Side imaging fish finders use sonar technology with transducers to give you the best result. Side imaging is the best version of the fish finders.
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They use advanced technology to show you a clear view and help to catch more fish. They are two types of sonar beams located on the side of a side boat to scan the water.
Most of these devices can be operated at a frequency of 445-800kHz.they scan the downside area of our boat and show each and everything like natural scenery, any machinery, or electronic devices, and the fish hub.
It also can be used almost in every fishing environment like shallow, deep, salty, and freshwater. There are almost hundreds of devices that are present on the market.
In this situation, the buyer is confused about which to buy??? We are here to help you to take a quick and right decision and have listed the 5 best side imaging fish finders that are affordable to use.
How to Choose The Best Side Imaging Fish Finder in 2022?
While selecting the best side imaging fish finder you have to ask some questions yourself that will help you a lot. Your fishing style. Are you serious about fishing? What kind of device is available on your boat? Available space on your boat?
After the self-judgment, you can easily select the fish finder according to your choice based on your favorite features. Before buying a fish finder you should learn about the features of that product, it will save your time and money.
They are of different types based on budget, and features. Some of them are just for basic purposes, some of them are inter-level, and some of them are professional. Here we are providing all information just for your ease, so read it and take full advantage of it.
#1 Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA Side Imaging Fish Finder
These Humminbird fish-finders include mega side imaging, down imaging, and CHIRP sonar technology. The built-in base map helps in better mapping.
The dual spectrum covers a lot of frequencies. It comes with a single SD card slot. With its autopilot mode we can set our desired location it will move in that direction regardless of the weather condition or water pressure.
What Humminbird MSI features:
We are discussing some useful features here to tell you to take advantage of this device by features
HD Display
Its HD display shows a clear picture and gives you a better result.
Mega-side imaging
Mega-side imaging features scan plenty of areas around your boat to catch more fish.it shows you the natural environment around your boat.
CHIRP Dual spectrum
Its dual spectrum covers more than one frequency and gives more detailed results.
GPS
Its precise GPS gives you an accurate location.
Built-in base map
Its built-in base map shows the clear mapping.
External memory
Its memory can be increased by using an external SD card.
Auto-chart Live
It auto-charts live to save mapping data automatically for later use.
Pros
Affordable
Better performance
Tech support
Portable
Amazing screen display
Cons
Little-bit complex to use
Why select this Humminbird 7 CHIRP MSI?
This product despite its complex features is quite useful. Its ultra HD display is amazing. The overall performance of this unit is the best. Its keypad system is relatively not good.
#2 Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging Mount
Down Imaging
Dual Spectrum CHIRP with Temperature
Transom Mount Transducer
This model comes with mega down imaging and mega side imaging. This model comes with dual-spectrum CHIRP technology. This model is compatible with Helix 8, Helix 9, Helix 12, and Helix 15. Its cord length is 20 feet. Its maximum depth range is 350m.
Main Features:
Compatibility
This is compatible with the helix series (helix 8, 9, 12, 15).
Side +Down Imaging
Its mega side and down imaging frequency range from 455-1150 kHz
Cable Length
Its cable length is 20 feet.
Dual Spectrum Frequency
Its dual spectrum frequency full range is 150-220 kHz, the Narrow range is 180-240 kHz, and the Wide range is140-200 kHz.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP Max Depth
Its dual spectrum CHIRP maximum depth range from 1200ft (365m).
Pros
Affordable
Better performance
Tech support
Portable
Cons
Packaging needs to be revised
Why choose Humminbird HW MSI?
With its maximum down imaging, side imaging, depth range, dual spectrum, and compatibility with the Helix series this is the better one.
#3 Humminbird 9-Pin Side Imaging Dual Beam Splitter Cable
This beam splitter cable is the dream of every fisherman. Its manufacturing material is high-quality, light-weight, that is easy to carry. It’s durable and weather resistant. This is easy to install.
What Humminbird Dual Beam Splitter Cable features:
Quality
Its manufacturing is done with high quality and light-weight.
User-experience
This is easy to use and install.
Length
Its length is 30 inches.
Imaging
This only supports side-imaging.
Pros
Easy to use
Affordable
Portable
Cons
Do not give better results with two transducers
Why do we choose Humminbird Dual Beam Splitter Cable?
This model comes with a better user experience. Easy to install. This is durable and portable. It supports mega-side imaging.
This model comes with mega side imaging, and down imaging features.it also includes mount transducers, dual spectrum, 2D CHIRP sonar, and temperature sensor, it includes a cable length of about 20 feet.
What Humminbird 710297-1 XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T HELIX 7/8 (MEGA Side Image, Down Image) features:
Compatibility
This model is compatible with the Humminbird helix si series. (HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3, HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N)
Frequency
The full frequency range is 150-220kHz, the wide range is 140-200kHz, and the narrow range is 180-240kHz.
Depth Range
Its depth range is 1200 feet.
Imaging
Its side imaging range is 455-1150kHz and its down imaging range is 440-500kHz.
Pros
Easy to use
Affordable
Portable
Cons
Manufacturing is not good.
Why Do We Choose This Product?
This accessory enhances the fishing power of the fish finder through his side imaging, and down imaging. It gives freedom of about 20 feet with its cable length.
#5 Humminbird Mount Transducer
This model comes with a mount trolling motor transducer, mega side imaging, dual spectrum, CHIRP 2D sonar, built-in temperature sensor, and 20 feet cable length.
What Humminbird Features:
Compatibility
This model is compatible with the Humminbird helix SI series. (HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3, HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N)
Frequency
The full frequency range is 150-220 kHz, the wide range is 140-200 kHz, and the narrow range is 180-240 kHz.
Depth range
Its depth range is 1200 feet.
Imaging
Its side imaging range is 455-1150 kHz and its down imaging range is 440-500 kHz.
Pros
Easy to use
Highly-manufactured
Portable
Cons
Null
Why do we choose this Product?
We select this accessory to make our fishing professional, easy, and interesting due to its good quality, better performance, and many features.
Humminbird 710282-1 XM 9 HW MSI T HELIX (MEGA Side Imaging+, Down Imaging+)
HUMMINBIRD
Black
Good
Humminbird 9 M SIDB Y 9-Pin Side Imaging Dual Beam Splitter Cable
HUMMINBIRD
Black
Good response
Humminbird 710297-1 XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T HELIX 7/8 (MEGA Side Image, Down Image)
HUMMINBIRD
Black
User friendly
Humminbird 710283-1 XTM 9 HW MSI T Helix MEGA (Side Imaging+, Down Imaging+)
HUMMINBIRD
Black
Easy to use
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Side Imaging Fish Finder Accessories
There are a lot of factors that we consider before buying a fish finder we are listing them one by one to show the solution that they feature provide to us.
Transducers
Transducers are an important factor to consider because it goes into the water and shows us the result that is collected by our sonar. That may be the location of fish, any-other device.
Screen-size
Screen size or display ease us to see the clear view. A larger screen show results clearly while a small screen is relatively easy to handle so it’s up to you to select which one.
Waterproof
Most Side fish-finders directly connect with water. Higher chances are that it will be damaged by water. to avoid loss we p, refer to a water-proof device.
That has a high level of water resistance to accommodate water pressure, and for the long-lasting life of the device.
Touchscreen or keypad
The touchscreen gives more ease to operate the device, but for this, you should have clean hands. You have to use gloves for the touchscreen. The Keypad system operated in any conditions, like rainy weather, while the touchscreen does not.
Power
Power is measured in wattage. The higher the wattage, the better will be the performance of the device. And more you get.
Frequency
Lower frequency fish finders give better results in shallow water .while fish finders with customization are the best that work in every situation.
Color/Monochrome
My preference is the color screen because it shows clear images as compared to black and white. Color screens are expensive ones but if you cannot afford them then monochrome is the best.
Mounting
You have to think about whether you need a fixed unit or a portable. Potable is easy to manage and use.
External Memory
Some fish finders come with SD card slots that help to store data.
WiFi
Built-in WIFI helps in better communication and networking.
FAQs:
1- Who has the best side and down imaging?
Humminbird 410950-1 HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI (MEGA Side Imaging) GPS G3. Due to its amazing HD display, and auto chart life features it gives the best side imaging results.
2- Do I need side imaging on my fish finder?
Yes, we need a side imaging fish finder if you are fishing professionally. But in shallow waters side, imaging and fish finders are not necessary but the downside is a must to show underwater area.
Summary
Fish finders are the latest electronics that are introduced in the market to help the fisherman before that fishing was just based on our imagination and experience not on reality.
But now this is easy for almost an unknown person. Side imaging fish finders are the best one that suits almost every condition but they don’t perform best in shallow waters. here we listed several accessories and side imaging fish finders to save your time and money.
