How to Rate Depth Finders
- 1). Decide which type of display you prefer, the liquid crystal display or the cathode ray tube display. Depth finders equipped with LCD screens are thinner and consume less space than their CRT counterparts. However, an LCD display will cost more than a comparable CRT depth finder.
- 2). Rank your choices of depth finders by screen size and resolution. The larger the viewing area is, the easier it will be to read the screen. Screen resolution is equally important. Higher resolution displays offer more pixels---the dots that make up the onscreen image---giving you a sharper image and increased clarity.
- 3). Consider the environment where you plan to use your depth finder when making your purchase. Will you use it in a small lake or in the ocean. Transducer frequencies in depth finders will vary, so choosing the depth finder with the correct transducer frequency is important. Higher-frequency transducers transmit a wider cone of waves---great for shallow water applications. While lower-frequency transducers transmit a narrower cone, capable of going much deeper and making them suitable for deep-water applications. Some units even come equipped with both types of transducers.
- 4). Avoid weighing the manufacturer's power rating too heavily. It is incorrect to believe that the more power the unit is rated for, the more accurate the sonar will be. While giving you an idea of what the unit can do, the manufacture's power rating often only describes the amount of available power for the unit and not how much the unit actually draws from the total power quote. Instead, rank your depth finder choices by software and enhancements. Embedded software features like echo enhancement and fish selectivity will ensure that you choose a more accurate model instead of gauging a unit by a misleading power quote.
- 5). Rank your depth finder selection by the included, non-standard features like a global positioning system and temperature gauging. GPS-equipped devices allow you to mark points on the device's digital maps and is great for navigating open areas. Temperature gauging gives you water temperature, helping you find warm or cold spots where fish may be may be enjoying favorable conditions.
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