New Depth Finder

[Stnmtz]

So i'm looking at putting a new depth finder on my boat and would like some advise on what you think would be best.  Not looking to break the bank maybe spending $500 or less.

Thx Stnmtz

[HD]

Graph or flasher?
Side imaging?

[Stnmtz]

Graph... other then that im not sure.  New boat owner so i dont know what i want.

[HD]

What about maps and gps?
I like my humminbird..... The low end unit is around 599.00
If you don't need the maps and gps, you can get  just a sonar for around 200.00

[dew2]

So i'm looking at putting a new depth finder on my boat and would like some advise on what you think would be best.  Not looking to break the bank maybe spending $500 or less.

Thx Stnmtz

I've used so many since the late 70s.I have found NONE that are accurate cept for the super high cost ocean models.Like above what do you want from one?
 I have used Eagles which are lower priced lowrance units, then Lowrance without much difference!!Started with hummingbird in the 70 as a paper graph.They were pretty accurate.None of the  modern ones show walleyes hugging bottom!! They do show suspended fish in the arch mode. Personally I would suggest (If you havent any experience) To get a used unit,Play with it,see what it does maybe try another brand unit used and try it out.See how they work then start to think about a 600-1200 dollar investment. try em out first before you drop some $$ and might be disappointed. I recently bought a bird 597 so I can use the lakemaster chip. The chip is nice but the unit still dont show bottom huggers like eyes do! I can with even the cheapest unit find suspended fish and get soome crappie whenever I can see the schools.Do some home work and testing of used before committing to a costly unit.

[Stnmtz]

So I decided on the new Hummingbird Helix 5 with DI and GPS.  thought the price was right at $350

[DDSBYDAY]

   With that you should be able to see a set or boars car keys on the bottom of Red Lake.  It will definitely do the trick for you at a very reasonable price.   

[Stnmtz]

So now im wondering about chips for my unit do I go with lakemaster or navionics?  I fish mostly in MN but also get to SD and IA.  Navionics will cover all three which i like and it kinda seems like a obvious answer.  What do ya'll think?