Fishfinder vs GPS/Fishfinder combo

[malvizzu]

I want your opinion guys. Which is the most advisable to buy, a fishfinder standalone or a GPS/fishfinder. I am considering the Lowrance HDS-5x. I already have a small hand-held Garmin ETrex GPS. Thanks in advance.

[bigboy]

2 seperate units

[Granitu]

Buying separate units helps, but if you have a handheld GPS keep hold of it. You could buy a combo fishfinder/gps but for certain type of fishing nothing beats handheld gps. my opinion anyways as this is not the most cost effective option

[fisheye]

If you have enough space on the console go for separate units.
I have the hds 5 combo and in split screen mode  the views are a bit small.

[The_Gaffer]

I would still consider the combo option.  Sure you can split the screen, however you can alternate between GPS mode and fishfinder.

[benri]

I think I would go for a combo unit too. If you find the screen on the hds 5 is too small when split, you can either alternate between gps & fishfinder as the gaffer rightly said or else maybe go for a larger screen (hds 7). Obviously it also depends on your budget

[Swordfish]

malvizzu,

don't buy from here mate... if you need assistance pm me.


[had to edit as was being bombarded by emails and messages  ]


Regards

[malvizzu]

Thanks guys for all your opinions. Much appreciated.

[busumark]

go for combo. the price difference shouldnt be a lot more than 100 euro. a hand held gps has a screen smaller than the split screen of the hds 5. buy the HDS 5 and keep the hand held for safety.

[malvizzu]

Found these prices from the net:

HDS-5m £379; HDS-5x 50/200MHz £395, Navionics Gold Small £119 = Total £893

HDS-5 Combo £629, Navionics Gold Small £119 = Total £748

Difference of £145

For which do you thing shall I go?

[Swordfish]

Found these prices from the net:

HDS-5m £379; HDS-5x 50/200MHz £395, Navionics Gold Small £119 = Total £893

HDS-5 Combo £629, Navionics Gold Small £119 = Total £748

Difference of £145

For which do you thing shall I go?

Found these prices from the net:

HDS-5m £379; HDS-5x 50/200MHz £395, Navionics Gold Small £119 = Total £893

HDS-5 Combo £629, Navionics Gold Small £119 = Total £748

Difference of £145

For which do you thing shall I go?

I would go for the combo however check that the navionics card is for Malta Zone...  and how much for shipping they will charge you? Converting 748 sterling to Eur is 933 which in my opinion is way too much. Remember that VAT in the U.K. is much more then we pay here so be careful as you are paying a lot. If i remember correctly i have seen them cheaper at Mister Fish shop last Saturday but I could also be mistaken. I think i have seen them around 700+ eurs but again not 100% sure. Then for the maps you can always buy them locally as around 150eurs which is good as navionics have a special offer this year and you will also have the whole Mediterranean maps including locally...

[malvizzu]

Yes card is for Central Mediterranean. Shipping is £25 only for 1 unit. Could get combined shipping deal. All prices include VAT as well. Mister Fish price was more than from Caruana. What Caruana was giving as an April discount price, Mister Fish was giving as a normal one. Mister Fish quoted me 740euros for combo and 125euros for map. Caruana quoted me winter offer of 629euros and transducer and map depending on model. So I guess I have to pay extra for transducer as well. Map price is more or less the same.

[Swordfish]

Yes card is for Central Mediterranean. Shipping is £25 only for 1 unit. Could get combined shipping deal. All prices include VAT as well. Mister Fish price was more than from Caruana. What Caruana was giving as an April discount price, Mister Fish was giving as a normal one. Mister Fish quoted me 740euros for combo and 125euros for map. Caruana quoted me winter offer of 629euros and transducer and map depending on model. So I guess I have to pay extra for transducer as well. Map price is more or less the same.

Yes but those prices are in eurs and the one online you listed them in sterling. So it looks cheaper from here. Transducers normally are included in the box....

[Jonathan]

I used to have a Garmin 400C but have recently decided to upgrade to a higher definition unit and a combo. After researching what's on the market, I eventually decided on a Humminbird GPS/Fishfinder unit from Camilleri Marine at Ta Xbiex. It is a high definition resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, entirely visible in the sun. It retails at under 800 euros, including a Navionics chart. Moreover, they gave me a chart which covers not only Malta in detail but all the Central Mediterranean which is fantastic for anyone like me who uses his boat not only for local fishing but also some cruising to neighbouring destinations. I usually use it in split screen mode. If you like, I can try posting a few photos of it, but if you'ld like to give it a look, Camilleri have this model and a few others available and connected in their shop and you can play around with them to get a personal feel. I don't think it is worth getting it from abroad unless you're doing great savings. I'ld rather have the peace of mind of local support / warranty / etc. Moreover it's not the first time you hear of someone thinking he made a bargain by buying from abroad only to realise that the local agent could have a price which is just as good if not even better!

[malvizzu]

If transducer is included than yes it's cheaper. Thanks Jonathan for the info. Does the Humminbird go deep as the Lowrance?