Does anyone run Lowrance Products on their boat? I am looking at an Elite 5 DSI and wonder if lake maps come preloaded and if so are they good or do you have to purchase something better? Thanks

There were 3 versions made, only one has the chart plotter. I think it comes with pre-loaded US lake maps and also has an SD slot for Navionics maps.

I had a Mark 4 DSI unit at one point. It worked well and was reliable, but it's important to note that these units ONLY have downscan and not the traditional 2d sonar function.

Depending on your budget, you might look into the Hook2 units. I think the 5" unit with chirp sonar, down scan, GPS, and pre-loaded maps runs about $300 retail.

I am looking at one used....says everything you mentioned except for "chirp" what does that mean?

So which model of the hook2 are you recommending?

"Chirp" is a more recent and more advanced sonar technology. I'm going to get in way over my head here, I'm afraid. This is a pretty good explanation of the difference between traditional single/dual/triple beam sonar and Chirp.

Please know that I don't have any direct experience with the Hook units, I just mentioned them as an alternative to the Elite 5 DSI. The model I mentioned with chirp, downscan (DSI), and GPS with pre-loaded maps is this one.

The options on modern fish finders are dizzying, honestly. I am personally still using plain old single-band traditional sonar and doing just fine with it, but if I was in the market today I would want something that's relatively "current" with today's technology. I see a lot of used stuff on Craigslist that is barely cheaper than the new lower-level models, yet far behind in terms of the capabilities.

I currently run a garmin 168 sounder which does alot for its day. when the sun comes out the screen washed out and that takes care of that. So i will be taking a look at some other options. I am a simple guy that will be more than happy with a user friendly upgrade.

go with the elite 7, total scan
they just came out with a new model so the current version should be coming down.
i saw the elite 9 last month for 599
if i hadnt just bought the garmin 93sv, i would have taken the lowrance instead

Go with elite 5 or 7. I picked up an elite 5 for one of my boats on sale from Gander before they folded for $300. Great unit. GPS, down scan, and sonar. Love it!
Smaller screen then the 7, but I only use it when I'm driving or trolling so I'm right up by it.

Lake maps are included in the unit.

One other thing that needs to be considered is that DSI does NOT use a cone shaped (round) beam. It is like side scan in that it uses a thin flat beam so only works properly moving forward. Think of standard sonar as being shaped like a cone, dsi being shaped like a flat triangle that extends outward to the sides but NOT backwards or forwards.. As the triangle is moved through the water it reads a very thin slice which is where you get all of the fine detail, somewhat like a CT scan or MRI. So it is good for detail, but lousy when sitting still or drifting sideways.

Zwater: "Lake maps are included in the unit."

Do the loaded maps show contour?

mgraber: "One other thing that needs to be considered is that DSI does NOT use a cone shaped (round) beam. It is like side scan in that it uses a thin flat beam so only works properly moving forward. Think of standard sonar as being shaped like a cone, dsi being shaped like a flat triangle that extends outward to the sides but NOT backwards or forwards.. As the triangle is moved through the water it reads a very thin slice which is where you get all of the fine detail, somewhat like a CT scan or MRI. So it is good for detail, but lousy when sitting still or drifting sideways. "

Wow..temendously helpful thank you...I do a fair bit of sitting, drifting, and trolling.

Yes