Humminbird Sounders - opinions please

[bushbeachboy]

A mate is looking to buy a new sounder for her tinnie, a 3.7m Stacer Proline. She intends to use it in rivers/creeks only. She is looking at a Humminbird Matrix 27 ($545 from Bias). This is advertised as having 640 vertical pixels, so in theory should show a high level of detail. Does anyone out there have one of these? Is it ok for the shallow water (ie up to about 50 feet) or is it over powered? This is a B & W sounder. Should she be considering colour? The budget is about right at the max at $550. Any advice about any brand of sounder would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Bushbeachboy

[Burley_Boy]

Read the sounder pages for a heck of a lot of info, you'll find them at the top of the threads.
Don't consider a colour sounder at that budget.
I run a Matrix 37X but have a Lowrance X85 on the new rig, I'll soon be comparing them side by side and posting the picks I hope.
cheers

[Bay+Beyond]

Bushbeachboy,

I run a Matrix 10x in my Stacer 380 Seasprite.
Great little unit and gives good definition, I use it in 20-30m. Much better unit than any of the piranas etc.
I have bought the GPS receiver and use both the GPS & Sounder functions. Very accurate little unit.

I use mine out in the bay in the shipping channels etc and have never had a probem with it, but also use it in the pine and passage at bribie.

The 27x would be a great unit, bigger screen and a few other functions no doubt, maybe a bit of overkill for the rivers but if its in the budget range and prepared to spend the money then get it, you wont be dissapointed.

Cheers
Thommo

[Jusel]

I have a Matrix 35 that I am looking to sell. PM me if your interested and want more details

[SWFISHER]

mate 37's are $485 at stones corrner marine i believe cheers kevin

[SWFISHER]

sorry I mean matrix 27 not 37 :-/

[Burley_Boy]

Never use that wide function anyway!

[Black_Rat]

I've got the Matrix15 with GPS and am happy with it :)

[gogecko]

Ive got a MAtrix 27 and IM happy with it. The definition is good, and its fine in shallow water. I use it in the Broadwater and rivers, and Im often at 4 - 20ft.

I got mine from the USA, for about $260. It took 7 days. It has to go back to USA if there are any warranty issues , but thats the only downside.
Go to www.cascademarinenavigation.com and mention ausfish.

Andrew

[Robbo_Townsville]

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Wholesale-Marine-Australia_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

This fella on E Bay is Bundy based and has sold hundreds of Matrix and Humminbird units. I recently picked up a Humminbird 565 over $200 cheaper than anyone else would sell them for.

[THE_BILL_COLLECTOR]

bushbeachboy,
i really recommend the matrix 27. exellent dual frequency unit and well pricied. also has the bonus of being gps ready for if u wanted gps in the future. i know numerous guys that are using matrix systems and as far as i know all of them are happy with the units. my local shop is sundown marine and they are offering specials for christmas to ausfish members! its probably worth giving them a call!!

Bill Collector

[marzoe]

I'm also interested about Humminbird sounders.
I am new to boating and the sounder I have, a Humminbird Piranha Max 10 came with the boat deal.
Are they any good, and can I see as much detail as I need too?
After reading the threads on top of this chat board I am not so sure?
Regards
Tim

[bungie]

I have an older 25 and I love it ;D

[rwells9999]

Crap, I wasted $1600 on a Paramount Wide. All it had was lots of gimmicks. Seems this has not changed. Since then I have opperated a Furuno 600L. Get what ya pays for.

Robin

[Y-Not]

I have looked at a lot of sounders in the past few months while lookiing for a new one for myself.
The new matrix systems seem the goods to me, althiough I am favouring lowrance. This is only because my old eyes can read the 107 colour unit a lot easier than it can the humminbird colour units. the B/W seem about the same to read in either brand. B/w seems to be far better value for money if your eyes can read them in the sunlight ( 8-)mine cant)

[Fitzy]

Crap, I wasted $1600 on a Paramount Wide. All it had was lots of gimmicks. Seems this has not changed. Since then I have opperated a Furuno 600L. Get what ya pays for.

Robin
$1600?? You got stung!!

All of the latest 'Birds are head & shoulders above the wide series, and a heck of alot better priced.

fitz