If you look at any best fish finder review article on the web, there’s no way it won’t have a creation by Garmin. Thanks to the phenomenal fish finders that the company manufactures. They make them in different shapes and sizes to suit every kind of fishing style. And the most recent model that’s gaining popularity is the echoMAP CHIRP 73sv. You’ll find this particular unit on the majority of Garmin 73sv reviews currently available.
You’re an enthusiastic angler, right? In that case, wanting a better view of the underwater is not asking for too much. After all, our curiosity lacks boundaries, right? This is the reason why fish finders are becoming more and more common. But don’t forget that the activity demands the use of a top quality, high-performing device. And not a cheap knockoff!
Keeping that in mind, Garmin is the brand to pick. And to be more specific, the echoMAP CHIRP 73sv is worth every anglers’ consideration. But before we get into the features and specifications, here’s something else you should know.
Table Comparison: Garmin 73sv & Alternatives
Table of Contents
Important Factors to Take Into Account When Buying a Fish Finder
All you have to do is go through these features to know how to choose the best fish finder.
1. Frequencies
Never fail to take the invaluable frequency range into consideration. The three different types of ranges are multiple, single, and dual frequencies. These include 200, 192, 83, and 50 kilohertz (kHz).
The higher values are suitable for shallow water. While the lower frequencies are ideal for fishing in deep water! When frequency is higher, the fish finder offers more detail on screen.
2. Power
Here, you’re looking at the wattage of the unit. With a higher wattage, you get a faster response time. It even offers a deeper view of the underwater. So what does this mean? It implies that you can work with less wattage when fishing in shallow water.
Now let’s combine the wattage and frequency range. In that context, 50 kHz range per 100 watts power provides readings that are 400 ft. deep. Hence, 240 kHz per 100 watts will give you a reading up to only 100 feet.
3. Screen Resolution
Without high resolution, nothing looks better anymore. Especially when using electronic devices! So you need something that’s 240 by 160 pixels at the least. There are models with a higher resolution as well. It all depends on your preferences.
As for the size of that screen, you can opt for a smaller version as your backup. Since you might not use it so often!
4. Transducers
The transducer feature is what’s responsible for finding fish. It emits and receives sonar waves. And these alert you when fish or any other objects are present nearby. Once the transducer receives this data, what happens? It transfers the information to the primary unit. And then to the locator’s screen. But without a transducer, you’re only looking at a fancy display without any data.
5. Screen Color
Colored high-resolution screens have now become way more reliable. As compared to their black/white counterparts! The former is easy to view and read even in sunlight. But it’s the latter that you can buy as your backup.
The thing about such Garmin 73sv reviews is that they provide you with all the information you need. So now let’s move on to the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv with transducer!
An Overview of the Garmin 73sv
Now it’s time for me to present the echoMAP CHIRP 73sv. Here, you’re dealing with a 7-inch wide screen. And resolution of 800 by 480 pixels! This delivers a superior viewing field from all the angles. Even under bright sunlight!
As for advanced technology, the device features CHIRP sonar. This particular functionality sends nonstop signals at a single time. On both high and low range scale! So the unit has the ability to fire many signals at your target. As a result of which it provides more accuracy when it comes to frequency returns. (Understanding sonar technology)
Moving on, here’s another exceptional component. It comes in the form of LakeVu high-definition maps. These provide you with high-detail information. From more than 17,000 rivers and lakes in America!You get twice as more data with LakeVu than you would with any other finder currently available.
What’s also enticing is the remarkable Quickdraw Contours element. For you to create your personalized maps! And these Garmin saves to the device automatically. Moreover, there’s the GPS technology that ranks among the most popular. The navigation system is both reliable and accurate. So much so that it refreshes your position at least five times every second!
Even tasks like installation and mounting are very easy. For the latter, Garmin provides various mounting solutions that fit your every demand. So the echoMAP CHIRP 73sv is an outstanding device. Especially if you want to transform your entire fishing experience!
Unique CHIRP technology for superior clarity. It also offers target definition and separation!
Accurate and fast integrated GPS system.
The device consists of preloaded LakeVu charts.
The finder’s release mechanism is not well built.
Another letdown is the big size of the unit.
Garmin 73sv Reviews: Key Features
CHIRP Sonar
Now you should know that all fish finders ofechoMAP series feature CHIRP technology. And this sonar functionality operates on high, medium, and low ranges. What the component does is increase target separation as well as clarity.
So if you indulge in deep-water fishing, the CHIRP feature can make a world of a difference. At such times, spotting fish right at the bottom becomes not only possible. But easier too! You will also be able to view the baitfish as an individual entity. And not as a cloud!
echoMAP CHIRP™ Series: Fish with the Power of CHIRP
ClearVu Imaging
This is the one thing that’s unique about Garmin products. The company came up with such an exceptional sonar technology with a single goal in mind. And that is to create superb, flawless imagery. Of the underwater structures and lake bottom!
Every Garmin 73sv model comes with such a capable transducer. If you don’t believe me, feel free to check all Garmin 73sv reviews published on the web.
SideVu Imaging
Another component discussed in most Garmin 73sv reviews is the remarkable SideVu transducer. The feature has the ability to deliver both traditional and advanced frequency ranges. The former includes 200, 77, and 50 kHz. While the latter offers 800, 455, and 260 kHz.
Catch More Fish with Garmin SideVü
Transducer Mounts
You have nothing to worry about with installation and mounting either. That’s because Garmin provides you with all the necessary mounts. So there’s no need to buy any separately.
Switching between different mounts is also an effortless task. All you have to do is swap the tiny plastic plate, which screws into the transducer. That means not having to invest in extra hardware and mounts! (Using a fish finder)
LakeVu High-Definition Maps
When you get access to preloaded lake maps, the activity becomes quite pleasant. But what makes it even more appealing is when these preloaded maps are as many as 17,000. Out of which, 5,700 contain contour lines of 1 foot. This eliminates the cost and effort of buying extra mapping cards.
Plus, the mapping system is upgradable. So you can switch to the high-definition Ultra version without any hassles. Only buy the new card and insert it in that lone microSD slot. Every unit provides such convenience.
Bill Dance: Garmin LakeVü HD Ultra Features
Auto Guidance
The technology of the echoMAP CHIRP 73sv does an excellent job at what? Calculating precise courses! So you can navigate on new, unfamiliar waters safely.
This particular program lays out a path to avoid shallow water. Along with other hazards! Following which, you can customize the journey by inserting waypoints along the trail. And at any point!
It’s the presence of advanced, unique features like these that give the Garmin 73sv the upper hand.
How to Mark a Waypoint on Garmin Keyed Chartplotters?
QuickDraw Mapping
The best part about Garmin fish locators is that they allow you to create personalized lake maps. Thanks to the invaluable QuickDraw Contours technology. The software is very useful for anglers who opt for remote or uncharted waters.
You should know that HD maps of memory cards don’t provide optimal accuracy. On certain regions of the rivers and lakes! So having access to mapping capabilities is a big deal. Especially when it’s the Garmin’s QuickDraw Mapping!
The Alternatives
If you’re not too keen on purchasing the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv, you can opt for any one of the following. The fish finders reviewed below are great alternatives to the Garmin model.
1. Lowrance 000-12635-001 Hook-3X Sonar
Even though this Lowrance device is not as high tech as Garmin, it offers excellent readouts. The LED screen delivers high contrast. And displays every piece of information you need. The signal processing of this Lowrance 000-12635-001 Hook-3X Sonar is quite advanced. So there’s no need to fiddle with controls if you wish to view clearly.
The double-frequency system allows you to fish in both deep and shallow water. And switching between the ranges is as easy and effortless as you’d like it to be. Plus, the clarity that you get with both the frequencies is quite exceptional.
In all, the Lowrance 000-12635-001 Hook-3X Sonar is one the best fish and depth finders.
The 3 major differences between Garmin and Lowrance:
The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv features GPS mapping. Unlike the Lowrance model. This is a huge plus point for Garmin and negative for Lowrance.
But Lowrance provides phenomenal sounder detail. Such a feature identifies structure detail and fish targets. Along with bottom contour and hardness like no other.
The frequencies of Garmin are way more advanced than that of Lowrance. Plus, the latter offers only two. While the former houses as many as six different ranges!
Check out the Lowrance 000-12635-001 Hook-3X Sonar
2. Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro Sonar
As opposed to Garmin’s 7-inch display, Raymarine has a 5-inch screen. The bright LED backlight makes reading the data easier. Even under broad daylight. What’s more is that the Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro Sonar uses CHIRP technology. Exactly like the Garmin model!
The presence of dual-channel indicates one thing. That the device has the ability to deliver clear pictures! While also focusing on fish and providing every little detail you need.
Then comes the unique sonar streaming. As a result of which you can share, save, and rewind your catch. Again, this is an advantage that the Garmin creation also provides.
Even the task of mounting the Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro is an easy one. Thanks to the removable mounting ball that the manufacturer adds to the design! It gives you the opportunity to customize the mounting options.
In all, the Raymarine and Garmin finders have a lot in common. Even so, hands down, it’s the latter that enjoys the upper hand. As it contains better and more advanced technology! So let’s find how that’s possible.
The 3 major differences between Garmin and Raymarine:
The Dragonfly 5 Pro’s screen is not as big as Garmin’s. It’s 5 inches up against 7 inches in this case.
Then the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv is a device equipped with many frequency ranges. And these include both traditional and advanced. But that’s not the deal with Raymarine.
And lastly, the Garmin model features LakeVu high-definition maps. But with the Dragonfly 5 Pro, you only get GPS navigation.
Check out the Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro Sonar
That’s About It!
So what’s that one common piece of information that you’ll take away from all such Garmin 73sv reviews? That the excellent fish finder has tons to offer when it comes to navigation and sonar features.
There’s double-frequency sonar, DownVu, and SideVu to look forward to. On top of that, the device also enhances these technologies using CHIRP. This is how exceptional target separation becomes a part of the picture. Quite literally! The CHIRP feature also invites larger depth capabilities.
You get the highly accurate GPS system with charts, right? And there’s no other more reliable navigation system than this! Also, since the locator’s screen is seven inches wide, it is perfect for a large boat. Now you know why the product is more expensive. As compared to the others on the consumer market!
So if what you’re looking for is clear imaging for scanning down, you’re in the right place. And these Garmin 73sv reviews have done an excellent job at explaining why that is. So the 73sv option is perfect for anyone who enjoys a bigger screen. With ClearVu imagery and LakeVu high-definition maps!
No reason why you shouldn’t take this pick into serious consideration, right!
Check out the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv with Transducer
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