What is the difference between CHIRP sonar and traditional sonar on a fish finder?

Traditional sonar sends a single frequency pulse and reads what bounces back. CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) sends a continuous sweep of frequencies at once, which produces significantly more detail, better target separation, and clearer fish arches — especially in deep water. All of the fish finders we carry at Energy Powersports use CHIRP as their baseline sonar, so you're getting a meaningful step up from older technology regardless of which unit you choose.

What does Side Imaging (SideVü / MEGA SI / SideScan) actually show you, and do I need it?

Side Imaging sweeps a sonar beam out to either side of your boat — sometimes covering 100 to 200 feet in each direction — and produces a picture-like view of the bottom, structure, and fish. It's exceptionally useful for scouting unfamiliar water quickly, finding weed edges and drop-offs, and locating submerged structure like rock piles, docks, and timber. If you fish Canadian lakes and spend any time looking for new spots rather than re-fishing known ones, Side Imaging is worth having. Units like the Humminbird HELIX series and Garmin ECHOMAP SV models both include it.

Do Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance fish finders work on Canadian lakes?

Yes — all three brands offer units preloaded with or compatible with detailed Canadian lake mapping. Garmin's LakeVü g3 maps include thousands of Canadian lakes with depth contours. Lowrance's C-MAP DISCOVER and C-MAP Contour+ cover Canadian waters extensively. Humminbird includes AutoChart Live, which lets you build your own custom lake maps using your own sonar data in real time — particularly useful for smaller or less-charted Ontario and Quebec lakes that don't always appear in commercial databases.

What size screen do I need on a fish finder?

For most recreational anglers, a 7-inch display is the minimum we'd recommend — it gives you enough room to run split-screen views (sonar on one side, map on the other) without losing useful detail. A 9-inch unit becomes noticeably easier to read at a glance when you're focused on fishing, and the 10- and 12-inch units like the Humminbird HELIX 10 or Lowrance HDS PRO 12 are ideal if you're covering lots of water or fishing competitively. If you're mounting on a Sea-Doo or a smaller setup, a 6- or 7-inch unit often makes more practical sense.

What is a transducer and does it come included with my fish finder?

The transducer is the sensor that physically sends and receives sonar signals — it's typically mounted on the transom of your boat or inside the hull. Without it, your fish finder has no way to see what's underwater. Most of the fish finders we carry come bundled with a transducer, and the specific transducer included determines which sonar modes (traditional CHIRP, SideVü, ClearVü, MEGA Imaging, etc.) are available to you. Some higher-end units are sold as head unit only, so it's worth double-checking before you buy. If you're mounting on a Sea-Doo, the Garmin GT15M-IH is an in-hull transducer designed specifically for personal watercraft.

Can I add a fish finder to my Sea-Doo?

Yes. BRP makes OEM depth finders designed specifically for Sea-Doo watercraft including the Spark, GTX, RXT, RXP, Wake Pro, and the full Switch pontoon lineup. These integrate cleanly into the existing display and wiring on the ski. If you want a full fish finder with GPS, mapping, and imaging sonar, units like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 62cv paired with the GT15M-IH in-hull transducer are a popular choice for Sea-Doo FishPro owners. We carry both OEM Sea-Doo accessories and third-party Garmin units designed for watercraft installations.

What is the difference between Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance — which brand is best?

All three are excellent and genuinely competitive — the best brand depends on what matters most to you. Garmin tends to lead on interface usability and mapping quality right out of the box, and integrates well if you use other Garmin devices. Humminbird leads on imaging clarity, especially with MEGA Side Imaging+, which produces near-photographic underwater images that are exceptional for fishing heavy structure. Lowrance is the choice for anglers who want the deepest integration with trolling motors like Minn Kota, the widest range of transducer upgrades, and the unit of choice on the professional tournament circuit. We carry all three brands and are happy to walk you through which suits your fishing style.

How do I know which fish finder works with my boat or trolling motor?

Most fish finders connect to a 12V power source and mount on a standard RAM mount or flat surface, so basic compatibility isn't usually the issue. Where compatibility matters is networking — if you want your fish finder to communicate with a Minn Kota trolling motor, a VHF radio, or other onboard electronics, you need a unit that supports NMEA 2000 networking. Most of the mid-to-high-end units we carry (Lowrance Elite FS and HDS PRO, Humminbird HELIX G4N series, Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2) support NMEA 2000. For Sea-Doo installations, check the specific compatibility notes on each product listing or contact us directly.

Do fish finders work for ice fishing?

Traditional fish finders can be used for ice fishing with a portable power pack and by lowering the transducer through a hole in the ice, but they aren't optimized for it. The units we carry are designed for open-water use on boats, Sea-Doos, and pontoons. If you're looking specifically for an ice fishing sonar setup, that's a different category of product — feel free to reach out and we can point you in the right direction.

Can I ship a fish finder to anywhere in Canada, and do you offer financing?

Yes to both. Energy Powersports ships fish finders and marine electronics Canada-wide. We also offer financing options through Shop Pay, PayPal, and Affirm, so you can spread out the cost of a larger unit if needed. If you have questions about a specific model, compatibility with your setup, or want help deciding between units, reach out to our team at estore@energypowersports.ca or call us at (905) 901-5500 during store hours.

Article: Fish Finder Buyer's Guide: Garmin, Humminbird & Lowrance — Which One Is Right for You?

8 juin 2026fish finders

Fish Finder Buyer's Guide: Garmin, Humminbird & Lowrance — Which One Is Right for You?

If you've ever stared at a fish finder product page and felt more lost than a bass in open water, you're not alone. The specs can get overwhelming fast, CHIRP, MEGA Imaging, SideScan, ClearVü, LakeVü, what does any of that mean? This guide breaks it all down and helps you match the right unit to how you actually fish, whether that's trolling big open water, working shallow bays, or rigging out your Sea-Doo Switch pontoon for a day on the lake.
We carry fish finders from the three biggest names in marine electronics: Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance. Each brand has its own approach to sonar and mapping, and each has a sweet spot depending on your fishing style and budget. Let's dig in.

What to Look for in a Fish Finder

Before you start comparing models, it helps to know what the specs actually mean.

Screen size matters more than most people think. A 7-inch display is workable, but once you go to 9 or 10 inches, you'll wonder how you ever fished without it. Readability in direct sunlight, especially on open water, is a big deal. All the units we carry use high-brightness displays designed for outdoor use, but bigger generally wins.

Sonar type is where things get interesting. Traditional 2D sonar (CHIRP) shows you fish arches and bottom structure beneath the boat. That's your baseline. Side Imaging (or SideScan) sweeps out to either side and gives you a wide picture of structure, weed beds, and drop-offs (incredibly useful for scouting). Down Imaging shoots a narrow, detailed beam straight down and is excellent for reading structure directly below you. MEGA Imaging (Humminbird) and UHD (Garmin) are higher-frequency versions of these that produce dramatically sharper images.

GPS and mapping go hand in hand on most modern units. Built-in lake maps, the ability to mark waypoints and drop pins, and chartplotting capability all make a huge difference when you're covering new water. The better units come preloaded with detailed Canadian lake maps or let you add them.

Transducer compatibility is worth thinking about upfront. The transducer is the sensor that actually sends and receives sonar signals. It mounts on your hull or transom (or in some cases, in the hull). The transducer that comes with your unit determines which sonar modes you get, so make sure the bundle matches what you want.

Garmin ECHOMAP Series — Reliable, Versatile, and Easy to Use

Garmin's ECHOMAP lineup is consistently one of the most popular choices for Canadian anglers, and it's easy to see why. The interface is intuitive, the mapping is excellent, and the sonar performance is top tier. Garmin uses their UHD (Ultra High-Definition) sonar technology on most of these units, which delivers noticeably sharper SideVü and ClearVü imaging compared to older generations.

If you're mounting a fish finder on a Sea-Doo FishPro or rigging up a dedicated fishing setup, the ECHOMAP UHD 62cv is a solid starting point. It's a 6-inch unit with ClearVü and traditional CHIRP sonar — compact enough for smaller setups, capable enough for serious use. The version with the GT15M-IH transducer is specifically designed for in-hull mounting, which is ideal for personal watercraft.

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If you want the GPS and display without the transducer (because you're swapping in a different sensor or already have one), the standalone ECHOMAP UHD 62cv unit is available separately.

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Step up to the ECHOMAP UHD 72sv and you get a 7-inch display, SideVü scanning sonar, and Garmin's GT54UHD-TM transducer. This is one of our best sellers, and for good reason — it's the sweet spot between price and capability for most anglers. It includes preloaded LakeVü g3 maps covering Canadian and US lakes in serious detail.

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The UHD2 72sv is the updated version of the 72sv, optimized for the Sea-Doo Switch pontoon. If you're running a Switch and want a unit that integrates cleanly into the setup, this is the one to get.

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For anglers who want a bigger screen and all-around powerhouse performance, the ECHOMAP UHD 9sv is a 9-inch unit with full SideVü, ClearVü, and traditional sonar. It comes in two versions — one with LakeVü g3 maps preloaded for Canadian and US lakes, and one with a worldwide basemap if you fish in multiple regions.

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At the top of the Garmin lineup we carry is the ECHOMAP Ultra 122sv — a 12-inch chartplotter with UHD sonar and the GT56UHD-TM transducer. This is a serious unit for serious anglers. The 12-inch screen gives you split-screen views without losing detail, and the GT56UHD-TM supports all of Garmin's imaging modes at high frequency. If you're rigging a dedicated fishing boat and want the best, this is it. Currently on sale.

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Also available is the ECHOMAP UHD2 95sv — a 9-inch unit with the same GT56UHD-TM transducer. A great mid-to-high option if 12 inches feels like overkill but you still want UHD2-generation sonar.

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Humminbird HELIX Series — MEGA Imaging That Has to Be Seen to Be Believed

Humminbird pioneered side imaging and has kept pushing it further with their MEGA Imaging technology. MEGA SI uses a higher frequency than standard side imaging and produces images of underwater structure that are almost photographic in clarity. If you fish heavy cover, submerged timber, or rock piles, MEGA Imaging will change the way you read water.

The HELIX 7 G4 SI is the entry point into the MEGA Imaging world and a fantastic unit for the money. It's a 7-inch display with CHIRP sonar, Side Imaging, Down Imaging, and GPS with AutoChart Live, which lets you create your own custom lake maps on the fly using your own sonar data. Great for anglers who fish smaller or less-charted lakes.

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The HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G4N steps things up with a 9-inch display, networking capability (the "N" in G4N means it can share sonar, GPS, and map data with other compatible units), and MEGA Side Imaging+. The "+" means it supports the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer as a future upgrade, giving you 360-degree imaging around the boat. This is a feature-packed unit for serious multi-species fishing.

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The HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G4N is essentially the same unit with a 10-inch screen. More display real estate for split-screen layouts, easier to read at a glance when you're focused on fishing. If you spend long days on the water and eye fatigue is a factor, the bigger screen pays dividends.

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Lowrance — The Angler's Brand

Lowrance has been a fishing-first brand for decades, and their units reflect that DNA. The menus are built around fishing workflows, the sonar performance is excellent, and their C-MAP mapping system is one of the best available for Canadian waters. Lowrance units also integrate tightly with Minn Kota and other trolling motor systems via NMEA 2000 networking, which is a big deal if you're building out a full electronics package.

The Eagle 7 TripleShot is an accessible entry into the Lowrance world. The TripleShot transducer included with the unit gives you SideScan, DownScan, and CHIRP sonar in a single sensor — so you're getting full imaging capability right out of the box. It comes preloaded with C-MAP DISCOVER maps covering Canadian and US waters. A solid buy if you want real imaging sonar without a massive investment.

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The Eagle Eye 9 is a step up with a 9-inch display and a sharper, more detailed imaging package. It's built around ease of use while still giving you the mapping and sonar performance that makes Lowrance a favourite on the tournament circuit.

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The Elite FS 7 is part of Lowrance's more advanced Elite series, pairing a 7-inch touchscreen with C-MAP Contour+ maps and the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer. The touchscreen interface is one of the fastest and most responsive in the industry, and Contour+ maps include detailed depth contours for thousands of Canadian lakes — invaluable for finding structure quickly on unfamiliar water.

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The Elite FS 10 brings everything the FS 7 offers to a 10-inch display with the same Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer. For anglers who want a capable, large-screen unit at a reasonable price point, this is a strong option.

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At the top of the Lowrance lineup is the HDS PRO 12 — a 12-inch professional-grade chartplotter and fishfinder combo with C-MAP DISCOVER OnBoard and Active Imaging HD. This is the unit you see on serious tournament boats. It supports Lowrance's full ecosystem of transducers including Active Target 2 live sonar, and the processing power shows in how fast and clearly it renders sonar in real time. If you're building a boat meant to win fish or cover unfamiliar water efficiently, the HDS PRO 12 is the benchmark.

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Sea-Doo-Specific Units and Accessories

If you're running a Sea-Doo and want depth or fish finding capability, we carry a range of OEM BRP units designed specifically for their watercraft. These install cleanly into the Sea-Doo ecosystem without the guesswork of third-party mounting.

The Sea-Doo Depth Finder for the Spark (2014 and up) is a purpose-built water depth sensor that integrates into the display system already on the ski.

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For GTX, RXT, RXP, and Wake Pro models from 2018 and up, there's a dedicated depth finder as well.

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Switch pontoon owners have their own option — the Depth Finder for All Switch Models, which covers GTI 90, GTI 130, GTI SE, GTR, GTR-X, and Wake 170 from 2020 and up.

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If you want to add a full Garmin ECHOMAP to your Sea-Doo FishPro, the GT15M-IH transducer is the in-hull sensor that makes it all work cleanly without drilling through the hull.

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And if you're adding multiple accessories to a FishPro or GTX, the Multiple Accessory Harness keeps everything tidy and properly wired.

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Which Brand Is Right for You?

Here's a quick way to think about it. If you want the most intuitive interface and excellent mapping right out of the box, Garmin is hard to beat — especially if you're already in their ecosystem. If crystal-clear imaging of structure and cover is your priority and you want MEGA Imaging quality, Humminbird delivers something genuinely impressive. If you fish competitively, want the deepest integration with trolling motors and other electronics, or just want the unit that serious guides trust, Lowrance is the choice.

Budget-wise: the Humminbird HELIX 7 and Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 62cv are great starting points under $1,500. Mid-range sits around $1,500–$2,500 and covers most of the 9-inch units. High-end starts at $3,000 and up for the 12-inch tournament-grade units.

Any questions about which unit works for your boat or Sea-Doo, give us a call or shoot us an email — our team fishes too, and we're happy to help you pick the right setup. You can also browse the full fish finder collection to compare models side by side.

Fish Finders - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CHIRP sonar and traditional sonar on a fish finder?

Traditional sonar sends a single frequency pulse and reads what bounces back. CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) sends a continuous sweep of frequencies at once, which produces significantly more detail, better target separation, and clearer fish arches — especially in deep water. All of the fish finders we carry at Energy Powersports use CHIRP as their baseline sonar, so you're getting a meaningful step up from older technology regardless of which unit you choose.
What does Side Imaging (SideVü / MEGA SI / SideScan) actually show you, and do I need it?

Side Imaging sweeps a sonar beam out to either side of your boat — sometimes covering 100 to 200 feet in each direction — and produces a picture-like view of the bottom, structure, and fish. It's exceptionally useful for scouting unfamiliar water quickly, finding weed edges and drop-offs, and locating submerged structure like rock piles, docks, and timber. If you fish Canadian lakes and spend any time looking for new spots rather than re-fishing known ones, Side Imaging is worth having. Units like the Humminbird HELIX series and Garmin ECHOMAP SV models both include it.
Do Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance fish finders work on Canadian lakes?

Yes — all three brands offer units preloaded with or compatible with detailed Canadian lake mapping. Garmin's LakeVü g3 maps include thousands of Canadian lakes with depth contours. Lowrance's C-MAP DISCOVER and C-MAP Contour+ cover Canadian waters extensively. Humminbird includes AutoChart Live, which lets you build your own custom lake maps using your own sonar data in real time — particularly useful for smaller or less-charted Ontario and Quebec lakes that don't always appear in commercial databases.
What size screen do I need on a fish finder?

For most recreational anglers, a 7-inch display is the minimum we'd recommend — it gives you enough room to run split-screen views (sonar on one side, map on the other) without losing useful detail. A 9-inch unit becomes noticeably easier to read at a glance when you're focused on fishing, and the 10- and 12-inch units like the Humminbird HELIX 10 or Lowrance HDS PRO 12 are ideal if you're covering lots of water or fishing competitively. If you're mounting on a Sea-Doo or a smaller setup, a 6- or 7-inch unit often makes more practical sense.
What is a transducer and does it come included with my fish finder?

The transducer is the sensor that physically sends and receives sonar signals — it's typically mounted on the transom of your boat or inside the hull. Without it, your fish finder has no way to see what's underwater. Most of the fish finders we carry come bundled with a transducer, and the specific transducer included determines which sonar modes (traditional CHIRP, SideVü, ClearVü, MEGA Imaging, etc.) are available to you. Some higher-end units are sold as head unit only, so it's worth double-checking before you buy. If you're mounting on a Sea-Doo, the Garmin GT15M-IH is an in-hull transducer designed specifically for personal watercraft.
Can I add a fish finder to my Sea-Doo?

Yes. BRP makes OEM depth finders designed specifically for Sea-Doo watercraft including the Spark, GTX, RXT, RXP, Wake Pro, and the full Switch pontoon lineup. These integrate cleanly into the existing display and wiring on the ski. If you want a full fish finder with GPS, mapping, and imaging sonar, units like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 62cv paired with the GT15M-IH in-hull transducer are a popular choice for Sea-Doo FishPro owners. We carry both OEM Sea-Doo accessories and third-party Garmin units designed for watercraft installations.
What is the difference between Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance — which brand is best?

All three are excellent and genuinely competitive — the best brand depends on what matters most to you. Garmin tends to lead on interface usability and mapping quality right out of the box, and integrates well if you use other Garmin devices. Humminbird leads on imaging clarity, especially with MEGA Side Imaging+, which produces near-photographic underwater images that are exceptional for fishing heavy structure. Lowrance is the choice for anglers who want the deepest integration with trolling motors like Minn Kota, the widest range of transducer upgrades, and the unit of choice on the professional tournament circuit. We carry all three brands and are happy to walk you through which suits your fishing style.
How do I know which fish finder works with my boat or trolling motor?

Most fish finders connect to a 12V power source and mount on a standard RAM mount or flat surface, so basic compatibility isn't usually the issue. Where compatibility matters is networking — if you want your fish finder to communicate with a Minn Kota trolling motor, a VHF radio, or other onboard electronics, you need a unit that supports NMEA 2000 networking. Most of the mid-to-high-end units we carry (Lowrance Elite FS and HDS PRO, Humminbird HELIX G4N series, Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2) support NMEA 2000. For Sea-Doo installations, check the specific compatibility notes on each product listing or contact us directly.
Do fish finders work for ice fishing?

Traditional fish finders can be used for ice fishing with a portable power pack and by lowering the transducer through a hole in the ice, but they aren't optimized for it. The units we carry are designed for open-water use on boats, Sea-Doos, and pontoons. If you're looking specifically for an ice fishing sonar setup, that's a different category of product — feel free to reach out and we can point you in the right direction.
Can I ship a fish finder to anywhere in Canada, and do you offer financing?

Yes to both. Energy Powersports ships fish finders and marine electronics Canada-wide. We also offer financing options through Shop Pay, PayPal, and Affirm, so you can spread out the cost of a larger unit if needed. If you have questions about a specific model, compatibility with your setup, or want help deciding between units, reach out to our team at estore@energypowersports.ca or call us at (905) 901-5500 during store hours.

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