70 ° C, but refuses to work in the slightest frost. The price of this echo sounder is about 110-120 dollars.
2. "Practitioner" ER-6PRO
In second place in the rating of echo sounders is another Russian model, which, unlike the previous one, is produced at home. This device works well at low temperatures, which compares favorably with most competitors. Another advantage of the Practik echo sounder is its low power consumption: just a few batteries will be enough for the whole fishing season. The low weight of the device also captivates - only 170 grams. It can operate at a depth of up to 25 meters. So that the device does not scare away the fish, but catches water vibrations, the depth of its action can be adjusted. The scan results are shown on a black and white display, which is highlighted in the dark. The sounder of this model costs about 80-90 dollars, which compares favorably with many competitors.
1.Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0
The winner of the rating of echo-sounders for fishing from the shore is the Lithuanian model from the company Deeper, which became famous due to its reliability and reliability when working in a wide temperature range. It was created specifically for use in a temperate climate and normally copes with its tasks in the temperature range from -20 to + 40 ° . Using a two-beam echolocation system allows you to accurately track the movement of underwater objects at a depth of 40 meters. In this case, the bottom topography and the number of underwater inhabitants are displayed with high accuracy.
Since the nibble of the fish largely depends on the lunar phases, a lunar calendar is built into the echo sounder. The ability to synchronize the device with smartphones greatly improves the convenience of its use from the shore. The rating of echo sounders of this model is also high due to their waterproof case and low weight - only 100 grams. Thus, among portable models, he has no equal. The Lithuanian echo sounder costs about $ 200, and this is its only drawback.
Power Sounders
Since the operating time of simple portable echo sounders is limited by the capacity of their battery, at the most inopportune moment, the device can fail. In case there is a need to constantly maintain a high level of charge, it is worth paying attention to echo sounders that can operate from a 12-volt network. They have the same advantages as conventional portable models, but lack the main disadvantage. The rating of echo sounders recharging from the mains is represented by two models.
2.Lucky FF18-180W Portable
The Chinese Lucky FF18-180W Portable fishfinder is popular in the tropics, where air temperature can range from 10 degrees below zero to 50 degrees below zero. In these latitudes, the potential of the device is fully revealed. The echo sounder has a pair of scanning beams with a power of 125 and 200 kHz. The maximum length and depth of scanning is 197 meters. An echo sounder is held in the water with a float. The body of the device is made of water-repellent material. A wireless sensor is included with the fishfinder. Thus, the model is quite suitable for comfortable and inexpensive fishing. Its price is about $ 15.
1.Humminbird Piranhamax 230 Portable
The capabilities of portable echo sounders with recharging are much higher than those of models that operate on battery power. This is fully illustrated by the Taiwanese model (manufactured in China) Humminbird Piranhamax 230 Portable, which won first place in the ranking of echo sounders with charging. Thanks to two scanning beams, the coverage width of this device is as much as 182 meters. The maximum power of the device is 800 watts. This is quite enough for a thorough drawing of objects, even in conditions of insufficient visibility. Rays have different frequencies - 200 and 83 kHz. The angles of their direction also differ - 20 and 60 degrees. From the scanning device, the signal is fed to a black-and-white display equipped with a zoom function. Among other things, the Taiwan sounder is equipped with temperature and speed sensors. The price of the best device in the rating of echo sounders with the possibility of recharging is about 250-260 dollars.
Stationary Fishfinder
This category of echo sounders is also widespread among fishermen. According to a number of parameters, they differ from portable counterparts, and the point is not only in the mobility of the latter. The main advantage of stationary devices is a large radius of action. This allows the angler to explore a wider area, and to find fish at great depths. In addition, stationary echo sounders usually have a larger viewing angle. Their dimensions and weight are higher, but it is unlikely for someone it will become a significant drawback. The stationary device is the best fish finder for fishing from a boat. The rating below is based on the price-quality ratio.
3.JJ-Connect Fisherman 600
The rating of fish finders for fishing from a boat is opened by the American model made in China. The main advantage of this model is its low cost with good functionality. Reliable operation of the echo sounder is provided at a temperature of 10-50 ° C. The case has a shockproof, waterproof coating. The transducer is most conveniently attached to the boat transom. The echo sounder has only one beam, but this does not prevent it from scanning the water column at a depth of up to 280 meters. Scan data is transmitted to a black and white display with a resolution of 120x240 pixels. It is the low resolution that determines the affordable cost of the device, and is its main drawback. As an additional option, temperature and speed sensors can be installed on the sounder. The price of this device is about 80-90 dollars, which means that it would clearly get an advantage in the rating of budget echo sounders.
2.Lowrance Elite-3X
In second place is the real American model, which confirms that even a stationary echo sounder can be compact. The width of the device is only 9.5 cm, and the height is even less - 5 cm. It is important to note that with a modest size, the device has full functionality. The fish finder is equipped with two beams that allow you to explore the reservoir at a depth of 244 meters. Information is transmitted to a color 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 240x320 pixels, which is equipped with a backlight for working in the dark. The fish finder has an ambient temperature sensor. It can optionally be equipped with a speed sensor. The price of this device is about $ 150.
1.Garmin Echo 200
The first place in the ranking of stationary echo sounders deservedly received another "Chinese" of American origin. Garmin Echo 200 is considered the leader among low-cost models. The double-beam transducer can scan the freshwater bottom at a distance of up to 500 meters. The black-and-white 5-inch screen of the device has a resolution of 320x480 pixels, which contributes to a comfortable perception of information.
The functionality of the device has some proprietary features. So, the patented HD-ID technology allows you to track specified dynamic targets, and the Smooth Scaling program ensures image continuity. The device is equipped with an ambient temperature sensor. It has a very modest size, but weighs 500 grams. The average price for it is $ 250.
Stationary Fishfinder with GPS
GPS navigation, as well as compatibility with smartphone operating systems, has become an integral part of the technical improvement of devices. Progress has not bypassed the echo sounders, especially since in them this function is most welcome. It allows you to label and easily search for places of former fishing glory. In addition, the fishermen have the opportunity to transfer data to the devices of their companions, opening up fishing spots for them. Outperforming conventional echo sounders in functionality, this class of devices received an additional advantage, which, of course, affected its pricing policy.
3.Humminbird Helix 5SI GPS
This model has American roots, but is made in China. The scanning transducer has four beams and can examine the bottom of a freshwater reservoir at a depth of up to 450 meters. He transmits the received information in the form of a three-dimensional image on a color 5-inch screen with a resolution of 800x840 pixels.
The device is equipped with a storage device, the memory of which is enough to register 45 routes and 50 tracks. The memory space can be expanded without problems using the slot for a microSD card. The price of such an echo sounder averages $ 850.
2. Lowrance HDS-7 GEN2
Like the previous model, this echo sounder has an American registration, but is available in China. In the ranking of budget echo sounders, this device would clearly remain at the end of the list - its price is about one and a half thousand dollars. However, a wide range of functions and excellent technical characteristics make it one of the leaders in terms of price-quality ratio. The echo sounder operates at temperatures from -15 to +55 ° C. There is enough memory of the GPS module to save 200 routes, 10 tracks and 12 thousand reference points. The device has a connector for connecting to a computer and Ethernet.
Among the shortcomings of this model, one can note not only a high price tag, but also a complete set. The sounder has a temperature sensor, but is not equipped with a transducer. A transducer is supplied as an additional option, for a fee. At the same time, the scanning ability of the device is surprising - the sensor works at a distance of up to one and a half kilometers.
1.Garmin GPSMAP 585
In the first place in the ranking of the best echo sounders for fishing among GPS models was the next "American Chinese" - Garmin GPSMAP 585. Like many other models, this echo sounder comes without a transducer. The scanning ability of this device is limited to 460 meters of depth. The resulting image is transmitted to a 5-inch color screen. The GPS module cannot save tracks, but it registers up to 150 routes and 6,000 waypoints. A flash drive can expand these capabilities. The device is also equipped with temperature and speed sensors. The model has a very compact size and convenient layout. Its weight is only 390 grams. There is no need to talk about the shockproof, waterproof case, because in echo sounders of this class it is used by default.
The device costs $ 600, which, along with quite decent characteristics, makes it a true leader in the class.