Lowrance vs Eagle Depth Finders

[dog]

Just wanted some info, I am looking into some units for the front of my boat. I was looking at the Eagle 480, the 500c and the Lowrance X96. All are between 199.00 to 380.00. Bass Pro and Cabela's seem to have the best prices.

I am looking to use it for dropshotting and wanted to see my bait with the unit. Some units are better at this than others.

I have heard some bad stuff on the 480 turning it self off and on and also had someone say they can see their baits really well with the X96. Have any of you had these units and what is your opinion???

[parker]

I dont know about the products specifically but lowrance definetly makes a quality depth finder. I have seen a eagle break after 2 years of mild use. in my opinion go by the brand name and get Lowrance.

[ash]

Compare apples to apples if you are NOT looking for GPS and GPS networking I would go with the Color Eagle 500C over the 96X. They both have the same amount of power and the 96X has a bit better resolution. However, I believe the color seperation will make the 500C the deal breaker for me.

Eagle lines are just dummied down Lowrance units (older models) they typically do not offer the same amount of level control and are not networkable. The choice is yours, however if I was in your shoes I would go with the color unit, or hold up for a GPS\Sonar.

Dont forget Cabelas is putting out some good deals, and you will probably see even better deals mid January on both brands. If you can wait you can probably upgrade one level for the same costs.

Regards,

[kopper_bass]

Dog,
I'm not a part of Lowrance or Eagle, so i dont know the full inside scoop here, but i can tell you from experience that the Lowrance product line it the best, and the Eagle line is everything less than that.

They both are made from the same company, and both lines have comparible units, yet the Eagle is always cheaper. Why? is what you should be asking yourself. Obviously, the Eagle line has less quality components in it, may not be full digital circuitry, and surely has less overall transmitting power, and has fewer pixels in their LCD screens. The power and pixel count are what really give you high definition for doing what you want, so Eagle line won't cut it.

If you want to see your baits dropping down 80-100ft, go with the best grayscale Lowrance you can afford. You dont need color to do this and have excellent results. there are other reasons for wanting color. You should ensure it has 4000W output power and the most pixels available (480x480). Anything less and your going to be dissapointed.

I run the X-135 and everytime i show guys how to do this on the front deck of my boat (exaclty what your asking), they are just amazed, and these are guys that have been fishing for quite a while, are good sticks, and just never really seen it properly. They always assumed their units were doing it as well as mine.

I can show you on the X-135 exactly how my bait falls, watch the fish move from a suspende position, to following my bait down tot he bottom, and then take the bait, just as i then feel the pressure bite. 100% of the time.

Get the X-135 if you can. If you want GPS, go with the LMS480. Save your money up if you cant afford these right now and wait until you can.

Happy Holidays,

kopper_bass