SideVü is Garmin’s proprietary side imaging technology used in fish finders to provide near-photographic images of the underwater environment to the sides of a boat. This technology aids in identifying structures, fish habitats, and potential obstacles.
Garmin offers a range of SideVü fish finders, spanning from the budget-friendly Striker series to the more advanced ECHOMAP and GPSMAP series. Each series caters to different needs, with variations in display size, integrated features, and mapping capabilities, ensuring options for both casual anglers and professionals.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV
- Ultra High-Definition Side Imaging: The “UHD” in the name signifies that the fish finder offers ultra high-definition scanning sonar, which provides clear and crisp images of the underwater environment to the sides of the boat.
- SideVü Frequencies: 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1000 kHz. The inclusion of three frequencies provides versatility. The 455 kHz offers broader coverage but less detail, whereas the 1000 kHz offers the finest detail but over a narrower area. The 800 kHz offers a balanced mix of coverage and detail.
- Integration with ClearVü: This model also features ClearVü scanning sonar, which gives a nearly photographic view directly below the boat. When used in conjunction with SideVü, anglers get a comprehensive view of the underwater environment.
- Display: The ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV comes with a 9-inch touchscreen display, making it easier to view and interpret SideVü images alongside other data like navigation maps or traditional sonar.
- Price $1199: Given its 9-inch display, UHD sonar capabilities, and the trio of frequencies, this price is within the expected range for a mid-to-high-tier fish finder.
View ECHOMAP UHD2 93SV Details
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73SV
- Ultra High-Definition Side Imaging: 73SV also offers ultra high-definition side imaging, providing clear, detailed images of underwater structures and objects on both sides of the boat.
- SideVü Frequencies: 455 kHz and 1.2 MHz (1200 kHz). This model offers two frequencies, covering broad scans and detailed, narrower scans.
- Integration with ClearVü: The 73SV also integrates ClearVü scanning sonar for a detailed view directly below the boat. Using both SideVü and ClearVü together offers a holistic view of the underwater environment.
- Display: The ECHOMAP UHD 73SV features a 7-inch touchscreen display. While slightly smaller than the 93SV, it still provides a clear and detailed view of the side imaging data.
- Price $949: With a 7-inch display and UHD capabilities, this is priced as a mid-tier model. The price reduction (compared to the 93SV) is mainly due to the smaller screen size and one fewer frequency.
View ECHOMAP UHD2 73SV Details
Garmin GPSMAP 943XSV
- Ultra High-Definition Side Imaging: This model comes with UHD SideVü sonar, providing extremely clear and detailed images of the underwater environment to the sides of the boat.
- SideVü Frequencies: 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1000 kHz. This model also offers three frequencies for versatile scanning.
- Integration with ClearVü: The GPSMAP 943XSV also integrates UHD ClearVü scanning sonar for a high-definition view directly below the boat and traditional CHIRP sonar for a broader range of information.
- Display: The model features a 9-inch touchscreen display, offering an intuitive interface and vivid representation of SideVü images, making it easier to interpret the data.
- Price $1499: The GPSMAP series is Garmin’s premium line, often featuring more advanced navigation features, networking capabilities, and processing power. The price reflects its position in the higher tier of fish finders.
Garmin Echomap Ultra 126SV
- Ultra High-Definition Side Imaging: ECHOMAP Ultra 126SV also offers UHD SideVü sonar, ensuring detailed and clear underwater images to the sides of the vessel.
- SideVü Frequencies: 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1000 kHz. This model provides all three frequencies, offering maximum versatility in side imaging.
- Integration with ClearVü: This model is also equipped with UHD ClearVü for detailed views directly below the boat and traditional CHIRP sonar for enhanced fish arch separation and target definition.
- Display: One of the standout features of the ECHOMAP Ultra 126SV is its 12-inch touchscreen display, which provides a larger viewing area for SideVü data, making it even easier to interpret and navigate.
- Pricing $2949: The “Ultra” in its name indicates its position as a top-tier product in the ECHOMAP series. With a 12-inch display, high-definition sonar, advanced mapping, and networking capabilities, the price is set for professionals or serious enthusiasts.
View Echomap Ultra 126SV Details
Garmin Striker Vivid 7SV
- SideVü Frequencies: 455 kHz and 800 kHz. This model focuses on the two most common frequencies, providing a balance between coverage and detail.
- Integration with ClearVü: In addition to SideVü, the Striker Vivid 7SV also features ClearVü scanning sonar, giving a nearly photographic image of the area directly beneath the boat.
- Display: The device comes with a 7-inch high-contrast display, ensuring that the SideVü images are clear and easy to interpret.
- Price $519: The Striker series is Garmin’s more budget-friendly line, designed primarily for sonar capabilities without the advanced navigation and mapping features of the ECHOMAP or GPSMAP series. Given its 7-inch display, this is an excellent price point for those looking for quality side imaging without the need for advanced navigation features.
View Striker Vivid 7sv Details
Garmin SideVu Comparison
Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance are three of the most reputable brands with the best side imaging fish finders in the market, each offering their version of side-scanning sonar technology. Here’s a comparison of Garmin SideVu capabilities with Humminbird and Lowrance:
Garmin SideVu vs Humminbird Side Imaging
| Feature | Garmin SideVü (GT56UHD) | Humminbird Side Imaging (MEGA) |
| Frequencies | 455 kHz, 800 kHz, 1000 kHz | 455 kHz, 800 kHz, 1200 kHz |
| Max Range | 1000 ft (455 kHz), 400 ft (1000 kHz) | 800 ft (455 kHz), 400 ft (1200 kHz) |
Comparative Analysis:
- Frequencies: Both brands offer the 455 kHz and 800 kHz frequencies, ensuring that users can choose between broader scans or more detailed images. However, while Garmin’s GT56UHD goes up to 1000 kHz for even clearer images, Humminbird’s MEGA Side Imaging trumps that with its 1200 kHz, offering arguably the most detailed side imaging on the consumer market.
- Depth Range: The GT56UHD has a slightly more extended depth range at 455 kHz with 1000 ft compared to Humminbird’s 800 ft. However, both have the same depth range of 400 ft for their highest frequencies.
- Image Clarity: Both brands provide high-quality images, but with the MEGA Side Imaging at 1200 kHz, Humminbird takes a slight edge in terms of the detail and clarity it can offer, especially when targeting specific structures or fish species.
Our Verdict:
Both the Garmin GT56UHD and the Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging are top-notch offerings in the realm of side imaging. The GT56UHD provides a slightly deeper range at 455 kHz, making it advantageous for scanning deeper water bodies. On the other hand, Humminbird’s MEGA at 1200 kHz will likely offer superior image clarity. The choice between the two would hinge on whether the user prioritizes depth range or ultra-high-frequency imaging clarity. Both are exceptional choices for professional and recreational anglers alike.
Garmin SideVu vs Lowrance SideScan
| Feature | Garmin SideVü (GT56UHD) | Lowrance SideScan (Active Imaging 3-in1) |
| Frequencies | 455 kHz, 800 kHz, 1000 kHz | 455 kHz, 800 kHz |
| Max Range | 1000 ft (455 kHz), 400 ft (1000 kHz) | 600 ft (455 kHz), 300 ft (800 kHz) |
Comparative Analysis:
- Frequencies: Both transducers offer 455 kHz and 800 kHz frequencies for side imaging, which are the most common frequencies used for this purpose. However, the Garmin GT56UHD transducer also includes a 1000 kHz frequency, providing an edge in terms of image clarity and detail.
- Depth Range: The Garmin GT56UHD has a more extended range with up to 500 feet, whereas the Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 scans up to 600 feet. This means that the Lowrance offer broader coverage.
- Image Clarity: Both brands are known for delivering high-quality, clear images. However, the addition of the 1000 kHz frequency in the GT56UHD give it an edge in terms of detail, especially in shallower waters.
Our Verdict:
The Garmin’s SideVü provides a broader frequency range and greater depth capabilities, making it more versatile for various fishing scenarios. On the other hand, the Lowrance SideScan offers standard capabilities suitable for many general fishing activities.
While both are reliable choices, the Garmin’s SideVu is more appealing for those seeking added depth and detail, whereas the Lowrance SideScan would cater to anglers looking for standard side imaging capabilities at potentially a lower price point.