Garmin 5dv VS Lowrance Hook 4

hey all,

I have a budget of $500 for a sounder/GPS combo and tossing up between the Garmin 5dv and the Lowrance Hook 4, the Garmin has a bigger screen in better orientation although I haven't heard a lot about the Garmin units, any feed back or advice between the 2 or which way I should go? both seem to be evenly spec'd feature wise

mainly used for off shore fishing

thanks in advance


Posts: 126

Date Joined: 07/12/15

I'm not familiar with either

Mon, 2016-10-17 14:19

I'm not familiar with either of these units, but recently had a mate who is looking in this price range and has similar requirements.  Question I had for him was Are you looking for GPS only (will tell you your lat/long and you'll be able to mark waypoints), or a chartplotter (that shows where you are on a chart, as well as marking waypoints)?

To me, it looks like the Garmin is GPS only, whereas the Lowrance has a default chart, with option to use your own charts (eg Navionics).  For me, i'd go the Lowrance just for the chartplotter.

Personally, if i had your budget, i'd be searching for a secondhand sounder/charplotter, preferably as separate units.  Something someone paid $1k for 4-5 years ago should be around $400 now and better quality.   

Gaffatron's picture

Posts: 355

Date Joined: 07/07/11

cheers for you input, not

Mon, 2016-10-17 14:41

cheers for you input, not really worried about a chart plotter just marking spots and the boat ramp so a GPS/Sounder should suit me well

upg's picture

Posts: 137

Date Joined: 25/06/07

 Look at the striker 7sv

Mon, 2016-10-17 14:57

 Look at the striker 7sv

Nimbin 157's picture

Posts: 130

Date Joined: 03/05/10

 Garmins striker range are

Mon, 2016-10-17 15:15

 Garmins striker range are the go for that price. Good sonar/downview and can mark waypoints