TOP 8 best echo sounder models from AliExpress

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When casting bait on a pond, each angler relies on his own instincts, rich experience and a fair amount of luck, since it is not so easy to guess the exact location of the prey on the first try. To avoid wasted casts and futile postings, more and more fishermen are turning to purchasing special devices called echo sounders, which are based on the principle of sonar operation.

The choice of echo sounder for fishing should be made depending on the type of reservoir, its deep and landscape features, as well as the expected weather conditions of potential operation. Trends show that the most common types of echolocation devices, especially among beginners and ordinary fishing enthusiasts, are portable (pocket) versions powered by rechargeable batteries. Having carefully analyzed the product range of the AliExpress trading platform, we have selected the ten best echo sounders for pleasant and cool fishing, the purchase of which will cost much less than on the retail market. All echo sounders presented in the top have been tested by real users and are highly rated by consumers.

Choosing the right Chinese echo sounder

The choice of a Chinese echo sounder, like sonars from other countries, should be based on several main factors:

• where the fishing will be done - if in shallow water, then you can get by with a low-power sonar, and if at depth, then it is better to purchase a more powerful device;
• for winter fishing, it is better to use small and lightweight echo sounders that would not turn into a burden while constantly moving from one end of the reservoir to the other;
• A GPS navigator will not be a superfluous function in the echo sounder, which will help you better navigate the area;
• Since batteries run out faster in cold weather than in warm weather, you should make sure you have a spare battery.

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Types of Chinese echo sounders for fishing

Basically, Chinese models of echo sounders are copies of their Western counterparts. Often the “Chinese” are much inferior to their “ancestors” in some respects, but this does not mean that they do not fulfill their direct responsibilities.

1. Portable echo sounders. Here the undisputed leader can be considered the models of the LUCKY company. They are represented by a wide range of devices that can satisfy the whims of any angler - from cheap and simple models that cope with basic tasks, to more expensive and sophisticated ones that can compete with well-known brands.
2. Stationary echo sounders. In this niche, the company JJ-Connect has proven itself best, its models are considered one of the highest quality and most reliable on the modern fishing market. Many fishermen have already tried them in practice and were quite satisfied.
3. Echo sounders with GPS navigators. Here again it is worth paying attention to the products of the LUCKY company, whose models with built-in GPS can give a head start to famous brands. One thing that speaks in their favor is the fact that another Chinese company, Fish Finder, shamelessly copies the best devices from LUCKY and releases them under its own label.

Read also: Universal echo sounder for summer and winter

How to choose a fish finder

What parameters you need to decide before choosing a device:

• Where will the fishing take place? Some echo sounders are designed for fishing from the shore, others for fishing from a boat. Some combine both possibilities and are considered the best option, universal for the user.
• Price. The more expensive the model from Chinese manufacturers, the more features it has. The most inexpensive ones are used to measure the depth and topography of the bottom; for many anglers this is enough.
• Sensitivity. The high sensitivity of the device helps it find more obstacles and determine their nature.
• Number of rays. The coverage range of the echo sounder affects the volume of the scanned area. One beam searches for objects, the second draws them more clearly.
• Transducer. This is the name of the sensor that receives and sends signals. High-frequency devices are capable of exploring depths of 40 m or more.

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Echo sounders from AliExpress are easy to use, have a good coverage area, with an average of 40-50 m to 100 m. When choosing, you need to focus on the body of water where you plan to fish, find out whether the device will be used in salt water.

The application range is from 45 to 90 degrees, which can capture the position of several fish or an entire school. Chinese budget models are not equipped with GPS. The rating of the best echo sounders from AliExpress presents models that are highly rated by users.

Professional echo sounders

On AliExpress you can purchase professional echo sounders, which are most often designed for all types of fishing. They have an additional large number of functions that not only mark the location of the fish, but can also mark the size of the trophies.

Lucky FFW718

The device is designed for wireless data transmission over long distances. The sensor has a special float that prevents the device from being completely submerged. The echo sounder display is black and white, however, it is protected from glare and allows you to accurately transmit all the necessary information.

Advantages:

• viewing angle 90 degrees;
• possibility of use over long distances;
• high data transmission accuracy.

Flaws:

• Lack of batteries for the sensor.

The cost on AliExpress is 4200 rubles.

Lucky FF1108-1CWLA

The echo sounder is used for reservoirs with medium depth and allows you to scan data at an angle of 90 degrees. The sensor has a special device that displays the water temperature and, if necessary, shows the number and size of fish. The color monitor displays all the necessary information and will sound an alarm if necessary.

Advantages:

• convenient use;
• compact dimensions;
• accuracy of information displayed;
• large scanning angle.

Flaws:

• To obtain accurate information, it is necessary to let the sensor stand in the water for some time without moving.

Cost 3900 rubles.

Outlife FF 195986601

An echo sounder is very often used by fishing professionals. According to user reviews, the product shows accurate information. The scanning angle is 90 degrees, with a distance of 180 meters. The device can accurately determine the size and quantity of fish lying, as well as the depth of the trophy.

An echo sounder is used for reservoirs with different bottoms. Charges using a charger. The charge is enough for 5 hours of active fishing.

Advantages:

• small sizes;
• accuracy of information displayed;
• large scanning angle.

Flaws:

• poor protection against moisture;
• errors in determining water temperature.

Cost from 3700 rubles.

Features and properties of echo sounders

The operation of echo sounders is based on a sound wave, which, after hitting an object (bottom, stones, algae, or fish), is repelled and transmits data in the form of an electrical impulse to the device to which it is connected. The pulse is transmitted several times within a second. The device operates silently (a signal appears only when a fish is detected, if the owner has fixed this setting on the echo sounder.

What does an echo sounder consist of:

• sensor (it is lowered into water);
• converter of sound wave into electrical impulse;
• receiver (separate device or using a smartphone);
• display.

Types of devices:

• Portable. The sensor and receiver are connected by wire. Can be used when fishing from a boat or from the shore. The body is waterproof, light weight, simple operation, work at great depths. Cons: It's hard to find if the wire comes off for some reason. The display here is small.
• Stationary. They connect via Bluetooth, and a smartphone can act as a receiver. Such devices have a larger screen and higher power.

Models from AliExpress are available in both versions.

Portable echo sounders

LUCKYLAKER FFC1108-1

Price from 832 rubles.

Advantages:

• 2-inch clear anti-UV LCD display;
• depth up to 100 m;
• Level 4 waterproof design;
• shows depth, location of fish and rock;
• sensitivity can be adjusted;
• high-quality assembly, fits well in the hand.

Flaws:

• does not show the size of the fish;
• works in wired mode.

The echo sounder is made of high-quality plastic, a durable body with rubberized edges. There are instructions in Russian. The display is bright, clear, and easy to see in the sun. Shows the depth, location of the fish, but does not show its size. Transmits data about the bottom topography with signs, suitable for small and medium-sized reservoirs. When the fish approaches, it makes a sound. A good set, suitable for a gift (sensor with cable, echo sounder, attachment to the board, float, carrying strap).

LUCKYLAKER FF1108-1CT

Price from 2053 rubles.

Advantages:

• display 24 D, LCD;
• depth up to 100 m (modification with cable), or up to 45 m (wireless);
• shows depth, temperature, relief;
• settings are saved after switching off;
• works from -10 to +50 degrees;
• looking for fish.

Flaws:

• doesn't work in winter.

A device for small and medium-sized bodies of water, it measures depth well from a boat or from the shore in a stationary position. It quickly eats up the battery at low temperatures, is not intended for the Russian winter, and stops functioning. Shows bottom topography, depth, water temperature, presence of fish (without determining its size). There are 2 functional options: with cable and wireless. With cable it works at a depth of up to 100 m, wireless up to 45 m, radius 90 degrees.

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Features of the echo sounder

The device consists of a wave transmitter and a wave receiver. Based on the signal travel time from launch to return, the echo sounder calculates the depth of the reservoir and determines obstacles encountered along the wave’s path. The device works both when the vessel is stationary and when the boat is moving.

For a long time, many anglers believed that fishing with an echo sounder was an unsportsmanlike activity. However, an echo sounder provides several advantages to its owner.

The benefits of fishing with an echo sounder

Fishing using an echo sounder allows you to quickly and efficiently examine a reservoir and its bottom, which provides detailed information about the presence of fish and its quantity.

A normal visual inspection of the river, as a rule, does not allow one to assess how successful the fishing will be, and it can take hours to independently study the bottom. At the same time, an echo sounder of even the most primitive model will quickly provide answers to all questions.

When traveling to a new fishing spot, it is important to assess the capabilities of the reservoir. Therefore, an echo sounder remains an indispensable tool for detailed listening of the bottom: the device will display on the screen the size and location of snags, holes and other landscape features.

At the same time, the echo sounder displays fish concentration areas on the monitor. Some devices are also capable of distinguishing individuals by variety, although the reliability of such analysis is often low.

The high-tech device allows you to save a map of the area, so you can later return to the fishing spot without difficulty. All these factors significantly save time, which can be spent on fishing, and not on researching the route and memorizing it.

Popular brands of echo sounders

If we talk about brands of echo sounder, then one of the most common and well-proven ones is Humminbird. Manufacturers have developed many devices under this trade label, dividing them by price categories, functionality and other characteristics.

The Humminbird 561 x is considered the most budget option, and its modernized companion, the Humminbird 570x DI, has expanded functionality and a larger screen.

Humminbird 561 x

The FB 120x Humminbird is presented in the form of a tube, which allows you to scan a body of water with two beams at once.

The 798cxiHDSI Combo series echo sounder with enhanced characteristics transmits a three-dimensional image of the bottom to the monitor. The Humminbird 597cxi HD DI Combo (discontinued) is a complete navigation station.

In addition to Humminbird, Lowrance HDS echo sounders are in demand - multifunctional devices whose class is slightly above average. The well-known brand Garmin is also well-known.

When choosing a suitable echo sounder for fishing, it is best to contact a competent specialist who will tell you about the new products on the market and their advantages.

As for echo sounders of Chinese brands, among them there are models worthy of attention.