Hopefully I'll be getting my little bass raider on the water soon. Never used a fish finder before and I dont know much about them. Looking to get one for my boat, got a budget of about 300, pretty flexible but id rather not go all out on my first fish finder.
The HDI is new this year and is an upgrade over the DSI. It has both down scan and 2d sonar unlike the DSI that is only downscan.Dsi is Both and a much better unit. Look to the right of the main maff page and read the reviews
I just finished installing my HDI actually, if you don't need the GPS you can get one for 200.
What's the difference between down scan and 2d sonar?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIWqpTLheGw
there... DSI which is down scan gives you a much better definition ON STRUCTURE. while sonar better fish location...
i choose the elite 4 HDI because its 200 dollars and gives you both
Short version: Down scan is to find structure Sonar is to find fish.What's the difference between down scan and 2d sonar?
Downscan (down imaging for humminbird downVu for garmin) gives a more detailed picture of the bottom and you can make out structure with very fine detail.
Sonar is not as fine detail but it will pick up fish better.
picture for comparison
I didn't mention: I did a lot of research before purchasing and could not find any unit even remotely close to as feature filled for the same amount of money. If you are ok skipping out on color, the humminbird 581 has a bigger screen and probably more processing power for the same cash. Their CHEAPEST color/downimaging/chartplotter is 400.
