Which Gps/sounder Combo $600-$850?

[TheDon]

I would like a GPS and am thinking about getting a combo colour GPS/Fish Finder given that my existing Fish Finder is an old Monochrome hummingbird 128x64 resolution sounder that came with the boat.

Can anyone recommend a colour GPS/sounder combo for around $600-$850.

Most of my fishing is in the Harbour and possibly a few kms outside, but wouldn't expect to go too far as I'm using a 4.75m aluminium runabout.

I'm considering a Lawrence HDS-5 which I've seen on online shop for around $850.

Also there are a few Eagle units which have similar specs, except even higher resolution for around $700-$800.

(I've heard Eagle and Lawrence are the same company)

Any advice for something in my budget is appreciated.

Thanks

TheDon

Edited April 13, 2010 by TheDon

[idolz]

I have a Garmin 550s I paid about $1300 for it, I think it great BUT Im sure there are much better units out there, I dont think the Garmin sonar/sounder is as good as Lowrance or hummingbird, (Just through me seeing other peoples working, others seem to be more defined with the fish arches,,,) though Im not that experienced, The Garmin models are all software upgradable, i have updated my software many times as the newer software appears on the Garmin website

[TheDon]

Thanks Idolz, but I really want to get something a bit closer to my price range.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[shaune]

I have a hds5.It cost me $1300 when I bought it , so its come down a bit now.

I have not compared it with the garmin but from what I can gather Garmin make the better chart plotter and lowrance the better sounder.

As a fisherman you're priority should be the sounder.

Compare the pixel counts on the screen between the two.

[TheDon]

The Eagle sounders are 640x480 for the same price (or even cheaper) than the Lawrence sounder which is 480x480. Does that mean the Eagle should be better or are there other things I should be looking at other than resolution?