The Lowrance’s Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot is a mid-range, user-friendly fish finder designed for anglers seeking a balance of functionality and affordability.
It features a 5-inch screen, providing clear visibility with its SolarMAX display, which is effective in various lighting conditions.
The SplitShot transducer offers both high CHIRP sonar for detailed fish arches and DownScan Imaging for clear views of structures beneath the boat. This model includes the FishReveal technology, which combines the benefits of CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging to make fish easier to identify.
Additionally, it comes with preloaded mapping and the capability for Genesis Live real-time mapping, allowing anglers to create custom fishing maps with detailed contour lines.
While it lacks advanced features like Side Imaging or Active Target, it is a solid choice for those needing essential sonar capabilities without the higher price tag of more advanced units.
Key Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
| Display Size | 5 inches |
| Resolution | 800 x 480 |
| Sonar Technology | CHIRP Sonar, DownScan |
| Transducer | SplitShot |
| Frequencies | 200/455/800 kHz |
| Depth Range | Traditional: 500 ft (152 m) @ 200 kHzDownScan: 300 ft (91 m) @ 455 kHz, 150 ft (46 m) @ 800 kHz |
| GPS | Built-in |
| Mapping | Preloaded C-MAP or US Inland Mapping |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Price (MSRP) | $389 USD |
Pros:
- 5-inch SolarMAX Display: Ensures clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
- SplitShot Transducer: Combines high CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging for detailed views.
- FishReveal Technology: Merges sonar and DownScan Imaging to easily identify fish.
- Preloaded Maps and Genesis Live Mapping: Offers real-time mapping capabilities.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate for both beginners and experienced users.
Cons:
- Lacks Advanced Features: Such as Side Imaging or Active Target.
- Small Screen Size: The 5-inch display may be limiting for some users.
- No Networking Capabilities: Does not support linking with more sophisticated marine networks.
Display Quality
The display quality of Hook Reveal 5 is good for recreational fishing, providing clear and visible data in different environmental conditions.
The key features of the display include:
- 5-inch SolarMAX Screen: The SolarMAX technology ensures that the screen remains visible in a variety of lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. This is particularly useful for outdoor use where lighting can vary significantly.
- Resolution and Clarity: The 800 x 480 resolution provides sufficient clarity for displaying sonar and DownScan Imaging data. While it’s not the highest resolution available on the market, it balances detail and screen size well for a mid-range fish finder.
- Color and Contrast: The display offers good color differentiation and contrast, which is important for distinguishing between structures, bottom, and fish signals.
- Viewing Angles: The screen is designed to be visible from various angles, which is practical for fishing when you might not always be directly in front of the unit.
We also found that the 5-inch screen size can be somewhat limiting for certain uses, especially when it comes to identifying fish and structures, particularly in split-screen mode.
A smaller screen provides less space to display detailed information. This can make it more challenging to discern fine details in sonar and DownScan images, which are crucial for identifying fish and underwater structures.
At the same time, 5-inch screen size is optimum for small boats and kayaks. This is because it is lightweight and portable, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Sonar Performance
The sonar performance of the Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot is generally regarded as quite good, especially considering its position in the mid-range category of fish finders. The SplitShot transducer, combining high CHIRP and DownScan, allows for clear differentiation between fish and structure.
DownScan Imaging
The below image shows the DownScan sonar results of the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot fish finder.
The DownScan Imaging on the left side of the screen is crisp and offers a clear distinction between the bottom structure and the water column above. You can see a well-defined bottom contour with varying intensities of color that suggest changes in bottom composition or the presence of vegetation or structure. There are also scattered returns in the water column, which are fish and other suspended objects, indicated by the colorful spots and lines.
The clarity of the DownScan Imaging is good, with little noise or clutter, and the separation between the bottom and targets in the water column is distinct. This level of detail can be helpful for anglers looking to identify promising fishing spots and understand the underwater environment.
Best Scenarios for Hook Reveal 5 DownScan:
- Shallow to Medium Water Depths: It performs best in waters with a depth range of up to 300 feet at 455 kHz and 150 feet at 800 kHz. This makes it ideal for most inland lakes and nearshore environments.
- Areas with Lots of Structures: In environments where understanding the structure is key to locating fish, such as rocky bottoms, reefs, or areas with fallen trees, DownScan excels by providing a clear picture of these features.
- Fishing Around Cover: When fishing near or in cover, DownScan helps identify safe paths for your lures and helps you understand how fish are positioned relative to the cover.
Limitations of DownScan in Hook Reveal:
- Deep Water Performance: Its effectiveness diminishes in deeper waters, especially beyond its rated depth capabilities (300 feet at 455 kHz and 150 feet at 800 kHz).
- Side-Viewing Capabilities: DownScan is limited to a view directly beneath the boat. It doesn’t offer side-scanning capabilities, which some anglers might prefer for a broader view of the underwater environment.
GPS and Mapping
The Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot includes a highly accurate GPS that helps in marking and returning to waypoints, such as fishing hotspots, docks, and ramps. It’s also useful for tracking speed and navigating.
Hook Reveal 5 comes with below mapping options:
1. Preloaded US Inland Maps:
- These maps typically include contours for thousands of lakes and bodies of water across the U.S.
- Anglers can expect to find detailed information on water depth and bottom composition, which is essential for locating fish-holding structures and productive fishing spots.
- The maps also help in safe navigation by showing depth changes and potential hazards.
- They are especially useful for anglers who fish in different inland locations and need reliable charts for planning their fishing strategies.
2. C-MAP Contour+:
- The C-MAP Contour+ provides a significant upgrade with high-resolution mapping data that includes more detailed contours and depth shading.
- This mapping solution often features enhanced points of interest, including marinas, harbors, and designated fishing areas.
- It may also offer additional details such as underwater structure, weed lines, and artificial reefs, which can be critical for targeting specific species.
- The level of detail is particularly beneficial when fishing unfamiliar waters, allowing for better planning and time management on the water.
- The C-MAP Contour+ can also include updates and more advanced features like custom depth shading, which helps anglers quickly identify target depths and underwater features.
These features are quite helpful for anglers of all levels, providing them with the tools necessary for better understanding their fishing environment, navigating efficiently, and locating productive waters. For recreational fishing, a good GPS fish finder with maps provides sufficient information, while serious anglers might leverage Genesis Live for detailed mapping of specific spots.
SplitShot Transducer
The SplitShot transducer is one of Lowrance’s mid-tier sonar solutions, offering reliable performance for freshwater anglers. It is the second most common type in the Lowrance product line, sitting between the basic Bullet transducer and the more advanced TripleShot. One of the key features of the SplitShot is that it provides High CHIRP sonar and DownScan imaging. This combination is effective for a clear view beneath the boat, offering both the best fish-targeting sonar and detailed images of structure and bottom hardness.
The transducer is particularly well-designed for mounting options; it features a flat base that can easily be attached to the bottom of a trolling motor. This design is advantageous for anglers who prefer a seamless integration with their trolling system, allowing for unobstructed fishing and navigation.
Moreover, the SplitShot transducer includes a versatile mounting system. It comes with two hose clamp straps that can be used to secure it to a trolling motor. Alternatively, it can be attached using a transom mount bracket. The flat bottom of the transducer also makes it suitable for in-hull mounting, where it can be epoxied inside the hull to shoot through fiberglass, a method often used in larger or more complex boat setups.
The transducer is suitable for a wide range of boats, from small kayaks and bass boats to larger recreational vessels. The ease of mounting it to a trolling motor or via a transom mount kit makes it adaptable for boats commonly used in freshwater fishing.
While the SplitShot transducer may lack the SideScan capability found in the TripleShot, its design, and mounting versatility, combined with its CHIRP and DownScan imaging, make it a solid choice for anglers who focus on freshwater fishing and require a dependable and easy-to-install sonar system.
Cost
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $389, which positions it as a mid-range fish finder.
Considering the features it offers, such as CHIRP Sonar, DownScan imaging, and preloaded US inland maps, along with the capability for Genesis Live real-time mapping, the under $500 price point can be seen as reasonable for those who are serious about their fishing technology.
The device provides a valuable set of tools for both amateur and serious anglers looking for a reliable fish finder with solid sonar capabilities and useful mapping features.
FAQs
What is the difference between Hook Reveal 5 vs 5x?
The main difference between the Hook Reveal 5 and 5x models is the inclusion of GPS and mapping features in the Hook Reveal 5, which are not present in the Hook Reveal 5x.
The Hook Reveal 5x focuses more on sonar features along with basic GPS and custom mapping with Genesis Live. It is a more basic model and priced lower than the Hook Reveal 5.
How to use Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot?
Using the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot involves a few key steps to get started and make the most of its features:
- Mount the Display: Secure the display unit on your boat using the mounting bracket provided.
- Install the Transducer: Attach the SplitShot transducer to a suitable location on your boat where it will remain submerged. Common places include the transom or under the hull for smaller boats.
- Connect to Power: Wire the unit to your boat’s power source, ensuring a stable connection.
- Turn On the Device: Power up the Hook Reveal 5.
- Configure Basic Settings: Set up language, units (imperial/metric), and other basic preferences.
- Select Sonar Mode: Choose between traditional CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging, or use the SplitScreen feature to view both simultaneously.
- Adjust Settings: Tweak sonar settings like sensitivity, range, and frequency to suit your fishing environment.
- Interpreting Data: Learn to read the sonar returns. Fish usually appear as arches in CHIRP sonar and as icons or blobs in DownScan.
- Identify Structures: Use DownScan for a clear view of the bottom, including rocks, plants, and submerged objects.
- Use GPS and Maps: Use it to mark waypoints, follow trails, and navigate.
- Genesis Live Mapping: Create real-time maps of your fishing area, if available.
- Set Alarms: You can set fish and depth alarms to alert you under specific conditions.