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PostPosted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 12:21 pm 
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Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2013 12:09 pm
Posts: 19
Hey everyone, I'm a shiny new PA12 owner, but I've been enjoying the forums for a while in doing my research...

Made the credit card people very happy today at the Ottawa Outdoor Adventure show and reserved my boat and cart for pickup as soon as I have my trailer sorted out - but that's for another thread!

Back on topic - The PA 12 has a wonderful little nook for a Lowrance transducer, and the wiring videos are nice. I should be able to get it set up without too much blood and swearing... But the BIG question is - What model should I use?

I'd appreciate any recommendations from the Lowrance lovers and even the haters... As I'm just getting started I don't see too many major mods or jerry-rigging projects in my immediate future, so I'm looking for an option that's reasonably priced, and pilot-proof.

Thanks!


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PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:32 am 
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Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:05 pm
Posts: 49
I have the Lowrance Elite 4 DSI, which I purchased for $299. It has the down scan imaging and GPS all in one for a great price. It works great...no complaints.


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PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:14 pm 
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Thanks tpmister... I have had a quick look at the elite... I'm gonna have to go and annoy the electronics guy and dig into it a bit! Cheers!


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PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:41 pm 
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Joined: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 160
Location: vero beach, fl
we are waiting on the new elite 7 models to be delivered any day now. tick tock. tick tock. moving to the elite 7, from the elite 5. the 7 is bigger--wider. i do love the horizontal screen, but im nervous about the overall size in the kayak.
honestly, i think you are hard pressed to find a better unit than the elite 5. big, bright screen. all the features of the big boys, but in a kayak friendly size. and the ram-mount that fits the e5 makes mounting options off the chain.

cheers
drew

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PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:20 pm 
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Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2012 9:01 am
Posts: 14
Location: San Diego
Got the Elite 4DSI mounted on the right side handle with a ram mount. It's the perfect size and mounted close enough so I can easily fiddle with colors and the bottom depth.

IMHO the 5 and 7 are very nice but way to big for a yack, even a PA 14!


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PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:21 pm 
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Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:57 am
Posts: 34
Location: San Diego, CA
I have the HDS 7 on my PA14 - don't worry about size, the view is awesome!

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PostPosted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:37 pm 
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I'd opt for a mid-sized unit, depending upon how much you rely on your electronics bigger is usually better. I run the other brand, an 898SI HD unit and it's not too big, just right for me. My buddy runs a 998 SI unit, that's about as big as you would want on a kayak. If your budget allows it, go for something in the 7" to 8" range and be done with it. I started with a 5" unit and it was just too small a screen when you split them for DI, SI, GPS or 2D multiple views. I would also recommend something with down image capability, it's so much better than 2D in most instances. If your budget allows, then add GPS and side image also. Be certain to get a decent battery, those color units draw a lot of power.

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PostPosted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 11:19 am 
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Posts: 33
I love my Elite 7 HDI

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PostPosted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:04 pm 
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Joined: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 160
Location: vero beach, fl
justin that is straight up sick.

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:10 am 
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Posts: 187
You got that right! I saw it in person this past weekend and it really isn't that big relative to your forward casting angles. It is tucked away just right for how Justin fishes. I am considering one myself now.

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 1:25 pm 
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Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2013 12:09 pm
Posts: 19
Nice rigs, guys...

I think I'm gonna do some shopping online this weekend. First day of spring here brought snow and cold. So my butt is stuck inside instead of on the water. Ugh.

Thanks for the great recommendations!


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 10:28 pm 
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Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:39 am
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Location: Knox County, TN
I also have the Lowrance Elite 7 HDI finder. May I ask what amp hour your batteries are and how long a charge will typically last? I have yet to test mine on a full days trip and was wondering. Thanks.


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 2:25 am 
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C4PZL0K wrote:
I also have the Lowrance Elite 7 HDI finder. May I ask what amp hour your batteries are and how long a charge will typically last? I have yet to test mine on a full days trip and was wondering. Thanks.


I have the same elite 7 unit and I'm getting 10 hrs from a 10ah battery.


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 4:05 am 
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Joined: Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:26 am
Posts: 137
Location: London,ohio
Another vote for the elite 4 dsi. Just right for me.

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Even if you fish all day without a catch, you're still better off than the worm!


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 6:34 am 
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Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2012 7:52 pm
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Just go with the bigger screen. I put an Elite 7 on mine and love it instead of having the smaller Elite 5 screen.


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