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IMAGING
FREQUENCIES
DURABILITY
PRICE
SUMMARY:
Lowrance Elite 4X sonar fishfinder comes with a 4.3-inch 16-bit color TFT display, and it has a resolution of 480 x 272-pixels. The sonar has both DownScan and CHIRP technologies integrated. The depth capability is 1000 feet for CHIRP and 300 feet for DownScan technology. There are also a few notable features such as advanced signal processing, multi-window display, and TrackBack.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Good display
- CHIRP technology
NMEA 0183 connectivity
CONS
- No GPS
- Poor user manual
- Many anglers don’t like the vertical layout of the screen
Review
The Elite-4x comes with a fantastic CHIRP Sonar and DownScan Imaging transducer. This product is a versatile fish finder, and it’s good for amateur as well as for professional anglers. The latest technology integrated into this device offers crisp and clear images of the situation below the vessel. Along with the power of CHIRP technology, and the clarity provided by the DownScan Imaging, you will also benefit from several additional functions of this fish finder.
Before you decide to buy a Lowrance fishfinder, you need to determine your expectations and your demands. Also, you need to set your budget limit, so you don’t find yourself rushing in with a lack of money. That said, we tried to focus on some crucial features of this device as well as some technical details. So, here’s what you get with this product.
The Specifications
Display size – 4.3 inch
Display type – 16-bit color TFT
Display resolution – 480 x 272-pixels
Sonar type – CHIRP and DownScan
Sonar frequencies – 200, 455, 800 kHz
Depth capability – 1000 feet for CHIRP and 300 feet for DownScan
Power output – 500W (RMS)
Advanced Signal Processing, TrackBack, Multi-window display
The Display and the Resolution
The display is vertical. Some anglers may find it confusing at first glance, but it’s relatively easy to get used to a vertical screen. The 4.3 inch of surface is more than enough for multitasking and also scanning the bottom simultaneously at different frequencies. The 16-bit color TFT display offers clear and crisp images of the terrain, objects, and fish in the water.
You will be able to recognize particular things on the screen and identify peculiar fish with ease by looking at this screen. The adjustable LED backlight lets you fine-tune the brightness according to the environment and the time of the day. This screen will bring a whole new dimension to the way you’re fishing.
CHIRP and DownScan Technology
The innovative CHIRP technology works differently than conventional sonars. It sends a continuous frequency wave and receives more data than the standard sonars. Conventional sonars tend to send only one wave of frequency thus jeopardizing the accuracy.
In simpler words, CHIRP technology is more advanced than the conventional one and provides much more accuracy and preciseness of the reading.
A CHIRP wave crosses from high to low frequencies in a high impulse and penetrates the water better. That’s why this fish finder has an excellent penetration of 1000 feet with CHIRP technology.
The frequency used for DownScan is typically 800 kHz and 455 kHz; therefore the technology works best in shallow water. The 800 kHz wave gives the best image resolution whereas the 455 kHz wave gives the best overall image quality.
This fish finder has a function named DownScan Overlay, which allows you to overlay the DownScan imaging into the CHIRP imaging. This combination gives you an insight in the shapes and sizes of the things underneath your vessel.
The Upsides and Downsides
This model does not have many downsides. But the upsides are pretty significant. First of all, CHIRP sonar is capable of scanning higher depths, better target separation, and provides images with less clutter. On the other hand, DownScan imaging sonar is excellent for scanning and understanding structure and terrain underwater. As we said, the DownScan Overlay function allows the combination of the CHIRP and DownScan sonar, which is a win-win situation.
This unit is capable of using five different frequencies. The rates start from 50, 83, 200, 455, and go up to 800 kHz. The variety of frequencies offers different readings at different depths. This fish finder has a Sonar recording feature as well. You can easily track back your sonar recordings and check if you missed any crucial details. It’s portable, and it’s a perfect solution for smaller vessels like boats and kayaks. It’s also relatively easy to install; anyone can mount it. One thing this fish finder thrives in is the price-to-quality ratio. Although it may not be affordable for someone, it’s well worth its price, and you won’t regret your investment.
The only two downsides of this fish finder might be the vertical screen and the lack of GPS. Not many people use a vertical layout, and it can get confusing to some. Although, don’t worry, it’s easy to get used to it. Also, not having GPS can sometimes be a burden. This fish finder doesn’t support chart plotting either. With GPS you can mark individual waypoints and hotspots of high fish concentration. If you decide to buy this finder, consider buying an additional GPS unit and synchronizing it with your fish finder. Although GPS isn’t a necessity, it’s highly recommended. Also, even though this device has an IPX7 rating (meaning it is waterproof), you should keep it dry and use a casing if you own one.
Regarding the connectivity, this unit is NMEA capable, having one output ready for this type of networking.
The Conclusion
This fish finder will meet your expectations whether you’re a professional or an amateur. It’s compact, mobile, and easy to install. It’s a perfect choice for smaller vessels like kayaks or small boats. The design is neat, the menu isn’t complicated, and everything is quite straightforward. This fish finder could be the product you’re looking for if these specifications suit your demands and criteria. Even though it’s a small device, it’s pretty capable of finding fish.
