Finding the lowrance fish finder can be very tough, especially with the number of models offered by the company. The brand’s wide range of offerings, from small angler units to large, pro-use models, can be very overwhelming for a novice fish finder buyer.
Lowrance fish finders may appear to have the same features, which all the more makes it difficult for you to choose just one model. This article will help you find the right Lowrance fish finder.
Table of Contents
In looking for the Lowrance fish finder reviews, we took into account the following considerations:
- Functions / technology
- Ease of use/installation
- Display/screen size
- Price/Affordability
Best Lowrance Fish Finders – Comparisons in 2019
| Picture | Product Name | Dimensions (inches) | Measures Depth | Display (Inches) | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lowrance Elite 5 | 10 x 8 x 7 | 305 m | 5 | Check Price |
 |
Lowrance HDS 7 | 8.5 x 3.3 x 5.8 | 914 m | 7 | Check Price |
 |
Lowrance Hook 3x | 3.75 x 1.85 x 6.5 | 244 m | 3.5 | Check Price |
 |
Lowrance Elite 7x Chirp | 11 x 9 x 10 | 304 m | 7 | Check Price |
 |
Lowrance HDS 9 | 16 x 10 x 11 | 914 m | 9 | Check Price |
 |
Lowrance HDS 12 | 15.47 x 11.81 x 10 | 914 m | 12 | Check Price |
Best Lowrance Fish Finder Reviews in 2019
#1. Lowrance Elite 5
This is an easy-to-use fish finder Lowrance that offers pretty decent features for its price.
While it doesn’t have GPS or navigation features, the Lowrance Elite 5X offers great sensitivity, superior target resolution, and noise rejection.
This Lowrance fish finder transducer is easy to remove and install, thanks to its mounting system with tilt/swivel view adjustment.
Its Down Scan imaging provides clear images of the bottom. While it is only reliable up to depths of 300 feet, you can still easily distinguish fishes from structures.
Two functions that you’ll find handy are the Ice Flasher and Fish ID.
With the Ice Fisher, you can easily find fish in any temperature. As the name suggests, this function is easier to use on ice.
The Fish ID function, meanwhile, shows each fish with their current depth display.
Amazon.com reviewers say they find this unit very easy to operate. They’re also happy with its low price.
Others, though, wish it has a side bracket mounting system.
- It is easy to use
- It is affordable
- It provides clear images
- No side bracket mounting
- No GPS
#2. Lowrance HDS 7 Fish Finder
This is another features-packed fish finder that isn’t the most budget-friendly item in our list. Yet once you’ve used this fish finder, you will realize that it is worth every penny you’ve shelled out for it.
The HDS-7 displays data on a 7 inch display. The screen carries a 640 x 480 pixels resolution.
We liked that the display screen is easy to read, even when under the sun. According to reviewers on Amazon.com, there’s no reduction in readability even when viewed at steep side angles.
Reviewers on Amazon.com also say that this unit is fairly easy to use. They point out that the use of front-panel push buttons and arrow keypad makes the unit very easy to manipulate or control.
They also like that it has built-in Wifi. They say that with this feature, they can connect this unit to their iPad, so they can control it or run a boating app.
For the budget-conscious buyer, the HDS 7 may not be the best choice. But those who are willing to spend for it will get their money’s worth.
- Easy to use
- Bright graphics
- Built in Wi-Fi
- Steep price
#3. Lowrance Hook 3x
This is an affordable, easy to use fish finder with a LED-backlit color display. The screen may be small but it has a decent 320 x 240 pixel resolution.
This unit features an Advanced Signal Process which practically eliminates the need to adjust its settings manually. Its Fish I.D. lets users adjust the way the display shows fish targets.
While the resolution of this fish finder isn’t the best in the market, users say it is still able to display fish and structures in great detail.
Moreover, the menu navigation won’t make users scratch their heads. It is very easy to use with its menu, arrow, and enter buttons.
We liked its mounting bracket as it allows users to quickly change viewing angles, or remove the unit for storage.
According to reviewers on Amazon.com, this unit is quite energy efficient as well. Some estimate that it can run for 20 hours before requiring re-charging of its battery.
Another drawback, aside from its low resolution display, is the screen size itself. Many reviewers found it too small.
- Very easy to use
- Affordable
- Mounting bracket
- Screen is small
#4. Lowrance Elite 7x Chirp
This is a down imaging fish finder that is surprisingly budget-friendly. It is equipped with high-tech signal processing, enabling its users to spend less time focusing images.
Its advanced CHIRP software works well in providing clear images of fishes, bottom surfaces, and plant structures. Those images are displayed in a 7 inch, 480x 800 pixel screen.
It also offers superior target separation and power. You can scan waters for fish targets up to depths of 1,000 feet.
According to reviewers on Amazon.com, the fish finder has easy to use menus. They also like its mounting design that lets them easily remove, re-install or adjust the tilt/swivel view.
Others like the screen because they can see the images and readings even when in direct sunlight. It is also waterproof, so it can resist splashes and even immersion in water albeit for a short period only.
This could have been a lot better if there was GPS or mapping functionality. But obviously, those features were not included to keep the costs down.
It can be said that this is a Lowrance kayak fish finder that’s pocket friendly.
- Advanced CHIRP software
- Easy to use menus
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- No GPS
#5. Lowrance Elite 7X Gold
This is a surprisingly affordable, GPS-capable fish finder with high definition down imaging sonar. With its generous amount of features and an affordable price, this could be the best Lowrance fish finder.
With its CHIRP sonar technology this fish finder is able to provide superior target separation. In simpler terms, this Lowrance portable fish finder can show fishes individually even if they are near each other.
Moreover, this Lowrance fish finder GPS unit would enable you to see small fishes in a bait cloud. And you can even see the lure and the line.That’s how powerful this fish finder is.
With its Advanced Signal Processing, the Elite 7 is able to filter out clutter and unwanted signals. This results to much clear images.
Its DownScan imaging feature, on the other hand, enables it to provide super clear images of the bottom. You would be able to see specific structures, and how far apart the fishes are from your lure.
The major beef that Amazon.com reviewers have with this model is the speed by which it acquires and displays fish targets. They say that it isn’t built for tournament fishermen but for the weekend angler.
- Advanced features
- Superior display
- Easy to use
- It’s slow
#6. Lowrance HDS 9 Fish Finder
This fish finder features a high definition touchscreen. It also offers broadband sounding and downscan imaging, with data shown on it high definition display.
There are three screen sizes choices for this unit—7 inches, 9 inches, and 12 inches. We liked the 12 inch screen best because you can make the most of the many functionalities offered by the HDS 9.
The SolarMax Plus technology, on the other hand, ensures that images remain sharp even during sunny days.
This fish finder is able to provide clear images for depths of up to 300 feet. It has a radius scan of 328 meters.
According to reviewers on Amazon.com, this Lowrance fishfinder is very easy to use even for beginners.
They are raving about the full touch screen which they say is very intuitive. The touch screen is also customizable.
Others appreciate the quick release mounting mechanism of this unit. They say it offers a full range of positions, so viewing is a lot more comfortable.
The only real drawback of this unit is its steep price. But then again, you get what you pay for, right?
- High definition touch screen
- It can provide crystal clear images even under the sun
- It is easy to use
- It is very expensive
#7. Lowrance HDS 12
Another high end fish finder from Lowrance is this unit that features a high definition, touch screen. When you first use this unit, you will be reminded of a high end smartphone or tablet.
Aside from the brightly colored, 12 inch widescreen display, this unit is equipped with broadband radar, GPS navigational charts, a couple of full sized SD card slots, Ethernet port, and video camera support.
The HDS 12 is capable of detecting every fish, reef, and structure below your boat thanks to its broadband sounder, side and down scan imaging. It is also easy to switch between the sonars with its powerful, split-screen feature.
Arguably the biggest selling point of this fish finder is its touchscreen display. You should have no problems operating this fish finder as it will remind you of your smartphone.
Many reviewers on Amazon.com are raving at how easy it is to use this phone. They also say that the touch screen display of the HDS 12 makes it the best fish finder from Lowrance to date.
- 12 inch, touch screen display
- GPS capability
- Broadband radar
- Very expensive
Advantages of Lowrance Fish Finders
- Numerous choices. When it comes to marine electronics, Lowrance has a wide range of offerings. Whether you’re looking for a professional fish finders or one for a casual user, you would be able to find one with the Lowrance logo on it.
- Affordable fishfinders. As you would read in Lowrance fish finder reviews, the brand is known for offering quality fish finders at reasonable prices. In fact, you can get a decent Lowrance fish finder for less than $200.
Compared to other brands which have entry level models at around $500, Lowrance is really a good option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Good customer support. Whether you are interested in how to read Lowrance fish finder or how to use Lowrance fish finder, you’ll get your answers from the company’s customer support team.
Lowrance also offers online support so you can quickly get answers to typical customer queries.
- Ease of use. Lowrance fish finders are extremely easy to use, that even novice anglers will be able to operate them in no time. Its products are also packed with features.
- Long warranty. Depending on the model, Lowrance offers one or two year limited warranty. It also offers extra three years warranty with its 5 Year Advantage program.
Conclusion
Picking the best Lowrance fish finder is difficult, but we have to go with the Lowrance Elite 5.
It is arguably the best because it isn’t that expensive yet it is packed in features. It can provide clear images even when under the sunlight.It is also very easy to operate and install.
It may be a bit slow at times, but that’s the only real drawback you will have to deal with when you use this fish finder.
Leave a Reply