08-11-2006, 02:29 PM
Jason,
As an owner of one of the older model Buddys (Buddy II) I like their easy mount and portability. No wires, no batteries to charge (mine runs a long time on three alkaline "C" batteries), easy on and off. The sidefinder really helps when fish are shallow and suspended or cruising around, which is a common thing with the kind of fishing I frequently do.
The drawback is the 9 degree cone angle on all but one of their models. They just don't give much bottom coverage - especially in shallower water. The new 4200 doubles the cone angle to 18 degrees, but this is still less than many suitable models from other companies.
One more drawback is that the transducer at the end hangs down over a foot into the water when mounted on a float tube so you must add that distance to whatever the depth shown on the screen is to get an accurate depth reading.
I use it primarily for three things:
1. To keep an eye on depth.
2. To keep an eye on surface temperature.
3. To spot cruising, shallow fish.
If you're actually looking down for fish you'll not see many unless you're in deep water.
I use mine often and it has served me well. I'm just not sure that its the best option for different types of fishing.
I've been looking at the 4200, but it costs about $225. There are many other brands to consider at that price.
z~
[signature]
As an owner of one of the older model Buddys (Buddy II) I like their easy mount and portability. No wires, no batteries to charge (mine runs a long time on three alkaline "C" batteries), easy on and off. The sidefinder really helps when fish are shallow and suspended or cruising around, which is a common thing with the kind of fishing I frequently do.
The drawback is the 9 degree cone angle on all but one of their models. They just don't give much bottom coverage - especially in shallower water. The new 4200 doubles the cone angle to 18 degrees, but this is still less than many suitable models from other companies.
One more drawback is that the transducer at the end hangs down over a foot into the water when mounted on a float tube so you must add that distance to whatever the depth shown on the screen is to get an accurate depth reading.
I use it primarily for three things:
1. To keep an eye on depth.
2. To keep an eye on surface temperature.
3. To spot cruising, shallow fish.
If you're actually looking down for fish you'll not see many unless you're in deep water.
I use mine often and it has served me well. I'm just not sure that its the best option for different types of fishing.
I've been looking at the 4200, but it costs about $225. There are many other brands to consider at that price.
z~
[signature]