elite 4 hdi or elite 4x hdi?
 

i'm trying to find a good fish finder that's not too expensive. i'm leaning towards the lowrance elite 4 hdi and the elite 4x hdi. looking at these two fish finders the only difference i can find is one has the micro sd card slot. is the sd card slot worth it? and what about the more expensive transducer? i'll be using it in the local bays and lakes, and eventually la jolla. so please let me know what you guys think of these units.

The price difference is because the 4 has gps and the 4x does not. Otherwise no different. Great units either way.

:o
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 4x is a sonar only unit without gps. A huge sacrifice in my opinion. I use the gps function on my unit as much if not more for locating fish, depending on what I'm hunting for. That is why the 4x doesn't have the card reader. No need for chart card

Beat me to it

Get the GPS model. when you locate a spot that holds fish, your going to want to return to it, without the ability to "mark" the spot is pretty hard to find it again.

thanks for the info guys, this rookie really appreciates it. gps model it is. what about the more expensive transducer, is it worth it?

If you don't get the transducer with 83/200 kHz and the 455/800 it won't have the benefit of being able to get regular sonar on 83/200 or 50/200 kHz and the dsi (down scaning sonar) on the 455/800 kHz. The benefit of the HDI unit is it can display both if you use the correct transducer. The non-HDI unit either have regular sonar or DSI not both. The Elite 4, means it also has GPS the Elite 4X does not have GPS. It is not worth buying the HDI and getting the 200 kHz or 83/200 or 50/200 kHz transducer only because it will cost a lot more later to purchase the multiple frequency transducer by it self, to make the system do what it is capable off. Get the unit packaged with the 83/200 and 455/800 transducer.

Elite 4 HDI
 

One difference between the two is the HDI has a larger transducer, this may make it challenging to mount to your boat if you are going with a scupper mount. I compared the HDI size to the cut out in my Jackson Big Rig and it seems to be an easy fit there. Your mounting style and Kayak will determine what is best for you. I will be doing a simple write up with photos of my install, just because I am excited! I will be happy to share any photos or answer any specific questions you may have.

I'm also in the market for the HDI unit. I should get the 50khz transudcer and not the 83 right? I will be fishing outside of newport and also la jolla

The 50 kHz is designed for very deep water (usually deeper than 1000 feet). I don't think any Kayak fisherman is fishing that deep. Personally I would get the 83/200-455/800 kHz transducer if buying the HDI. My $0.02 , P.S. the 50 is more expensive also.

Thanks man. I didn't notice that. Also is the gold avionics worth it if i already have the GPS?

That gives you much more detail to what is under the water because it's like charts instead of maps but it is a big difference in the price and the card could always be added. It just goes into a slot. There are also apps for your smartphone that can give you the chart details. If you can afford it than get it.

I upgraded to nautic insight hd and am impressed with the detail. Not a necessity though.