Ranking of the best fish finders in 2020

Before proceeding with an overview of the most popular and high-quality models of echo sounders, you should understand what an echo sounder is, what it is for, what is its principle of operation, and what characteristics this fishing tackle has.

An echo sounder is a device that examines the bottom topography of a reservoir by means of rays and displays the data on the display, showing the bottom topography, stones and, of course, fish present.

The presence of an echo sounder helps to choose the most successful fishing spot, which will be especially appreciated by novice anglers. The echo sounder allows you to determine the depth, the type of bottom soil, the temperature of the water in its different layers, the presence of fish, its size and speed of movement in the water.

Sounder Specifications

This device has a number of features and functions that reflect the essence of its operation. All parameters must be taken into account when buying in order to choose the best model. Echo sounders have the following characteristics:

1. The number of rays. A characteristic that is responsible for the width of the investigated space. More rays - wider range of visibility.
2. Sound transmitter power. Sound signals sent by the echo sounder are reflected from the bottom topography of the reservoir, from objects under water, and then return to the device. The higher the parameters of power and signal transmission rate, the more accurate and detailed the information will be. Powerful echo sounders are capable of scanning through ice.
3. Signal receiver operation. With a low sensitivity of the receiver, the sound wave is not captured, with too high a sensitivity, unnecessary interference appears. The best option is adjustable sensitivity.
4. Converter frequency. The parameter responsible for the clarity of the picture, which displays the state of the bottom and the underwater world.
5. Image quality and display contrast. A characteristic that is responsible for comfort - for example, the high contrast of the screen is good in bright sunlight.

Varieties of echo sounders

There are several types of this device, suitable for different types of fishing.

1. With display. The screen is monochrome (black and white) and color. The black-and-white version is more common in budget models, the color one gives a more accurate picture. In addition, there are echo sounders with a convenient touchscreen display.
2. With GPS navigator. This equipment is suitable for fishing in large bodies of water.
3. 3D echo sounder. Provides a 3D view of the underwater world. Models of this type are quite expensive.
4. Wireless compact echo sounder. With its help, you can get information about the underwater landscape directly from land by throwing a device tied to a fishing line into the water. However, this sonar does not detect fish.
5. Looking forward echo sounder. Can provide data while the boat is in motion. Possesses fine tuning and high cost.

Quality budget and Chinese echo sounders

Lowrance Mark-5x Pro

Two-beam stationary device with mains supply. Equipped with a monochrome display (5 inches), a resolution of 480 pixels. The maximum depth is 305 m. The average price is 18 320 rubles.

• good detailed image on the screen;
• built-in temperature sensor;
• economical energy consumption;
• the device detects many objects;
• ease of use.

• sometimes shows erroneous depth.

Outlife fish finder

Inexpensive Chinese model, distinguished by its reliability and accuracy. Equipped with an LCD display showing information about the presence of fish. Sonar also has a water temperature sensor. The average price for Aliexpress is 1,770 rubles.

• accuracy and detail;
• fixation of water temperature;
• nice design.

• the echolocation range is only 75 meters.

Erchang F3w

Wireless multifunctional sonar that transmits the received information to the gadget via Bluetooth. With the help of a video camera, it records what is happening under water. The scanning angle is 90 degrees, the range is up to 36 meters. The average price for Aliexpress is 2,950 rubles.

• affordable cost;
• suitable for fishing in winter.

• short scanning range;
• charging lasts no more than three hours.

Stationary echo sounders

JJ Connect Fisherman 600 Duo

Inexpensive stationary type device that comes with a transducer. The sonar is equipped with a monochrome screen with a resolution of 160x240 pixels. and backlight. This dual-beam echo sounder has a scanning depth of 350m and a scanning angle of 20 to 35 degrees. Average cost - 9 190 rubles.

• built-in speed and temperature sensors;
• the case is protected from moisture;
• ease of use;
• suitable for trolling;
• good build quality.

• large error in depth readings;
• frequent breakdowns.

Lowrance HOOK-4x Mid / High

Dual-beam echo sounder with transducer for boat fishing. Equipped with a 4-inch display with a resolution of 272x480 pixels, giving a good quality picture. It has a built-in temperature sensor, shows the bottom topography and determines the presence and size of fish in the underwater space. The scanning depth is 305 m. The average price is 16,100 rubles.

• the ability to work in the process of movement of the floating craft;
• high-quality and accurate image;
• finds fish at depth.

• some sonar models are not Russified.

Garmin Fishfinder 350C

Dual-beam sonar with a transducer attached to the boat's transom, with a large scanning depth of 457 m. The device is equipped with a 5-inch color screen with a resolution of 480x272 pixels. The echo sounder body is protected from moisture. There is a flasher for winter fishing. Average cost - 28,090 rubles.

• the display conveys an accurate image of the bottom and objects;
• the presence of screen backlight;
• the ability to enlarge the image;
• water temperature sensor.

• the display is not equipped with a protective cover;
• has an impressive weight of 500g;
• does not connect to gadgets.

Portable echo sounders

Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0

Portable dual-beam sonar offers versatility and versatility. The scanning angle is 55 degrees, the set includes a transducer in the form of a float. The power source is a rechargeable battery or batteries. Average cost - 10,900 rubles.

• presence of Bluetooth;
• light weight (100g);
• the ability to use for both summer and winter fishing;
• the ability to enlarge the image;
• compactness;
• connects to any gadgets;
• the presence of modes for fishing from ice, from a boat and from the shore.

• not identified.

Practitioner ER-6PRO

An inexpensive single-beam portable echo sounder that is reliable because it is specially designed for extreme working conditions, for example, in severe frost. Sonar uses little energy and is lightweight. Equipped with a black and white screen with a resolution of 64x128 pixels. The scanning depth is 25 m, the angle is 40 degrees.The average cost of the device is 5,700 rubles.

• the signal is adjustable;
• catches even weak vibrations in water;
• compactness;
• transducer included;
• flasher mode;
• built-in air temperature sensor.

• tight control buttons.

Echo sounders with GPS

Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2

This model of a two-beam sonar is not equipped with a transducer, but it has an almost unique feature - the scanning depth of this device is 1,524 m.The device transmits in great detail the image of the bottom relief, the number of fish and its speed, displaying the data on a 6-inch color display with a resolution 640x480 px In addition, the fishfinder has the ability to connect to gadgets and support for memory cards. Average cost - 116 530 rubles.

• equipped with a powerful GPS module;
• convenient touch screen;
• the device works in frost;
• significant scanning depth.

• high price.

Garmin GPSMAP 585

A device that combines the functions of an echo sounder and a navigator. Two beams with a coverage angle of 20 degrees, a scanning depth of 457 m. The echo sounder is equipped with a 5-inch color display with a resolution of 480x272 pixels. It displays the bottom topography well, both in fresh and salt water, while the built-in GPS module indicates the exact course while the boat is moving, at low speed and even on turns. The average price of this sonar is 35,190 rubles.

• built-in speed and temperature sensors;
• economical energy consumption;
• the ability to connect additional equipment to the device;
• highly sensitive device;
• connection of memory cards with navigation maps.

• in bright light, the display is glare.

Garmin STRIKER 4dv

Popular 4-beam sonar with a 3-inch color screen (resolution 320x480 pixels) and a waterproof housing. The device weighs only 230 g, and the scanning depth is 533 m (in fresh water) and 253 m (in salt water). The average price of a sonar is 21,490 rubles.

• economical energy consumption;
• flasher function;
• high detail of objects;
• good quality chartplotter;
• compactness;
• suitable for winter fishing.

• small screen.

Echo sounders for ice fishing

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 197c PT

Dual-beam sonar with a scanning depth of 183 m, clearly showing the bottom contour and showing the presence of fish. Equipped with a water temperature sensor, a small color display (3.5 inches with a resolution of 240x320 pixels). The total coverage is 28 degrees. A case is included with the device. Average price - 11 600 rubles.

• the case is waterproof, shockproof, resistant to low temperatures;
• good emitter power.

• small screen.

Echo sounders for trolling

Humminbird Helix 5x Sonar GPS

Sonar with a dual-beam emitter that scans to a depth of 457 m. The built-in GPS receiver is capable of storing up to 2500 route points, as well as about 50 tracks and 45 routes. The device allows you to connect SD cards, in addition, it uses SwitchFire technology, which clearly and in detail shows the bottom topography and the presence of fish, regardless of the water condition. The average price of a sonar is 33,990 rubles.

• the body is sealed, made of shock-resistant material;
• sensitivity.

• high price.

Which fish finder is better to buy?

The simplest budget single-beam sonar can be used to measure depth and obtain bottom contour information. Three-beams, for example, give a more accurate picture, six-beams give a three-dimensional image.

In the case of selecting an echo sounder for winter fishing, you should pay attention to models equipped with a flasher function.

Wide angle fish finders are suitable for fishing in large, wide bodies of water, while lower angle sonar is more useful for exploring smaller bodies of water.

If it is necessary to calculate the presence of fish, determine its size and speed of movement, it is worth choosing a model of a two-beam echo sounder with an angle of 50 degrees.

Flasher sonars are designed for ice fishing.

Echo sounder of which company to buy?

The most popular echo sounder manufacturers present on the market a wide variety of different models of devices with their own distinctive features.

1. Humminbird. An American company that has been manufacturing sonar for over forty years and is therefore a leader in this field. The company manufactures 3D sonars, waterproof echo sounders, devices equipped with innovative technologies, and devices for professional fishing.
2. Lowrance. Sonars of this company are distinguished by wide functionality and high quality. The devices have a convenient setting of sensitivity, screen brightness and are focused on finding fish.
3. Deeper. Produces devices that work stably in fresh and salt water. The devices are characterized by high accuracy, detail the topography and bottom features, and detect the presence of fish. The firm also manufactures wireless sonar models that benefit from high scanning speeds and remote control.
4. Practitioner-NTs. A Russian company that produces functional echo sounders that are simple and compact. Sonar models are equipped with high-capacity rechargeable batteries and are designed for operation in low temperatures.
5. Garmin. Highly sensitive sonars with powerful radiation are characterized by high-quality assembly, reliability and ergonomics. In addition, the displays of these echo sounders are of good quality, and the devices themselves can operate at great depths and in shallow water.

Choosing the right echo sounder is an important factor in effective fishing!