Does anybody know if these older versions of this now popular fishfinder are useful?

I've been offered the above mentioned model quite cheap (Dont have much to spend), and am considering it for float tubing a few new lakes in search of Pike on the fly this year. I've never felt the need for any electronic help but young kids & backlog of tying orders are really eating my time lately.

I notice the cone angle is only 9 degrees & although I realise there are models with far wider angles, I've also heard a few mention that the narrow cone angle will give a more precise reading with less clutter?

And what do you make of these sidewinder features...do they just cover the upper layers, or do they scan sideways from bottom to surface?

I'm not looking for miracles from it...more interested in depths & features in small loughs 8 - 30 ft deep (at a guess). But just interested in hearing any opinions before I part with my cash?


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Gives accurate depth measurement and different pictures depending on the type of bottom. I dont think the sidefinder will go very deep, I think it is a fairly narrow beam straight out for about 20 yards. The length of the tube attachment restricts the start point to just subsurface.
I don't think there is a lot of difference between the original and the current 120x model. Changes seem to be more rebranding following the takeover of bottomline, Different mount, 6 aa batteries rather than 3 c.
I have one about 12 years old and it still works perfectly although don't use it much, always found it more useful for finding depths/contours than fish. The bracket is fine for use drifting but not whilst motoring, have to bring it back in when moving and think the same with latest version.

John, thanks for your response. Great to hear first hand from someone who owns one.

Did you ever find the narrow beam angle of the old fishin buddy 2 an issue in shallower water? Or does it still work well?

Does this side scanning feature only target supposed fish or will it still show structure ie drop offs & ledges in the margins?

I should be ok hopefully as am dedicated to fishing from the tube which will always be slow moving & I'm only looking for accurate depth & contour readings rather than looking for fish, which it seems is a bit 'so so' on anything other than mega bucks stuff for larger watercraft.

Cheers for your response John.

Since you are obviously experienced with the old fishin buddy 2, can you tell me...

Do you ever find the narrow beam an issue in shallower water? Or does it still work well enough? Bearing in mind I am only interested in good depth & contour readings.

Does the sideview only pick up supposed fish or will it show structure ie ledges in margins etc?

Never had any problems re depth, very accurate reading from shallow to deep. I have a contour map for one of the lochs I use it on, it is accurate and I use it to pinpoint exactly where the ledges etc are. When it shows 2'(3' deep allowing for the sensor being 1' under the surface) I bring it in in case it hits a stone or whatever. At that depth can usually see the bottom! Not sure a wider angle would be helpful unless it gave multiple readings.
The side scan only shows fish including their distance from the sensor, slowly swivelling it in arc in front of the boat will tell if there are any fish near the surface.

Seems like its a good option to go for then, compared to spending a similar amount on those cheap handheld types.

Cheers!

Only disadvantage is that unless you keep finding new places to fish your need for it will diminish. Suppose another reason for not spending too much initially.

I used top have a Bottomline and found it very good and reliable although not totally waterproof if it got rained on , but after drying out still worked .
Tubing is not allowed where I fish now, so have tried the " cast it out type Smartcast things " they work ok but pack up very quickly and the sensor thing is expensive to replace - not recommended

Well I bought it yesterday. Seems good enough. Backlight is not working but the contrast adjust nicely enough to be clear in dim light.

What is the deal with 'RANGE.' Should I just leave it in auto range???

Just have to make a float tube bracket for it now as the ready made ones are a rip off!

Yeah, I dont like the idea of replacing those smartcast transducers @ forty quid a pop!!!

I adjust the range to suit, not sure if mine even has an auto option. If it is set at 200' and only in 20' the view is condensed in to the top 10% of the screen.