Rating of the best echo sounders for fishing in 2022

Before proceeding with the review of the most popular and high-quality models of echo sounders, you should understand what an echo sounder is, what it is for, what its principle of operation is, and what characteristics this fishing tackle has.

An echo sounder is a device that uses rays to study the topography of the bottom of a reservoir and displays data on the display, showing the topography of the bottom, stones and, of course, the fish present.

The presence of an echo sounder helps to choose the most successful place for fishing, which is especially appreciated by beginner anglers. The echo sounder allows you to determine the depth, type of bottom soil, water temperature in its different layers, the presence of fish, its size and speed of movement in the water.

Sonar Specifications

This device has a number of features and functions that reflect the essence of its work. All parameters must be considered when buying in order to choose the best model. Echo sounders have the following features:

1. The number of rays. A characteristic that is responsible for the width of the space under study. More beams - wider range of visibility.
2. The power of the sound transmitter. Sound signals sent by the echo sounder are reflected from the topography of the bottom of the reservoir, from objects under water, and then return to the device. The higher the parameters of power and signal transmission speed, the more accurate and detailed the information will be. Powerful echo sounders are able to scan through the ice.
3. The operation of the signal receiver. If the sensitivity of the receiver is low, the sound wave is not captured, if the sensitivity is too high, unnecessary interference appears. The best option is adjustable sensitivity.
4. Converter frequency. A parameter responsible for the clarity of the picture, showing the state of the bottom and the underwater world.
5. Image quality and display contrast. A characteristic that is responsible for comfort - for example, the high contrast of the screen is good in bright sunlight.

Types of echo sounders

There are several types of this device, suitable for different types of fishing.

1. With display. The screen is monochrome (black and white) and color. The black and white version is more common in budget models, the color one gives a more accurate picture. In addition, there are echo sounders with a convenient touch screen.
2. With GPS navigator. This equipment is suitable for fishing in large reservoirs.
3. 3D echo sounder. Provides a three-dimensional picture of the underwater world. Models of this type are quite expensive.
4. Wireless compact echo sounder. With it, you can get information about the underwater landscape directly from land by throwing a device tied to a fishing line into the water. However, such sonar does not detect fish.
5. Forward looking echo sounder. Can provide data while the boat is moving. It has fine tuning and high cost.

Budget models (up to 5000 rubles)

Lucky FF1108-1

This model is designed for amateur and professional fishing in any season from the shore or boat. It can measure the depth of a reservoir, look for fish, determine if there are algae or other obstacles (for example, snags) at the bottom.

The calculation of data is made in two optional values ​​with an error of up to 10 cm - meters or feet. Working temperature: -20-+70 degrees. The maximum scanning depth in fresh water is 100 m. The transducer is responsible for this and other indicators (beam - angle 45 degrees, frequency 200 kHz).

Appearance description: portable waterproof housing (class IPX4) is equipped with a black and white display with a diagonal of 2.2 inches, 3.8 by 3.8 cm in size, as well as a backlight; built-in temperature sensor; sound alarm; float (transducer mount). The battery is powered by 4 AAA lithium batteries. Overall parameters of the device (cm): 6.5 / 12.3; weight - 148 g.

Additional information: cable length - 7.6 meters, the minimum scanning depth of the wired sensor - 0.7 m.

Approximate cost - 2950 rubles.

• Waterproof case;
• Clear image of moving and stationary objects;
• There is everything you need;
• Inexpensive;
• Universal (fishing in any season);
• Light.

• No boat mount.

Lucky FL218CS

Equipment with a built-in temperature sensor, sound alarm, the ability to determine the size of the fish and the depth at which it is located, as well as the device allows you to observe the structure of the bottom. A float acts as a transducer mount (radiation angle 45 degrees, frequency 200 kHz, max scanning depth in fresh water 100 m). The fish finder body has good water protection, universal location, backlit color screen, battery/accumulator powered. Working temperature: -20-+50 degrees.

The average cost is 4270 rubles.

• Value for money;
• Image clarity;
• Operating temperature range;
• Warranty 1 year;
• Capabilities;
• Large color display.

• Not identified.

Lucky FF718

This model, in terms of its capabilities, fully coincides with the functionality of the Lucky FL218CS device, but there are minor changes: the length of the transducer cable is 8 meters, and you can also enlarge the image.

For the price - about 5000 rubles.

• Compact;
• Functional;
• Long service life;
• Design.

• Not identified.

Erchang XF-02

A wireless device designed specifically for scanning the reservoir, studying the bottom topography, and searching for fishing spots. Its principle of operation is as follows: the sonar descends into the reservoir, emits ultrasonic waves, and the data it collects are transmitted to the owner's tablet.

The body of the device is equipped with a special mount on which the cord or fishing line is fixed. With their help, you can move the sonar or remove it from the reservoir. The equipment perfectly views the bottom of the reservoir up to 100 meters deep, the viewing angle is 45 degrees. The sensor on the sonar detects the temperature of the water.

Device capabilities: adjusting the brightness and contrast of the image, setting a sound alert, detecting accumulations of fish, scanning the water and the bottom at -20-+50 degrees.

5 hours of uninterrupted operation are provided by 4 AAA batteries. The 65 x 38 mm LED display has the following functions: shows the charge level, water temperature, information about the bottom relief and the presence of fish, gives sound alerts when fish is detected, and allows you to adjust the sensitivity (1-10 options).

Additional information: automatic filter, cable 9 meters, test mode available, operating temperature -18-+50 degrees.

For the price - 4900 rubles.

• Ease of use;
• Affordable price;
• High quality workmanship;
• Functionality.

• Not identified.

Outlife Fish Finder

Inexpensive Chinese model, characterized by reliability and accuracy. It is equipped with an LCD display that displays information about the presence of fish. Sonar also has a water temperature sensor. The average price on Aliexpress is 1,770 rubles.

• Accuracy and detail;
• Fixing the water temperature;
• Nice design.

• The echolocation range is only 75 meters.

Erchang F3w

A wireless multifunctional sonar that transmits the received information to the gadget via Bluetooth. With the help of a video camera, it captures what is happening under water. The scanning angle is 90 degrees, the range is up to 36 meters. The average price for Aliexpress is 2,950 rubles.

• Affordable cost;
• Suitable for fishing in winter.

• Short scanning range;
• Charging lasts no more than three hours.

Middle price segment (5-10 thousand rubles)

Garmin GPSMAP 421S DF

Stationary model sold with transducer (transom mount, 2 beams). IPX7 class water protection, 4-inch color screen, 61 by 81 mm in size and 240 by 320 pixels, equipped with a backlight. The device receives power from a 12 V electrical network. The device has great functionality and capabilities: a built-in GPS module, 100 routes, 50 tracks, sound alarm, bottom structure display, image magnification, 3-D mode. There is support for NMEA 0183 or 2000 protocols and memory cards, connecting a computer or flash drive.

Additional information: waypoints - 3000 pcs., points in the track - 10 thousand, parameters - 12.7 / 14.5 / 6.9 cm, net weight - 590 grams, memory cards - SD, transducer type - 2TM.

The average price is 7800 rubles.

• Value for money;
• Built-in GPS antenna;
• Multifunctionality;
• Battery / uninterruptible operation.

• Small display: displaying the map and the echo sounder at the same time will not work.

GSMIN WA3

Portable device with transducer included (float mount), battery/accumulator powered. It works in conditions of -10-+60 degrees. The display is black and white, has a backlight. The total beam angle is 105 degrees. The interface is Wi-Fi. Overall dimensions of equipment - 13.1/8/2 cm, net weight - 180 g.

The average cost is 7600 rubles.

• Mobile;
• Comfortable;
• Reliability of data;
• Consumes little energy;
• Works in frost;
• Clear notation.

• Not identified.

ReelSonar iBobber Classic

The wireless float fishfinder syncs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. The case is portable, without a display, has moisture protection, runs on batteries / accumulator. Viewing angle - 90 degrees, frequency - 118 kHz. With such indicators, the maximum scanning depth in fresh water is 41 meters.

Features and functions: there is a sound alarm, determines the size of the fish and the depth at which it is located; displays the structure of the bottom, enlarges the picture.

Additional information: Bluetooth interface, net weight - 47 grams, wireless communication - 30 meters, synchronization with a smartphone or tablet, warranty period - 1 year.

The cost is 5500 rubles.

• Ease of use;
• Acceptable price;
• Ergonomic body;
• Good application.

• Not identified.

Praktik 6M

A portable device with a transducer included, the cable length of which is 2 meters. The mount is universal. The case has protection class IP67. Power supply - batteries / accumulator.Working temperature -20-+60 degrees. The scanning angle is 40 degrees, the maximum scanning depth in fresh water is 25 meters.

Functionality: sound alarm, determination of the size and depth of the fish, display of the bottom structure, image magnification.

Additional information: technique parameters - 7/10.7/2.8 cm; weight - 225 g.

The cost is 8600 rubles.

• Compact;
• Functional;
• Resistant to cold;
• Ease of use;
• Reliable.

• Not identified.

Rivotek Fisher 20 Dual

A portable echo sounder (two-beam) shows the temperature of the water and the depth of the reservoir. It is suitable for summer and winter fishing. The housing is waterproof, equipped with a black and white display with a diagonal of 2.4 inches. Universal transducer mount with 7.6m cable included. The power supply is batteries/accumulator. Operating temperature -20-+70 degrees.

Specifications:

• Screen colors/gradations - 4 pcs.;
• Screen resolution - 96 by 128 pixels;
• The viewing angle of the first beam is 20 degrees (200 kHz), the second beam is 60 degrees (83 kHz), the total is 60 degrees;
• The maximum scanning depth is 70 meters.

Additional information: screen backlight, built-in temperature sensor, sound alarm, determining the size of the fish and the depth of its location; compatible with the TR-1 Dual handheld transducer. Warranty - 1 year.

The average cost is 6100 rubles.

• Affordable price;
• Portable;
• Functional;
• Clear management.

• Poor fastening due to which there are inaccuracies in the readings.

LUCKY FF918-C180

Model with a universal hull position for fishing from the shore or from a boat. On small rivers, it can be used when searching for fish not only in depth, but also in width.The maximum operating range is 73 meters. The housing is waterproof, powered by 8 AAA batteries, it can operate from a 12 V network. The operating temperature range is -10-+50 degrees.

Specifications:

• 2 beams: 90 degrees (125 kHz), 45 degrees (200 kHz);
• The total viewing angle is 90 degrees;
• Scanning in fresh water (max indicator) - 180 m;
• Peak input power - 800 W; output - 100 W;
• Warranty - 1 year;
• The action of the wireless sensor is 40 meters.

Features and functionality: built-in temperature sensor, sound alarm, image magnification, bottom structure display, determination of fish size and depth, Wi-Fi interface.

The average price is 8600 rubles.

• Compact;
• No additional fasteners required;
• Wired and wireless transducer included;
• Comfortable;
• Accurate;
• Design.

• Not identified.

JJ Connect Fisherman 600 Duo

Inexpensive stationary type device that comes with a transducer. The sonar is equipped with a monochrome screen with a resolution of 160x240 pixels. and backlight. This dual beam echo sounder has a scanning depth of 350 m and a scanning angle of 20 to 35 degrees. The average cost is 9,190 rubles.

• Built-in speed and temperature sensors;
• The body is protected from moisture;
• Ease of use;
• Suitable for trolling;
• Good build quality.

• Large error in depth readings;
• Frequent breakdowns.

Practitioner ER-6PRO

Inexpensive single-beam portable echo sounder, which is reliable, as it is specially designed for extreme working conditions, such as in severe frost. Sonar consumes little power and is light in weight. Equipped with a black-and-white screen with a resolution of 64x128 pixels.The scanning depth is 25 m, the angle is 40 degrees. The average cost of the device is 5,700 rubles.

• The signal is adjustable;
• Captures even weak vibrations in the water;
• Compactness;
• Transducer included;
• flasher mode;
• Built-in air temperature sensor.

• Tight control buttons.

Premium echo sounders (from 10 thousand rubles)

Lowrance Mark-5x Pro

Two-beam stationary device with mains power supply. Equipped with a monochrome display (5 inches), a resolution of 480 pixels. The maximum depth is 305 m. The average price is 18,320 rubles.

• Good detailed image on the screen;
• Built-in temperature sensor;
• Economical energy consumption;
• The device detects many objects;
• Ease of use.

• Sometimes shows the wrong depth.

Lowrance HOOK-4x Mid/High

Dual beam echo sounder with transducer for boat fishing. Equipped with a 4-inch display with a resolution of 272x480 pixels, giving a good picture quality. It has a built-in temperature sensor, shows the bottom relief and determines the presence and size of fish in the underwater space. The scanning depth is 305 m. The average price is 16,100 rubles.

• Possibility of work in the course of the movement of a floating craft;
• High-quality and accurate image;
• Finds fish at depth.

• Some sonar models are not Russified.

Garmin Fishfinder 350C

A two-beam sonar with a transducer mounted on the transom of a boat, with a large scanning depth of 457 m. The device is equipped with a 5-inch color screen with a resolution of 480x272 pixels. The case of the echo sounder is protected from moisture. There is a flasher for winter fishing. The average cost is 28,090 rubles.

• The display transmits an accurate image of the bottom and objects;
• Screen backlight;
• Possibility to enlarge the image;
• Water temperature sensor.

• The display is not supplied with a protective cover;
• Has an impressive weight of 500 g;
• Does not connect to gadgets.

Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0

The dual-beam sonar, which has a portable design, is multifunctional and versatile. The scanning angle is 55 degrees, and a float transducer is included with the device. The power source is a battery or batteries. The average cost is 10,900 rubles.

• The presence of Bluetooth;
• Light weight (100 g);
• Can be used for both summer and winter fishing;
• Possibility to enlarge the image;
• Compactness;
• Connects to any gadgets;
• The presence of modes for fishing from ice, from a boat and from the shore.

• Not identified.

Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2

This model of a two-beam sonar is not equipped with a transducer, but it has an almost unique feature - the scanning depth of this device is 1,524 m. 640x480 pix. In addition, the echo sounder has the ability to connect to gadgets and support memory cards. The average cost is 116,530 rubles.

• Equipped with a powerful GPS module;
• Convenient touch screen;
• The device works in frost;
• Considerable scanning depth.

• High price.

Garmin GPSMAP 585

A device that combines the functions of an echo sounder and a navigator. Two beams with a coverage angle of 20 degrees, a scanning depth of 457 m. The echo sounder is equipped with a 5-inch color display with a resolution of 480x272 pixels. Well displays the bottom relief, both in fresh and salt water, while the built-in GPS-module indicates the exact course while the boat is moving, at low speed and even on bends. The average price of this sonar is 35,190 rubles.

• Built-in speed and temperature sensors;
• Economical power consumption;
• Possibility of connection to the device of the additional equipment;
• Highly sensitive device;
• Connection of memory cards with navigation maps.

• In bright light, the display glares.

Garmin STRIKER 4dv

A popular four-beam sonar equipped with a 3-inch color screen (resolution 320x480 pixels) and a waterproof housing. The weight of the device is only 230 g, and the scanning depth is 533 m (in fresh water) and 253 m (in salt water). The average price of a sonar is 21,490 rubles.

• Economical power consumption;
• Flasher function;
• High detail of objects;
• Good quality chartplotter;
• Compactness;
• Suitable for winter fishing.

• Small screen.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 197c PT

Dual beam sonar with a depth of 183 m, which shows the contour of the bottom well and shows the presence of fish. Equipped with a water temperature sensor, a small color display (3.5 inches with a resolution of 240x320 pixels). The total coverage is 28 degrees. A case is included with the device. The average price is 11,600 rubles.

• Housing waterproof, shockproof, resistant to low temperatures;
• Good emitter power.

• Small screen.

Humminbird Helix 5x Sonar GPS

Sonar with a dual-beam transmitter that scans to a depth of 457 m. The built-in GPS receiver is capable of storing up to 2500 waypoints in memory, as well as about 50 tracks and 45 routes.The device allows you to connect SD-cards, in addition, it uses SwitchFire technology, which clearly and in detail shows the bottom topography and the presence of fish, regardless of the state of the water. The average price of a sonar is 33,990 rubles.

• The case is sealed, made of impact-resistant material;
• Sensitivity.

• High price.

What is the best echo sounder to buy?

The simplest budgetary single beam sonar can be used to measure depth and obtain bottom contour information. Three-beam, for example, give a more accurate picture, six-beam - a three-dimensional image.

In the case of selecting an echo sounder for winter fishing, you should pay attention to models equipped with a flasher function.

Sonar with a wide field of view is suitable for fishing in a large, wide body of water, while sonar with a smaller angle is more useful for exploring small water areas.

If you need to calculate the presence of fish, determine its size and speed of movement, you should choose a model of a two-beam echo sounder with an angle of 50 degrees.

For winter fishing, sonars with the Flasher function are designed.

What company echo sounder to buy?

The most popular manufacturers of echo sounders present on the market a wide variety of different models of devices with their own distinctive features.

1. Humminbird. An American firm that has been manufacturing sonar for more than forty years, and therefore is a leader in this field. The company produces 3D sonars, waterproof echo sounders, devices equipped with innovative technologies, as well as devices for professional fishing.
2. Lowrance. The sonars of this company are distinguished by wide functionality and high quality. Devices have a convenient setting of sensitivity, screen brightness and are focused on finding fish.
3. Deeper. Produces instruments that work stably in fresh and salt water. The devices are highly accurate, transmit the topography and features of the bottom in detail, and detect the presence of fish. The firm also manufactures wireless sonar models that benefit from high scanning speeds and remote control.
4. Practitioner-NC. A Russian company that produces functional echo sounders, which are simple and compact. Sonar models are equipped with high-capacity batteries and are also designed to work at low temperatures.
5. Garmin.Highly sensitive sonars with powerful radiation are distinguished by high-quality assembly, reliability and ergonomics. In addition, the displays of these echo sounders are of good quality, and the devices themselves can work at great depths and in shallow water.

Choosing the right sonar is an important factor in successful fishing!