DSI
 

Thinking of getting a Elite 4X or Elite 4X DSI. Anyone have one of these and want to share which of the two I should get? It's only a $20 difference, but has DSI really helped you out?

I have the Elite DSI, works good I can see structure with a great definition, just keep on mind that transducer must be on the water all the time, NO fish alarm, NO pretty fish symbols like the non DSI version.

You mean in DSI mode, there is no fish alarm and symbols. But you could still get out of that mode for the normal alarms?

No, as far I know its DSI all the time, there is no way to deactivate it because it's not a mode its how was designed. I have read the manual and I explore the settings the only alarm available on the DSI unit is the shallow alarm. The advantage of the DSI is that you can see the rocks, the kelp and bait much better with the DSI. The only thing missing is the fish alarm.

DSI transducer installation on Stealth 12
 

check this out

DSI (Down Scan Imaging) uses different technology. It is an actual image of what's below you. It will only render fish on the screen under certain conditions and when it does, they show up as a hash or blip and hard to distinguish from clutter. If you buy a DSI unit, you should only be concerned with finding structure or just to see whats actually below. If you don't have a finder, the Elite 4X is the way to go IMO.

If you're looking for a DSI unit, I have a new Elite 5 DSI with internal GPS/Chartplotter for $350 OBO. I'll include the Lowrance scupper mount with it. Check this link out for screen shots. http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-e...pressions.html
The images of the carp are quite clear. This review is nice, because it does a side by side comparison of images from the DSI and the HDS units at the same location.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8...f06ddcb56a.jpg
dsi%2010 by lipripper1, on Flickr