One of the uses for echo sounders is fishing using electronic technology. First created for use by ship drivers (to determine depths, study the bottom topography), modern devices now help both professional and amateur fishermen. Using them, you can determine both the depth, bottom topography, and places of large concentrations of fish.
A depth gauge called Lowrance has been in production for over 58 years. They are popular due to their cost/quality ratio. In addition, they have monitors with the highest clarity of images; a distinctive feature is a large number of functionality and modes, ensuring easy control of the device during use.
The variety of Lowrance that are presented on the domestic market is very wide, and any of them fully meets all the requirements for devices of this type. The most popular depth gauges are Elite-3x, DSI, Mark -5 x Pro.
Lawrence echo sounders
The devices have a wide viewing angle; all industrialization, starting with the simplest models, is carried out in Mexico. The highest quality, excellent technical characteristics, and an affordable price are an excellent combination for a necessary purchase that will please the fisherman. Enjoy fishing in pleasure and comfort.
The devices are considered the best, most famous fishing search engines. This manufacturing company is part of the Navico company - it is a major supplier of technical equipment for marine use around the globe.
At the moment, there are a large number of models of echo sounders from this concern on the market; all the devices that are supplied to us support the Russian language and they use metric coordinate systematization.
Key differences
Sonars differ in the following parameters:
- Transmitter power in the device
- Screen diagonal
- Screen Contrast
- Converter type and frequency
- Receiver type and sensitivity
The operation of the device will depend only on the quality of the transmitter. One of its main qualities is power; it will determine how deep the bottom of the reservoir can be seen. The screen diagonal and contrast indicate the convenience of working with the sonar.
The size of the display determines the distinction of the bottom topography. And we must remember that a large display will not be compact. Another important quality is the sensitivity of the device. The higher the sensitivity, the weaker waves are captured and displayed on the device’s display.
But do not forget that high sensitivity will cause a lot of interference over time. Because of this fact, preference is given to devices with sensitivity adjustment.
Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI echo sounder review
New Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI
(Lawrence Hook 3 X DSI) is equipped with a sensor that allows bottom scanning under water. The person using the fish finder will be able to view information through a detailed image. It is displayed on the screen. The echo sounder will show the exact location of fish and underwater structure.
Characteristics and Features
The echo sounder has a power of 180 W, so it can penetrate the water to a depth of 93 meters. The device is equipped with a dual-frequency DSI sensor and a sensor that shows accurate temperature. The screen is 3.5 inches, equipped with LED backlight. It is of high quality, shows a detailed picture, and provides the highest level of clarity. A person who uses a Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI fish finder can see all the details, regardless of operating conditions. The following distinctive features can be distinguished:
- color display displays a wide viewing angle;
- the ability to quickly switch between frequencies of 455 and 800 kHz by pressing one button;
- You can zoom in 3-4 times to identify key fish locations;
- the swivel mount can be quickly removed, so the user can adjust the optimal viewing angles, install or dismantle the echo sounder;
- high data transfer speed.
What's included as standard?
The standard package from the manufacturer includes:
- the device itself (Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI echo sounder);
- sensor;
- main stand;
- user manual with detailed setup and listing of main functions;
- warranty service card.
The Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI
echo sounder is supplied in a cardboard box. The sonar housing is protected from moisture penetration and has good moisture resistance. The echo sounder has a glossy black color.
Comfort to use
The manufacturer has made efforts to develop a user-friendly sonar that has a clear focus group.
All controls are located on the remote control, at the bottom. When pressing the buttons, the plastic does not make any extraneous noise, does not creak or deform. The buttons on the front panel are large, making them easy to use. One of the main features of using a fish finder is its intuitive navigation. The menu is in Russian, which greatly facilitates the operation of the sonar. The screen has an anti-glare coating, so it is convenient to use on a sunny day. The mobile acoustic sensor is mounted using a transom type. It can be connected to a standard system. The package includes a 6-meter power cable. The thermometer readings can be displayed on the display located on the central unit. The echo sounder is designed for use in salt or fresh water. It cannot be immersed in the sea because salt is an aggressive environment for internal parts. The central unit is mounted on a quick-release bracket, so users can quickly change the angle of inclination if necessary. The device is able to maintain its functionality if the power source is at a voltage of 10-17 V. Even with a very discharged battery, users will be able to display a clear image and monitor all indicators. The manufacturer provides a 1.5 year warranty. This once again confirms the high quality of the device, its good performance and reliability.
Innovative developments of the manufacturer Lowrance
The developers of the Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI echo sounder took care of the well-equipped device.
The built-in controller has increased processing power, so users can expand the functionality they use. Every person who decides to buy a Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI echo sounder will appreciate the high speed of operation and performance. During operation, a high-quality image and precise location of objects are displayed on the screen. All this became available thanks to the implementation of useful functions. Built-in specialized modules are responsible for their operation. One of the features of the echo sounder is the dual-frequency circuit that is installed in the DSI sonar. It supports CHIPR technology. Downscan technology provides a sufficient level of fan-type radiation pattern width. Indicators vary depending on the operating frequency used. Electronic magnification allows you to examine each area up to four times. In the menu, users will be able to configure the following parameters:
- Sensitivity level. The sensor is adjusted to be sensitive to small fish and other inhabitants. If fishing is carried out at shallow depths (5 meters), it is better to use an echo sounder in automatic mode. If you set the sensitivity level to a high level, the sensor will begin to recognize garbage and sticks instead of fish.
- Distance. Users have access to the function of setting a threshold to correctly display depth.
- Frequency. There is a separate button on the panel that allows you to set the sonar operating mode.
- Suppression of extraneous noise. This is a useful and necessary feature. When fishing, you can reduce interference that may occur when operating electrical equipment so that you do not hear noise from the generator, transformer, or electric motor.
- Pulse transmission speed. Users will be able to independently set the frequency of updating information on the echo sounder. The parameter is adjusted taking into account the speed at which the boat is moving.
- Display color range.
- Fish icons. If the function is turned off, only arcs will be displayed on the screen. If you use the settings, you can see the icons and the depth of the fish.
Another useful feature is the position data setting to enable or disable the display to inform you of the current depth, water temperature, and voltage.
Video review of Lowrance HOOK-3x DSI
Buyer review
Arthur T.
A year ago I started fishing professionally.
In winter, I realized that I needed an echo sounder. I immediately began to watch high-quality products in the lower price segment, but I focused on image quality and ease of operation. HOOK-3x met all parameters, including price. I won't buy anything more expensive anymore. This toy suits all the characteristics. The level of visibility for the price is amazing, and image quality remains good even in bad weather. *** Mikhail Konstantinovich
Hello. I want to say thank you for the excellent echo sounder and the patience of the manager! The purchase was delivered two days ago and I am very glad that everything corresponds to what was ordered (I already had a sad experience)! Yesterday I already tested the device and was impressed by the clarity of the terrain and fishing spots, the catch was 15 kg higher than my average
I brought the bull one home thanks to him! I am very grateful to the young man who advised me and did not “cheat me out of money”, but recommended a really good and inexpensive model to suit my needs. *** Dmitry Borisovich
I've been eyeing the Hook-3x for a long time and finally took the plunge. The test of the technique passed with a bang. Left for 4 days. All this time, the echo sounder worked without recharging on a 7-amp battery, practically without turning off. The bottom topography and fish (even small ones) are very clearly visible. Moreover, everything is visible on the screen even in the sun. I figured that with the new device my catch had increased by about half. And this is only the first time you use it!
Tips for choosing echo sounders
What key properties should you pay attention to when choosing:
- Sound transmitter power
- Signal Receiver Sensitivity
- Converter operating frequency
- Settings, screen contrast
- Number of rays
- Brand and cost
Power – the clarity of the picture of the depth of the reservoir will depend on it.
The ability to view the bottom will depend on the frequency of the transducer With a low frequency (about 50 kHz) the picture will be fuzzy, with a high frequency (up to 200 kHz and above) the picture will be clearer, but the scanning depth will be less.
Size and contrast determine not only functions, but also ease of use. If you are fishing in bright sunshine, you need a high resolution contrast screen.
The number of rays may vary, it all depends on the brand of the device.
Tips for using fish finders correctly
- This device is very useful for any fisherman. Unfortunately, many of them do not have information about how to use it correctly, since it is used for fishing. The device includes the following functions:
- Calculation of depth and bottom topography
- He studies the state of the water, the structure of the bottom
- Searching and finding fish
- Many fishermen also have no idea how to use the device in winter, and besides all, it also helps in winter fishing
Reviews from experienced fishermen about Lawrence echo sounders
Lowrance Mark -5 x Pro
echo sounder Reviews from amateurs and professional fishermen are mostly positive; they include the following advantages:
- Easy controls
- Highest sensitivity, the image is displayed clearly, which allows you to see small details on the bottom, as well as algae
- The ability to distinguish (recognize) fish
- There is a sensor for measuring water temperature
- Large display
The only downside is that there is no battery included.
Lowrance Elite-3x DSI
This brand is considered the best compared to other devices.
Advantages:
- Small size and compactness
- Great functionality
- Persuasiveness of the picture
Some fishermen considered the small screen to be a shortcoming, but at the same time, the brightness and contrast of the picture complements this fact.
Echo sounder Lowrance Elite-3-x HD 83/200 000-11448-001
- The advantages include good panel brightness and image contrast on a bright sunny day.
- Excellent sound notification of approaching fish
Disadvantages include the difficulty of finding the TrackBack and auto-ZOOM functions in the menu
Elite-3x series model
In 2014, this manufacturer introduced a new model Lowrance Elite-3x , which belongs to the budget series and is equipped with an improved electrical circuit. The affordable price of this model is combined with versatility and functionality, which has invariably affected the popularity of the echo sounder among domestic fishermen. Thanks to the use of modern automation, this device is able to determine the structure of the bottom, show layers of water with sudden temperature changes, and is easy to use.
Purpose and benefits
The budget echo sounder of the Elite-3x family is intended for fishing from rubber and plastic boats. The device has a stationary receiver mount, a built-in transceiver and a universal mount.
The use of an upgraded electrical circuit and an ultra-sensitive receiver allows for the most accurate determination of the bottom structure, and the high-quality display shows all objects in real time, including fish that swim in close proximity to the boat with the echo sounder.
The advantages of this series of echo sounders include:
- Ease of control.
- Reliability.
- Build quality.
This model received the proprietary Advanced Signal Processing system, which allows you to accurately determine the structure, density and topography of the bottom and depth at the fishing site. This device also has built-in memory. This makes it possible to analyze the indicators of the echo sounder during fishing in order to subsequently determine the optimal fish sites in a particular body of water.
Functionality
A special feature of this model is the presence of automatic settings and manual control , which will be in demand by both beginners and experienced fishermen. Activating the built-in settings in the sonar does not present any difficulty. The installed programs will be sufficient to provide a high-quality and most accurate picture of the bottom condition. Only at depths of more than 20 meters is it recommended to activate manual mode, which improves the quality of the echo sounder.
The built-in transducer operates at two frequencies, allowing you to obtain images with a viewing angle of 20 and 60 degrees. The optimal boat speed is 12 km/h, which allows the echo sounder to build images as accurately as possible, fully displaying all underwater objects, including vegetation, stones, snags and fish. The use of ultra-sensitive sonar allows the angler to obtain photographic quality images, which helps to choose the optimal place for fishing and increases the likelihood of catching large trophy specimens.
The Lowrance Elite-3x model fish finder is equipped with a high-quality color display with a diagonal of 8.9 centimeters. Thanks to the resolution of 320 by 240 pixels, excellent image quality is ensured, and the presence of LED backlight allows you to easily read the echo sounder readings even on a sunny day. If necessary, the user can display additional information on the screen, including battery charge indicator, water temperature and a number of other parameters.
The presence of instructions in Russian will allow you to easily understand all the intricacies of setting up the device and the functionality of this device.
The device is controlled using:
- Seven service buttons.
- Additional programmable keys.
- Four-position cursor.
For ease of use, there is a zoom function that allows you to change the scale, getting the most accurate image. You can easily configure various operating parameters of the device, which greatly simplifies the use of a fishing echo sounder. Setting up the Lowrance Elite-3x fish finder is easy, so every angler can handle the job.
It is possible to expand the functionality of the gadget, including connecting a speed sensor, GPS modules and other extensions that are responsible for the possibilities of using this inexpensive device. You can easily connect an additional battery, which allows the fisherman not to worry about the possible discharge of the standard battery.
