SONAR 600w or 1kw? Is it really worth the extra $600? - FryingPanTower.Com

Been looking at all the models and numbers and I'm wondering if the extra $$ for the extra power is really worth it?

Got a great deal on a Garmin 5212 and I'm looking to add a quality sonar to it. The GSD22 is around 400 where the GSD 21 is closer to 250. Then the transducers go from 250 to over 1000 depending on the watts and number of elements.

Fishing in less than 300' of water and I'm wondering if there is really enough of a difference to spend the money. I would love to see screen shots side by side to know what you are getting if you went for the high dollar gear.

Any input especially from the bottom pros would be greatly appreciated!!

Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 11:56 pm Post subject:

If you do a lot of bottom fishing i would go with the new GSD23 or GSD22 with the 1kw. The 600watt lose bottom around 250 feet. Or mine does any way. May sure you keep your unit up to date to with new software.
_________________
Captain Keith
Feedin Frenzy Charters
843-907-0064
www.NorthMyrtleBeachFishingCharters.com
www.feedinfrenzycharters.com
www.southcarolina-offshore.com
www.southchathamtackle.com
www.BarefootFishing.net
www.fishfindertackle.com

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

Go with the GSD22 for that 5212, when you get to Destin you might wish you had the 1kw when you get to the Edge and past.. we sure wished!...ours (standard) starts to crapp out at 400', but around here where the h2o doesn't get that deep that quickly it does fine.
_________________
*If u r fishing with me...theres NO BITCHIN, JUST FISHIN!*
NoBitchinJustFishin.com, NC Rep

BocaBearings.com Fishing Team

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 12:36 pm Post subject:

I don't think it is worth the extra money unless you plan on spending alot of time in water over 35 fathoms.
My 600w P66 with a GSD 22 will read the bottom great in 500-600 feet very well, even running.
Keith is right about keeping your software current. Makes a big difference.
Just my .02.
Good Luck

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 1:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the input! Amanda that is exactly what my concern is, when I hit the deeper water even though that is not my "regular" fishing depth will i regret not spending a bit more change for the high power. If it was $100 it would be an easy call but to go from 600w to 1 kw is a big jump in price.

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject:

The other thing is if I am in 500 ft or more I am no longer bottom fishing, don't really have the gear for that kind of deep dropping, only trolling so do I even need to see the bottom at that depth?

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:08 pm Post subject:

your best bet is to get the 600watt for your garmin,then go buy you separate furuno fcv-585...for some serious bottom fishing......but thats just my thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/user/SeaDraggin · Ol'Salt Joined: Jan 17, 2006 Posts: 401

2nd Mate Joined: Aug 10, 2007 Posts: 26

I have a 4212 with the GSD 22. I would suggest the 22 at least if you go out to the break.

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject:

I think I'm gonna go for it with the 1kw ducer. No point in getting a sports car and putting cheap tires on it.

Ol'Salt Joined: Jan 17, 2006 Posts: 401

You wont regret it. Good move.
_________________
www.BluewaterJigs.com
Videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/SeaDraggin

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 11:07 pm Post subject:

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 9:21 pm Post subject:

I hear you Midnight and I do truely value your opinion because I know you put plenty blood on the deck! I really wanted to get the 1 kw and was just looking to have somebody else say go for it. I know it that may be a waste of your time and I'm sorry if was.

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 2:53 pm Post subject:

Buzode, if you don't already have the g2 Vision card for the Gulf I'll send you mine (free)(gotta find where i put it). I'm not using it =P This is the Version that covers the entire Gulf, Brownsville TX to Key Largo FL... that'll save you some $ towards that 1kw Very Happy

_________________
*If u r fishing with me...theres NO BITCHIN, JUST FISHIN!*
NoBitchinJustFishin.com, NC Rep

BocaBearings.com Fishing Team

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:14 am Post subject:

That would be Awesome!! I could trade you my Bathy charts for the atlantic, if I can unlock it to a second system. I think you get to unlock to two serial numbered systems for one map purchase right? They are on CD.
_________________
\"Pamela Jane\"
Sea Pro 238CC
Verado 225

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:25 pm Post subject:

OK so I got a deal on the 5212 from a friend, then I got the 1kw ducer from Jim at BOE marine for a deal. Someone had tried to install it and then pulled it when they realized they bought one with the wrong plug for their system. I installed it by watching Jim from BOE marine's video on you tube. It was as easy as he made it look and it turned out great.

So, finally got it out in the water today, just put it in Jordan lake but it was a good trial run.

MAN is this thing great!! Holds bottom better than my old system did sitting still while running the new gear 40mph. While just idling along rather than a big blob for a school of bait I am seeing a school of 7-10 individual baits. Fish are just clearly distinguishable. I am very pleased.
_________________
\"Pamela Jane\"
Sea Pro 238CC
Verado 225

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:40 pm Post subject:

It is all acording to how deep you fish....mo' deeper....mo' power!

Dave
_________________
Capt. Dave
Continental Shelf
Morehead City, NC
800-775-7450

Life is SHORT....Fish Hard!

	FryingPanTower.Com Forum Index -> How To:	All times are GMT - 4 Hours
Page 1 of 1