Top 10 Side Scan Sonars

Want to improve your fishing performance and know everything that happens underwater? Are you not satisfied with outdated models that study the space only under them? You need a side scan sonar. This is the pinnacle of scanner evolution and a top technology that not all modern brands have mastered.
 
  Name
  Rating
  Nomination
1 Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 4.86
The best ratio of price and quality
2 Garmin STRIKER 7sv 4.82
The most popular model. A large number of rays
3 Raymarine Element 7 HV + HV100 4.76
The maximum set of options. GLONASS support
4 Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 50/200 HDI 4.69
The most reliable echo sounder
5 Garmin Echomap Plus 72SV 4.65
Best Features
6 Humminbird ONIX 10cxi SI Combo 4.55
The most powerful echo sounder. Quality display
7 Raymarine Element 12 HV + HV100 4.49
Large and clear display
8 Humminbird 140c Fishin' Buddy 4.43
Best price
9 Simrad GO7 XSE 4.31
10 Garmin GPSMAP 1022xsv 4.27

Lateral scanning is the top step in the evolution of echo sounders. These devices have an extended scanning cone, and their beams are directed in all directions, and not just down. Fishing from a boat becomes the most effective, as we get the opportunity to view the entire water area. There are no budget models in this class. Only top brands produce side-scanning echo sounders.

The most popular manufacturers of side scan sonar

Here you will not find little-known Chinese manufacturers. Prices start at about 30,000 rubles, but it should be understood that these are the most equipped devices. They already have a built-in or optional navigator, a powerful transducer and other options. There are not many brands in the market for side-scanning fish finders, and they are all from the top segment.

Lowrance. The American brand that became the ancestor of many innovations that are used everywhere today. It was Lowrance who first developed and implemented the SideScan technology, combining it with the traditional DownScan system.

Garmin. Another American company that manufactures equipment that needs GPS. Their range includes not only echo sounders, but also smart watches and car navigators. This is one of the world leaders whose echo sounders are in great demand in the market.

Raymarine. An English company developing navigation and echolocation equipment for large ships. The company has a division that produces compact echo sounders for private use.

Humminbird. An American firm that focuses on the ease of use of its devices. The company understands that a complex echo sounder only makes fishing more difficult, and does not make it easier, so it tries to produce devices with the simplest possible controls.

Any of the listed brands deserves attention. All have their advantages and disadvantages, but the overall quality and reliability is top notch.

What to look for when choosing a side scan sonar?

The main parameters for choosing an echo sounder are the following factors:

  • power;
  • operating frequency;
  • the number of rays;
  • scan range.

If we are talking about side scanning, then here you will rarely find models with one or two beams. This is the prerogative of budget scanners that do not use SideScan. The number of the best varies from 3 to 8. You can choose the power to suit your needs. The higher it is, the further the scanner will be able to probe the space and the clearer the picture you will get at the output.

Top 10. Garmin GPSMAP 1022xsv

Rating (2022): 4.27
  • Average price: 65,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: universal
  • Number of beams: 3
  • Scanning range: 350 m
  • Peak power: 2500W
  • Screen Resolution/Diagonal: 1024×600/10"
  • GPS module: built-in

The main feature of this echo sounder is mechanical control. Joysticks and buttons are used to navigate through applications, which is very convenient if you are wearing gloves that the sensor does not respond to. The manufacturer thought out the location of the control modules as much as possible. Judging by the reviews on the network, working with the device is as comfortable as possible. As an addition, there is a small touchpad. With it, it is easy to swap pictures and put dots on the navigator. With technical data, too, everything is fine. The echo sounder is definitely not the best of its kind, but 350 meters of view and 2.5 thousand watts of peak power are quite high numbers, albeit not for sea fishing.

Pros and cons
  • The most convenient control
  • Additional touchpad
  • Arbitrary placement of images on the screen
  • Rare visitor in stores
  • Small viewing angle

Top 9. Simrad GO7 XSE

Rating (2022): 4.31
  • Average price: 110,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: universal
  • Number of beams: 4
  • Scan Range: 200m
  • Peak Power: 800W
  • Screen resolution/diagonal: 800×480/7"
  • GPS module: built-in expandable

Outwardly, this echo sounder resembles a tablet computer. Even the operating system is special here with intuitive controls. Approximately the same layout of icons will be on the car navigator, which can be considered a plus, since it will not be difficult even for a beginner to deal with the interface. Most likely, this is what the manufacturer was focusing on, but if you think that the Simrad GO7 XSE is just an expensive toy, then you are mistaken. Before us is a full-fledged echo sounder and navigator with side scanning and a lot of additional functions. It explores the space of the water area at 200 meters, operating at a peak power of 800 watts.

Pros and cons
  • The most intuitive interface
  • Touch control
  • Very bright display
  • Low level of security
  • Operating system is not updated

Top 8. Humminbird 140c Fishin' Buddy

Rating (2022): 4.43
Best price

The most compact and cheapest side-scan sonar. A great opportunity to try a device from a top brand without paying a fabulous amount for it.

  • Average price: 21,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: universal
  • Number of beams: 1
  • Scan Range: 74 m
  • Peak Power: 1000W
  • Screen Resolution/Diagonal: 320×240/3.5"
  • GPS module: optional

The Humminbird 140c Fishin' Buddy is hard to compare to the top models. In all respects, he is inferior to them, but it should be understood that he has a slightly different purpose. This is one of the few budget models that have a full side scan. There are only 1000 watts of peak power and 74 meters of scanning range.For many experienced fishermen, this will not be enough, but if you just want to increase your performance and do not want to give in the region of one hundred thousand rubles, then the model will be the best option for you. In addition, this is a product of one of the most popular manufacturers, which means that the quality, reliability and durability will be at the highest level.

Pros and cons
  • Convenient management
  • Compact Form Factor
  • Universal Transducer Mount
  • Short scanning range
  • Too small screen

Top 7. Raymarine Element 12 HV + HV100

Rating (2022): 4.49
Large and clear display

Sounder with 12" display. That's 2 inches more than the nearest competitor. An excellent option for installation on a large boat.

  • Average price: 155,000 rubles.
  • Country: England
  • Mount: transom
  • Number of beams: 3
  • Scan Range: 274 m
  • Peak power: 1600W
  • Screen Resolution/Diagonal: 1280×800/12"
  • GPS module: built-in

If you have a large boat and do not have the opportunity to constantly approach the echo sounder to get information from it, then this device will become an indispensable assistant for you. Its main feature is a very large 12-inch screen. With such a size, you will be able to receive information even at a decent distance. At the height and resolution of the monitor. Thanks to him, you will get the clearest picture with a lot of information. Note that the manufacturer took into account all the nuances of data placement. The numbers are large and easy to identify. But with quality characteristics, everything is at an average level. Definitely not the best option in terms of exploration range and peak power.

Pros and cons
  • The biggest screen
  • A high resolution
  • Lots of waypoints
  • Support for multiple navigation systems
  • Not very comfortable fit
  • Few working beams
  • Average power

Top 6. Humminbird ONIX 10cxi SI Combo

Rating (2022): 4.55
The most powerful echo sounder

An echo sounder with a peak output of 8000 watts and a scanning range of one and a half kilometers. Features are twice as high as those of the closest competitors.

Quality display

The high-resolution 10-inch display delivers the clearest picture possible, while the anti-reflective coating ensures perfect reading in sunny weather.

  • Average price: 140,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: universal
  • Number of beams: 5
  • Scanning range: 1524 m
  • Peak power: 8000W
  • Screen Resolution/Diagonal: 1024×768/10.4"
  • GPS module: built-in expandable

If you want your fishing to be as productive as possible, and you are not used to half measures, then the Humminbird ONIX 10cxi SI Combo is exactly what you need. Apparatus producing 8000 watts of peak power. A huge figure, as well as a scanning range exceeding 1.5 km. With this sonar you will explore the water area as much as possible, as the viewing angle is 180 degrees, and side scanning is provided by 5 beams with different frequencies. The display of the device deserves special attention. Here 10 inches and high-quality anti-reflective coating. Even if the sun shines on your back, the picture will be read comfortably and accurately.

Pros and cons
  • Large display
  • High peak power
  • Far Scan
  • Anti-glare screen coating
  • Very expensive device
  • Quite complex controls

Top 5. Garmin Echomap Plus 72SV

Rating (2022): 4.65
Best Features

Echo sounder with top performance and maximum functionality. Professional equipment for large-scale scanning of the water area and navigation.

  • Average price: 112,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: transom
  • Number of beams: 4
  • Scan Range: 690 m
  • Peak power: 4000W
  • Screen resolution/diagonal: 800×480/7"
  • GPS module: built-in

If fishing is not just a hobby for you, and you want to get the most out of it, then this fish finder is just what you need. It will become a real computer on board your boat and analyze dozens of parameters, both underwater and surface. The device shows temperature, pressure and studies in detail both the thickness and the bottom. The picture displayed on the screen is very clear and informative. You can customize the interface to your liking, display exactly the values ​​you need right now, and quickly switch between them. Garmin tried to fit a full-fledged marine echo sounder into a compact case, and partly succeeded.

Pros and cons
  • Wide operating frequency range
  • Far Scan
  • Maximum of analyzed information
  • Multiple card support
  • High price
  • Not the widest viewing angle

Top 4. Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 50/200 HDI

Rating (2022): 4.69
The most reliable echo sounder

A device that is not afraid of even serious mechanical damage. The high level of protection against shock and moisture makes it the best in terms of reliability.

  • Average price: 54,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: bottom
  • Number of beams: 2
  • Scan Range: 200m
  • Peak Power: 800W
  • Screen resolution/diagonal: 800×480/7"
  • GPS module: built-in

At Lowrance, we know how important fishfinder reliability is.In the cramped conditions of the boat, accidental impacts are inevitable, and a fall into the water is also possible. The echo sounder is not afraid of all this. It has an onyx screen. It protects the image from glare and perfectly holds the blow. In terms of technical aspects, this is a medium power model. She has a side scan, but only 2 beams are used in her work. Note that this number is rare. Peak power is only 800 watts, but scanning takes place at a depth of up to 200 meters. In general, a great option for small ponds.

Pros and cons
  • High security
  • onyx display
  • Convenient management
  • Total 2 beams
  • small power
  • Navigator with big limitations

Top 3. Raymarine Element 7 HV + HV100

Rating (2022): 4.76
Maximum set of options

The echo sounder has all the options available today. This is the most informative device that determines dozens of parameters for your convenience and fishing performance.

GLONASS support

The built-in navigation module supports the GLONASS system. Nothing needs to be downloaded and installed separately. If you are used to this navigation, then it will be in your fish finder.

  • Average price: 74,000 rubles.
  • Country: England
  • Mount: transom
  • Number of beams: 3
  • Scan Range: 274 m
  • Peak power: 1600W
  • Screen resolution/diagonal: 800×480/7"
  • GPS module: built-in

The echo sounder is capable of analyzing a huge amount of information, but many manufacturers do not build these functions into their devices. The British from Raymarine went the farthest.Now we have a full-fledged computer that shows the depth and size of the fish, bottom relief, water and air temperature, atmospheric pressure and many more aspects that help the fisherman better understand what is happening under water and choose the right tackle and bait based on the conditions presented. GLONASS navigation is also supported here, which is a rarity. In most echo sounders, you have to build it yourself, which causes certain difficulties for many users.

Pros and cons
  • Lots of scan options
  • Availability of GLONASS
  • Lots of saved routes
  • Supports NMEA 2000 protocol
  • Side scan limited to 3 beams
  • Supports only small memory cards

Top 2. Garmin STRIKER 7sv

Rating (2022): 4.82
Most popular model

The device is most often used by professional fishermen and becomes a participant in various tests. It is often bought by ordinary users, so many detailed reviews can be found on the net.

A large number of rays

The echo sounder uses 6 beams at once with a maximum frequency of 200 kHz. The ratio of power and hertz allows you to view the water area at 700 meters with an angle of 180 degrees.

  • Average price: 47,500 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: transom
  • Number of beams: 6
  • Scan Range: 701 m
  • Peak power: 4000W
  • Screen resolution/diagonal: 800×480/7"
  • GPS module: built-in

A high-power device that scans the water area at a distance of 700 meters. This is one of the biggest values, especially given the relatively low price tag.The combination of these factors makes the echo sounder popular among both professionals and ordinary fishing enthusiasts who want to improve their performance. 6 rays at once look through the water in all planes, giving a clear picture on a 7-inch high-definition display. Also, the screen is equipped with anti-reflective protection and is able to work in the widest temperature range. The device definitely deserves attention, and if you doubt its quality, it is easy to find detailed reviews from experts and ordinary users on the net.

Pros and cons
  • Lots of working beams
  • High scanning range
  • Display with anti-glare protection
  • Few memorable routes
  • No speed sensor

Top 1. Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2

Rating (2022): 4.86
The best ratio of price and quality

Powerful 4-beam fish finder with 180 degree field of view. A device with an adequate price tag for its technical characteristics.

  • Average price: 58,000 rubles.
  • Country: USA
  • Mount: transom
  • Number of beams: 4
  • Scanning range: 450 m
  • Peak power: 4000W
  • Screen Resolution/Diagonal: 800×480/5"
  • GPS module: built-in

The HELIX 5 fish finder is a powerful 4000 watt unit with a maximum frequency of 200 kHz. A feature of the device is the use of CHIRP technology, which allows you to use the entire frequency range. Thanks to this, we get the most clear and informative picture at any distance up to 450 meters. The device runs on its own operating system. The model also received an extended, more convenient control interface, although many users who have been working with Humminbird echo sounders for a long time did not like it.However, this is a matter of taste and habit. But the technical aspects are at the highest level. Similar models on the market are much more expensive.

Pros and cons
  • Availability of CHIRP technology
  • Adequate price tag
  • high power
  • Wide viewing angle
  • small display
  • Interface raises questions
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Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the experts!

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