Lowrance HOOK2 - Fish Finder Review

Now the Lowrance brand is known to many; their products are distributed throughout the world. Since 1951, father and sons have been producing and modernizing gadgets for sea and river navigation. During this period, many innovations were released that won the hearts of fishermen and not only.

Each series is represented by several models. Each fisherman will have to choose on his own, but you still need to have general concepts about this type of equipment.

About company

The American company Lowrance is one of the largest manufacturers of fishing echo sounders. The products of this manufacturer are known on the Russian market and have proven themselves to be extremely reliable, functional and versatile in use.

Lowrance's offer includes both budget segment models, which are offered to customers at low prices, and top-end series, equipped with powerful transmitting devices, equipped with multifunctional automation and characterized by versatility in use. Numerous reviews allow us to classify some models as budget class, with affordable prices and excellent quality of work.

Echo sounder series

Models of the most popular series of Lawrence echo sounders:

• HDS presents a line of professional echo sounders with unique navigation and echolocation characteristics, a large number of options and various capabilities. The Lowrance echo sounder sensor in this series can be assembled independently. It is not included in the standard package. The advantage of these models is their ease of use.
• Elite series models are compact and equipped with a color display. A simple menu and uncomplicated interface make it easy to control the echo sounder. Models are equipped with a special TrakBack function, as well as a bottom scanning option.
• Elite CHIRP models provide a fairly clear picture of the bottom thanks to special CHIRP technology. The CHIRP Sonar device, which has excellent resolution and high sensitivity, will help you find places where fish live.
• The HDI series models are compact and have a variety of options.
• Hook is a new line of quality fish finders with a variety of features. All models are equipped with a clear interface and a bright display.
• The budget Mark series is represented by high-quality economy class models for beginner fishermen. The devices have a black and white screen, all important options, a wide viewing angle and provide a clear image.

New generation fish finder with DownScan Imaging technology

Lowrance Elite 4x DSI is a new generation fish finder that is small in size and equipped with a color display

and a number of additional features.
One of the distinctive features of this model is the use of the DownScan Imaging sensor, which allows you to display very detailed information
about objects underwater on the display.
You can easily see fish
, bottom structure, various sunken objects,
plants
and even sudden changes in water temperature (
thermocline
) on the display.

Rating of popular models

The company has a huge number of different models of echo sounders, but not all are in particular demand among domestic fishermen. Most likely, this is due to the specifics of production and certain purposes, since some products are presented exclusively at a professional level, and some are even intended for sea fishing.

Lowrance Elite-3x

This easy-to-use and intuitive device helps to detect the location of underwater inhabitants, examine the topography of the bottom surface, and determine its structure. The picture is displayed on a display with a resolution of 320x240 pixels, supporting 256 colors. In addition, additional data is provided: temperature, battery charge level and other useful information.

The built-in ASP system independently adjusts the sharpness and details of the scanned space, relieving the fisherman of the need to perform these manipulations manually. Many people purchase this device because of the Fish ID technology, which processes the echogram using a complex algorithm. Thanks to this function, fish are classified by size and displayed on the screen with special symbols, and their detection is accompanied by an audible signal.

What else can Elite-3x boast? Quite a sensitive transducer. This sensor operates at two frequencies (83 and 200 kHz), that is, it scans a location using two beams with different viewing angles. Compared to other characteristics, their “range” is impressive. The manufacturer stated a maximum depth of almost 250 meters, which is more than enough for fishing.

Unfortunately, the Elite-3x color fish finder from Lowrance is not without serious drawbacks. Firstly, there are no numbers for determining the depth, which sometimes confuses not only beginners, but also experienced fisherman. Instead, 3 lines appear on the screen, so the depth has to be calculated in your head.

The second problem occurs at depths greater than 30 meters if the device operates in automatic mode. It consists in the fact that the bottom image is stretched to half the screen. The only way to fix it is to switch to manual mode and set the actual depth as the maximum.

Lowrance Hook-3x

The Hook model range has been produced by Lowrance since 2015. Hook 3 devices are basic models, the capabilities of which are limited only to basic functions - scanning the bottom of a reservoir and searching for fish.

They have the smallest dimensions and display sizes. They do not have any special options, such as the presence of a chartplotter or GPS receiver. Nevertheless, these models are very popular among fishermen, because, given their low cost, they work much better and more reliably than their Chinese “analogues”.

The models under consideration are high-performance broadband echo sounders equipped with a target separation and noise reduction system, which greatly simplifies the search for prey. They are very simple and easy to use and can be used on almost all types of reservoirs.

The Hook 3x fish finder is a classic dual-beam fish finder with transducer frequencies of 83 KHz and 200 KHz. The sensor coverage area when using these frequencies is a cone with angles of 60° and 20°, respectively. A lower frequency is used to survey large surfaces and search for concentrations of fish, a higher frequency is used for improved and more accurate determination of their position.

The water depth and temperature are displayed in the upper left corner. The relief and nature of the bottom are displayed in the appropriate color, the images of fish are represented by arcs. The water surface level is considered to be the topmost line of the display. It is indicated by the number "0".

The maximum scanning depth of the Hook 3x is 244 m, while the echo sounder is capable of operating at boat speeds of up to 112 km/h. The radiation power of its transducer is 100 W.

In addition, the Lawrence Hook 3x echo sounder has a FishID mode, which allows you to display fish in the form of an icon indicating the depth at which it is located. The device has a mode for simultaneous display of two operating modes: the classic image of the echo sounder and FishID. The screen is divided into two windows.

Lowrance Elite-3x DSI

The Hook 3x DSI fish finder works on a different principle. It is also equipped with a dual-beam transducer, but its operating frequencies are significantly higher. They are 455 KHz and 800 KHz. The use of such high frequencies is due to the use of so-called technology in this model. bottom scan or DownScan.

In this mode of operation, the beam coverage area is not a classic cone with a round base, but only a small part of it, directed perpendicular to the movement of the boat. This does not make it possible to search for fish when fishing is carried out from a stationary craft, however, when fishing in motion, the image obtained using such a device is much clearer and more informative.

When using this technology, fish are displayed not in the form of arcs, but in the form of separate objects. Schools of small fish will be displayed as a cloud, large fish can be seen as a separate spot, and if the fish is large enough, its individual parts (for example, the tail or head) can be distinguished.

Thus, using the Hook 3x DSI echo sounder allows you to obtain better information about what is happening in the depths of the reservoir. However, everything comes at a price. Obtaining a beautiful picture imposes certain restrictions on the use of this model:

• A much smaller volume of water is scanned compared to the “classic”, which requires constant movement of the craft along the surface of the reservoir.
• The scanning depth of the Hook 3x DSI echo sounder model is slightly less than that of the Hook 3x and is 91 m, although this is not critical for fishing in fresh water bodies.
• The transmitter power of the Hook 3x DSI echo sounder is five times higher than the “classic” (i.e. 500 W), which reduces its continuous battery life.

Lowrance Hook-4x Mid (High) Down Scan

This is a fish finder/chartplotter with built-in GPS. The device is capable of remembering routes, promising points and other similar places, making it possible to return to exactly the same place next time.

Among other features of the echo sounder it is worth noting:

• Advanced Signal Processing technology, the essence of which is automatic adjustment of sensor settings. It provides the most suitable modes of operation of the sensor in specific conditions without intervention by the fisherman.
• The device has a built-in temperature sensor and can also emit sound signals when a fish is detected or when the craft reaches a predetermined depth.
• The menu is completely Russified, which allows you to quickly configure 4x mid high downscan.
• Like most similar devices, there is a Fish ID function, which displays information about detected fish on the screen in the form of corresponding icons.
• The echo sounder has a slot for connecting memory cards, which allows you to record and store a large amount of map data with specified catch points or discovered promising fishing spots.

Lowrance Elite-7 TI

The Lowrance Elite 7 Ti echo sounder is a multifunctional device with which you can not only scan the bottom, but create depth maps. This model is a full-fledged chartplotter.

For full operation of the device, you can use a 7.5 Mah battery. The main advantage of the Lowrance Elite 7 Ti echo sounder is the presence of a structure scanner. With this sensor you can scan the bottom on the left and right side of the boat.

The touch display has a diagonal size of 7 inches and a resolution of 800x480. The picture turns out to be of very high quality. You can see the smallest details at the bottom. The device is controlled using side buttons and a touch screen. A light touch of your fingers is enough to switch the menu and select the necessary modes.

The echo sounder is capable of operating in four frequency modes: 83, 20, 455, 880 KHz. When scanning at a speed of 40-50 km/h, the data on the screen is displayed with the same accuracy as at the minimum speed.

Lowrance Hook-5x

The Lowrance HOOK-5x Mid/High/DownScan echo sounder (Lawrence HOOK 5 X) is designed for scanning the bottom topography and recording fish concentrations. The display is installed on the side of the boat, and the sensor is immersed in the water. The following accessories are included with this model:

• Quick release mount.
• Sensor HDI Skimmer XDCR 83/200+455/800 kHz (cable length 6 m).
• Transom sensor mounting bracket.
• Fasteners
• Power cable.
• Fuse (3 A).

The sensor is equipped with a 500 W irradiator. The maximum coverage depth is 90 meters. The image is displayed on a 13 cm wide monitor in color with a resolution of 480x480 pixels. For control, there are buttons on the left side of the display. In demo mode you can see how the device works.

Lowrance HDS-7 Gen 3 50/200

Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 50/200 echo sounder - a design-led new Lowrance High Definition System in the HDS Gen3 series echo sounders combines advanced sonar technologies and the latest developments in navigation, which are integrated into one easy-to-use multi-touch display.

The all-new HDS system combines a brighter multi-touch display and improved sonar processor with advanced technologies including CHIRP Sonar, Broadband Sounder™, StructureScan® HD, DownScan Imaging™ and Trackback™, as well as other technology innovations in navigation and user experience. interfaces, such as a built-in 10Hz GPS antenna, a double slot for MicroSD cards, touch-button display control, and a built-in Wi-Fi module. And all this in one easy-to-use display.

Lowrance Mark-5x Pro

This model features an updated, improved menu and a very quick and fairly simple attachment, which makes it very easy to use while fishing. In addition, the new monitor is equipped with an adjustable backlight, which makes it possible to use it in almost any lighting conditions. The monitor size of five inches allows for comfortable reading of information under any environmental conditions.

One of the promising new features of the Mark-5x is a function that allows you to rewind and replay multiple pages of the device's image history. Using this innovation, the fisherman will never swim past a fishing spot.

Taking into account the needs and wishes of users, Lowrance developers have introduced an improved menu in the new model, which can be controlled with one finger. Like all Lowrance devices, Mark-5x echo sounders have an absolutely sealed electrical part, which allows the echo sounder to be immersed in water to a depth of one meter, where the device can remain for almost thirty minutes without loss of functionality. This circumstance is especially important in conditions of winter fishing or fishing from a boat. Not every echo sounder can boast such indicators.

Lowrance Elite-3-x HD 83/200 000-11448-001

This device has a 3.5-inch display, 2-frequency sensor (83/200 kHz, 180 Watts, with tracking to a depth of up to 244 m. The device has the latest Lowrance Broadband Sounder technology, which allows fishermen to easily and quickly determine the location of fish and inspect bottom relief. Users can switch the image view up to 4x magnification. Control in Russian.

Echo sounder ball for fishing from the shore and boat Lowrance FishHunter PRO how does it work?

An echo sounder ball for fishing from the shore and boat is connected using a Wi-Fi network. A special application has been created for this, which can be downloaded to any platform called FishHunter. Authorization in the application occurs using your Facebook account. After this, the user has access to the functions of the wireless echo sounder, such as:

• Demo mode
• Bottom scanning mode in automatic mode
• Ice fishing mode
• Automatic creation of bottom relief maps

The echo sounder ball for the Lowrance FishHunter PRO tablet is charged from a battery or computer via a USB cable. While the echo sounder is charging, it lights up in orange, which means that the charging process is in progress. When the indicator turns green, it means that the device is charged and ready for use. The recharging time of the Wi-Fi echo sounder varies from 3 to 6 hours. If the indicator lights up red, it means that the echo sounder has synchronized with your phone or tablet and is ready for use. After all the steps, the modern echo sounder is ready for work

The main menu of the FishHunter application looks like this:

Users have access to the functions “Maps”, “Echo sounder”, “Catches”. The “Maps” section contains all the maps that are in the user database and are available for viewing. In the “Catches” mode, photos of fishing trophies are available. The main button is “Echo sounder”. When you press it, a menu appears on the screen in which you can select the modes indicated above.

For users who like winter fishing, the echo sounder function helps to find out the habitat of fish under the holes. All you need to do is place the sensor in the water and everything that is under water will appear on the screen of your mobile device. To make it more convenient, you can make a number of convenient settings, such as the depth range.

The Demonstration mode allows you to become familiar with the remaining features of your Lowrance fish finder. When you select the “Fishing” menu, you can learn more about the topography of the underwater bottom, for example, the presence of fish, all bottom anomalies, and so on. The sensor will float through the water, scan everything that is under water and display the result on the device screen

The fish will appear as white stripes. But all settings can be changed:

• Set depth units
• Change the location of the depth scale (right or left)
• Picture display mode (fish, bottom structures)

If you turn on the “Pisces” mode, the following picture will be displayed on the screen:

Reviews

Savely

: Previously, when fishing, I used cheap Chinese echo sounders (like “Lucky” and the like). They performed their functions at the very least, but I wanted something more. That all changed when I purchased one of Lowrance's inexpensive Elite 3x fish finders. The difference was noticeable immediately; and it wasn't just the design or the color display. The Lawrence echo sounder really performs its functions 100%. If arcs are visible on the display, then there is no doubt that the fish is really where the device shows it, and not “about there plus/minus 5m,” as was the case on Chinese products. I think it’s better to spend the extra 3-4 thousand rubles, but to buy a really branded item, I’m not a mediocre copy of it.

Oleg

: Undoubtedly, Lowrance echo sounders are by far the best devices for exploring water bodies. Personally, I prefer echo sounders with a DSI function, since they display in much more detail everything that is happening in the water column. Of course, the cost of such devices is sometimes significantly higher than that of conventional echo sounders. But good things are expensive - no one has yet canceled this rule. Sometimes it is better to spend more money, but get a device that is much more convenient to use.

Alexei

: I’ve been using the Lawrence brand for a long time, and, in principle, I’m satisfied with almost everything. I use the simple and unassuming Mark series scanners; There are plenty of them in our fresh water bodies. However, the market leader is not without its shortcomings. Updated models become more and more expensive from year to year while maintaining almost the same functionality. And as soon as a new option is added to the menu or support for a new sensor, the price can immediately jump by 15–20%. In addition, simple models are gradually leaving the market, and their place is being filled by more expensive, improved versions, the full functionality of which in most cases remains unclaimed. Lowrance is currently a leader in the production of echolocation devices for bodies of water of any type. The company's products are presented in several series, which are designed to satisfy any customer needs in all price segments. Lowrance echo sounders offer quality and reliability at an affordable price.