A place |
Name |
Feature Rating |
1 | Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0 | The most reliable portable echo sounder |
2 | Practitioner ER-6Pro2 | Sounder for beginners and professionals |
3 | Rivotek Fisher 30 | Best quality and customer popularity |
4 | LUCKY FF918-180W Portable | Possibility of work from the power supply network |
1 | LUCKY FF718 (Slope Beam) | Clear drawing of the bottom relief |
2 | Rivotek Fisher 10 | The most accurate echo sounder for shallow water |
3 | LUCKY FF1108-1 | Affordable price, portability |
1 | Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4 | Image brightness, high detail |
2 | Lowrance HOOK-3x | Compactness and durability |
1 | Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV | Fast drawing cards |
2 | Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 | The most powerful high-quality echo sounder |
3 | Humminbird HELIX 5 SI GPS | The best equipment, the best transducer functionality |
1 | Simrad GO7 | Broadband High-Frequency Chartplotter |
2 | Lowrance Elite-5 Ti | Multifunctionality and self-sufficiency |
3 | FishHunter PRO | Emitter power and sensitivity adjustment |
Every year to catch a cautious fish is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, anglers resort to the help of various modern electronic devices. One of the most popular and effective instruments is the echo sounder. It can be applied from the shore or boat, in fresh or seawater, in summer and winter. But in each case it is necessary to select the device under certain conditions of the reservoir, taking into account the way of fishing and the price range. Not always an experienced angler needs a sophisticated device with a mass of unnecessary functions. The most important requirement for the fishing echo sounder is the definition of the bottom relief. Trophy hunters prefer models that can pinpoint the location of large fish. When choosing a device, experts advise to pay attention to the following parameters.
- Emitter power is the main factor affecting the quality of the resulting image. It is especially important to have a powerful device when fishing at great depths.
- The frequency of the converter also affects the clarity of the picture. The high-frequency device ideally shows underwater conditions at shallow depths. Low-frequency devices allow exploring deep areas, but the clarity of the image leaves much to be desired.
- Echo-sounders are equipped with different screens. Portable instruments have small displays on which you can deal with the bottom relief. But to detect fish requires full-sized monitors with a diagonal of 5-7 inches.
- It is possible to study the bottom environment with the help of transmitters with 1, 2 or more rays. Simple devices give only a schematic picture of the bottom, and multipath devices allow you to broaden your horizons and cover more space.
- Depending on the method of fishing in the echo sounder, there must be certain options. Boat models are equipped with brackets for mounting the screen and transducer. When fishing from the shore, it is more convenient to use wireless devices. Winter models are frost-resistant, withstanding temperatures down to -20 ° C.
Our review includes the best echo sounders for fishing. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:
- appointment;
- price;
- technical specifications;
- expert opinions;
- consumer reviews.
Best portable echo sounders
The most simple and convenient to use, portable echo sounders have gained popularity with most fishermen, both amateurs and true professionals. The advantages of such models include compactness, lightness, as well as what has become fashionable in recent times - compatibility with iOS and Android.
4 LUCKY FF918-180W Portable
A country: China
Average price: 9 990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The LUCKY FF918-180W Portable echo sounder has gained its popularity in tropical climates, where the air temperature rarely drops below -10 degrees and rises above 50 degrees Celsius. Here the functionality of the device, without excesses, is revealed in full.
The transducer has two scanning beams with a power of 200 and 125 kHz, respectively. The maximum depth and length of the scan is 197 meters. Not bad for a device of this caliber. Fastening on the water produced by the float. The case of the echo sounder is made of water-repellent material, and all the seams and connecting elements are made without gaps and reliably abut each other. As a nice bonus comes with a special wireless sensor. In general, this echo sounder has everything you need for comfortable fishing. And the price for it is frankly low.
3 Rivotek Fisher 30
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 7 350 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
Closes the top three portable echo sounders Rivotek Fisher 30. On the part of the functionality and characteristics of it there are absolutely no questions. For the reliability and safety of the device meets a special waterproof housing, and for scanning the bottom relief - a single beam with a power of 4333 kHz and a radiation angle of 90 degrees. The maximum depth of its action is 36 meters - this is an excellent indicator for such small echo sounders. The scan picture is transmitted to the four-color screen of the device, which has a backlight in case of fishing in night conditions.
The disadvantage of the "Rivotek Fisher" echo sounder can be called one-sided limitation in the temperature range. The developers have created an echo sounder that can withstand water temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius, but completely useless at temperatures below zero degrees.
2 Practitioner ER-6Pro2
A country: Russia
Average price: 6 950 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The domestic manufacturer took into account the shortcomings and observations of anglers, which were presented to the echo sounder Praktik ER-6Pro. The updated version of the ER-6Pro2 differs affordable price, unpretentiousness and ease of configuration. The device does many operations on its own, which simplifies the task for novice anglers. Professionals note the versatility of the device, which allows it to be used in a variety of conditions, including in the winter. The model has high sensitivity, high-quality screen, economical power consumption, impact resistance. Turning off the device occurs within 3 seconds after pressing the button.
Domestic fishermen have noted a significant improvement in the quality of the echo sounder Praktik ER-6Pro2. At the same time, the model has kept an affordable price and ease of management. In the reviews, users mention such shortcomings as coarse materials, rapid failure of the sensor, the small size of the display.
1 Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0
A country: Lithuania
Average price: 16 900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0 echo sounder is designed specifically for temperate climatic conditions, and is capable of operating at temperatures from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the dual-beam echolocation system, you can track the movement of objects under a water column at a depth of 50 centimeters to 40 meters with high accuracy. At the same time, a high quality of the bottom relief display and the number of fish is provided.
As an additional function, the lunar calendar is integrated into the echo sounder, as biting depends on the phase of the moon. It is compatible with the operating systems iOS and Android, which greatly facilitates the use of the device on the reservoir. However, the connection distance is dictated by the power of the smartphone, which can cause some inconvenience. Among other advantages, it should be noted durable waterproof case, as well as the weight of the device, which is only 100 grams. There are enough similar reasons to call it the best in its category.
Video Review
The best echo sounders for winter
Winter fishing is very popular in our country. To find a cluster of fish and differential depths requires a device resistant to cold and moisture.It should be simple and reliable.
3 LUCKY FF1108-1
A country: China
Average price: 3 290 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The portable echo sounder LUCKY FF1108-1 proved to be excellent in the Russian winter conditions. It easily tolerates low temperatures down to -20 ° C. Attracts domestic fishing enthusiasts and affordable price. The device gives a wide scope in the winter to find a promising point of fishing. Thanks to the simple mounting of the sensor, it can be lowered under the ice and sent downstream to 100 m in search of fish. You can determine the depth of the site through the ice. To do this, water is poured into a plastic bottle, the container is placed on the ice and the sonar sensor is lowered into it. Similarly, it is possible to study the relief of the bottom and through the bottom of an inflatable boat.
Fans of winter fishing in the reviews mention such advantages of the LUCKY FF1108-1 echo sounder, as low price, compact size, frost resistance. There are certain disadvantages. Powerful emitter scares cautious fish when turned on, not quite convenient cable is installed.
2 Rivotek Fisher 10
A country: China
Average price: 4 000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The inexpensive and compact echo sounder Rivotek Fisher 10 is a great option for fishing at shallow depths. Although the power of the radiator is enough to penetrate the depth to 70 m. The device can be used both in summer and in winter. It is equipped with a robust housing with moisture protection. The device works from 4 elements of the AAA finger type. The model has a number of useful options, for example, the display shows the temperature of the water, the presence of fish in the form of familiar characters. The display has an anti-reflective coating that allows you to clearly see the picture even in bright sunshine.
The strengths of the Rivotek Fisher 10 echo sounder include local anglers at an affordable price, accurate determination of the bottom relief in shallow waters, a durable waterproof case, and a contrast monitor. The disadvantages of the device are a weak wire that quickly grinds on sharp edges, batteries that are not resistant to severe frost.
1 LUCKY FF718 (Slope Beam)
A country: China
Average price: 7 490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
A distinctive feature of the portable echo sounder LUCKY FF718 (Scat Ray) is the ability to draw bottom relief. The device finds the fish and determines the depth of its parking. Due to the frost-resistant device is perfect for winter. Moreover, the echo sounder can be hidden in the inner pocket of the jacket and comfortably move with it along the frozen reservoir. The current source for the device are 4 AAA batteries. It is simple and easy to operate the Skat, both a beginner and an experienced angler can cope with the setting. The model boasts a wide range of depths, starting with shallow water 0.5 m and ending with pits 73 m.
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.
The best stationary echo sounders
The stationary echo sounder category also earned its fame among fishermen; however, compared with its portable counterparts, such instruments have a number of significant differences. And it's not only the degree of mobility. The main advantages of such echo sounders include a large radius of action, which allows fishing in vast and deep-sea areas. In addition, the viewing angle of such devices is often greater than that of portable devices. Dimensions and weight slightly higher, but this can not be considered a disadvantage.
2 Lowrance HOOK-3x
A country: USA (produced in Mexico)
Average price: 9 930 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The American company Lowrance decided to please the anglers with an affordable and simple HOOK-3x echo sounder. It has a minimum set of features that are necessary on fishing. Therefore, this Lawrence turned out compact and durable. The menu is made in Russian, which makes working with the device easy and understandable. Information about the depth, voltage of the current source, sonar frequency, and water temperature is displayed.A very useful option for anglers will be noise reduction, which occurs when the engine of the boat is operating. You can adjust the echo sounder at home using the simulate function.
Domestic anglers are generally satisfied with the work of the Lowrance HOOK-3x. For a budget price, you can get a compact and durable device with two sonar modes and simple setup. Of the minuses in the reviews often mentioned a small display, the absence of a GPS tracker, lack of accuracy.
1 Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4
A country: USA (produced in Taiwan)
Average price: 15 958 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4 echo sounder can provide the angler with complete information about the underwater situation. Thanks to the bright display and high detail, the picture is clear and understandable. The device has a wide range of applications, anglers use it when fishing from inflatable boats and metal vessels, in fresh and sea water. Garmin works from the onboard network of the boat (12 V), which allows not to think about the discharge of batteries at the crucial moment. The study of the underwater situation occurs with a two-beam radiator. Built-in trannyder easily attached to the transom of the craft. Thanks to the GPS module, it is possible to memorize perspective points, saving time when searching for a catchy place.
Domestic anglers use the Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4 echo sounder in a variety of conditions. The device clearly shows the topography of the bottom and the presence of fish in the selected area of the reservoir. The disadvantages include raw firmware.
The best stationary echo sounders with GPS
GPS navigation, as well as compatibility with the operating systems of phones, has become an integral part of the technical progress of devices. In this regard, it is not spared and echo-sounders. In them, this function came in handy: it became possible to apply tags and look for old places of lively fishing, transfer coordinates to other devices and take them to your own device. Surpassing the characteristics of conventional stationary echo sounders, they receive another additional advantage, which naturally affects not only the functionality, but also their price.
3 Humminbird HELIX 5 SI GPS
A country: USA (produced in China)
Average price: 56 800 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
In order to identify the main and obvious advantage of the Humminbird HELIX 5 SI GPS echo sounder over others, there is no need to use a large number of words. Everything is clear and simple - the thing is in the notorious configuration, or, more precisely, the presence in it of the main component - the scanning transducer. There are absolutely no complaints about the device's functionality: a four-beam sensor scans the bottom of a freshwater reservoir at a distance of up to 457 meters and transmits a three-dimensional image to a five-inch color screen with a resolution of 800x480 pixels.
To support the GPS function, the device is equipped with a memory device, which has enough memory to store 45 routes and 50 tracks. This amount is enough to mark the most productive places of fishing. To expand the memory space provided by the presence of a connector for MicroSD.
2 Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2
A country: USA (produced in China)
Average price: 103 400 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The second line of the ranking of the best stationary echo sounders with GPS is Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2. It cannot be said that this model is a budget version of the echo sounder, since not everyone can afford to buy the device for the price of 100 thousand rubles. In line with the price, "Lowrance" offers customers a wide range of functions and good features. The device can operate at temperatures from -15 to 55 degrees Celsius, has a built-in GPS module, which has enough memory to store up to 200 routes and 10 tracks with 12 thousand reference points each. In addition, the echo sounder has a connector for connecting to PC and Ethernet.
The main disadvantage of this model can be considered not only high price, but also a complete set. With the built-in temperature sensor, it does not have a transunder, which is supplied for a fee as an additional option.However, its scanning ability and power fascinate: the sensor is able to observe objects at a distance of up to 1524 meters.
1 Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV
A country: USA (produced in Taiwan)
Average price: 34 778 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
New opportunities for anglers are provided by the Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV echo sounder. Thanks to the innovative technology QuickDraw Contours, you can make maps on the fly. It is possible to draw a depth line with discreteness up to 30 cm. Garmin has a large internal memory, where it is allowed to store about 8 thousand square meters. m of water area (almost two Rybinsk reservoirs). The presence of a GPS receiver expands the angler's capabilities, allowing you to memorize waypoints, record tracks, create a route of movement. The device is equipped with a 5-inch monitor, the picture remains clear and bright even when exposed to direct sunlight.
Fishermen in their reviews highly appreciate such qualities of the Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV as the ability to quickly create maps and routes, a clear image, and durability. The disadvantages of professionals include the absence of a side view, which limits the search for fish only by the water area directly under the boat.
The best echo sounders with 3D mode
For the most complete information on underwater conditions, anglers use 3D echo sounders. They are equipped with several rays that cover a large area of the water area.
3 FishHunter PRO
A country: South Korea
Average price: 13 300 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Modern anglers take smartphones and tablets with them. Sounder FishHunter PRO allows you to use these gadgets as a display, so that the price of the device has become affordable. At the same time, such innovative functions as 3-beam scanning, power and sensitivity adjustment, determination of temperature, bottom contours, etc. were used in the echo sounder. The device withstands exposure to extreme cold (up to -30 ° C), which allows using it for winter. In real time, the angler can watch the bait or spinners play, making adjustments. FishHunter ™ application is installed for free.
Anglers flatter the echo sounder abilities of the FishHunter PRO. The device is inexpensive, different modernity and efficiency. It can be easily customized to the conditions of the reservoir. Unfortunately, not all older people will appreciate its benefits.
2 Lowrance Elite-5 Ti
A country: USA (produced in Mexico)
Average price: 63 820 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The self-sufficient and multipurpose assistant to the fisherman is represented the Lowrance Elite-5 Ti echo sounder. It is perfect for small boats. The use of CHIRP technology allows you to explore both freshwater and marine areas. The device is equipped with modern options such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, StructureScan. The device is able to create your own maps through Insight Genesis. With all the bells and whistles, Lawrence is quite simple to manage. In addition, the bright clear screen can be divided into 3 parts for greater efficiency. The sounder is easily mounted on the dashboard of a boat or a boat.
Professionals in fishing consider the Lowrance Elite-5 Ti echo sounder a very useful device. Given the versatility, volume flow of information, the model justifies the money invested in it. In the reviews, some shortcomings are mentioned, for example, the absence of a protective cover, the small size of the display for a side view.
1 Simrad GO7
A country: Mexico
Average price: 61 500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The Simrad GO7 echo sounder is a broadband chartplotter with a high-frequency image. The device allows the angler to independently choose the settings, taking into account the depth of the reservoir and the area of the investigated area. A unique feature of the device is the possibility of collective connection.Using the Wi-Fi transmitter and the GoFree app, friends in the neighboring boats can watch the underwater situation through their smartphones. The clarity of the image is preserved both when exposed to sunlight and when using polarized glasses. Without interference, it is possible to obtain an image of the bottom relief at a speed of 20 knots.
Domestic fishermen echo sounder Simrad GO7 liked. It gives a real picture of the underwater situation in any conditions, be it a high speed boat or bright sun. People like the big touch screen. Discontent is the only high price.