Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot Review

Lowrance’s Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot is a versatile and advanced fish finder with several key features to enhance the fishing experience.

It includes the TripleShot transducer, which offers high-quality sonar capabilities, including CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan imaging. These features allow for detailed views of fish and structure both directly below and to the sides of the boat. The device’s Fish Reveal technology is a standout feature, cleverly combining the benefits of CHIRP sonar and DownScan imaging to make fish easier to identify.

Additionally, the 7-inch display provides clear visuals, and the user interface is designed for ease of use. This model also includes GPS and mapping features, enabling anglers to easily navigate and mark favorite fishing spots.

Overall, the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot is well-suited for anglers seeking a comprehensive, user-friendly Lowrance fish finder with advanced sonar capabilities.

Key Specifications:

Specification	Detail
Display Size	7 inches
Resolution	800 x 480
Sonar Technology	CHIRP Sonar, SideScan, DownScan
Transducer	TripleShot
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 kHzSideScan: 600 ft (183 m) side-to-side @ 455kHz, 300 ft (91 m) side-to-side @ 800 kHz
GPS	Built-in
Mapping	Preloaded C-MAP or US Inland Mapping
Waterproof Rating	IPX7
Price (MSRP)	$449.99 USD

Pros:

Advanced Sonar Capabilities: The TripleShot transducer offers high-quality CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan imaging.
FishReveal Technology: Combines traditional sonar with DownScan imaging for clearer fish identification.
Bright Display: The 7-inch SolarMAX screen provides clear and readable visuals even in direct sunlight.
Built-in GPS Plotter: Allows for easy navigation and marking of fishing spots.
Preloaded Maps: Comes with C-MAP or US Inland mapping for better navigation.
User-Friendly Interface: Easy to operate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Waterproof: IPX7 rating ensures durability in marine environments.

Cons:

Price: Might be slightly expensive for hobbyists or occasional users.
Size and Weight: Bulkier and heavier than smaller models, which could be a concern for small boats or limited space.
Not Suitable for Deep Water Fishing: The maximum depth range of 500 ft makes it only suitable for shallow waters.
Limited Portability: Requires a 12v DC power supply, which may limit portability.

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Display Quality

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 is well-suited for outdoor fishing, offering a display that balances size, clarity, sunlight visibility, and durability, all of which are important for a good fishing experience.

Key aspects of its display include:

Screen Size: The 7-inch display is a good balance between visibility and portability. It provides enough screen real estate to clearly view sonar readings, maps, and other navigational data without being overly bulky on a small boat.
Resolution and Clarity: While specific resolution details vary by model, Lowrance is known for producing screens with good clarity and detail, which is crucial for interpreting sonar data and underwater structures.
SolarMAX Display: Many Lowrance models, including some in the Hook Reveal series, feature SolarMAX displays, which offer excellent sunlight readability. This technology ensures the screen remains visible in bright outdoor conditions, a crucial factor for outdoor fishing.
Color and Contrast: The color displays are designed to enhance the differentiation of underwater features and fish arches. Good contrast settings further aid in distinguishing details even in varying light conditions.
Viewing Angles: The viewing angles are typically wide enough to allow for easy reading of the display from different positions on the boat.
Durability and Weather Resistance: These displays are built to withstand the marine environment, being water-resistant and durable enough to handle exposure to the elements.

Sonar Performance

The sonar performance of the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot is generally considered very good, especially considering its price point. While it may not match the absolute performance of the high-end fish finders, it offers a compelling balance of features and quality.

The TripleShot transducer provides comprehensive coverage with frequencies for traditional sonar (200 kHz/High Chirp), DownScan (455 kHz, 800 kHz), and SideScan (455 kHz, 800 kHz).

SideScan Imaging

The SideScan Imaging of the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot is quite impressive for its class. It offers clear and detailed views of underwater structures and fish, with the ability to scan up to 183 meters (600 feet) side-to-side at 455 kHz and up to 91 meters (300 feet) at 800 kHz. The higher frequency (800 kHz) provides finer detail, ideal for scrutinizing specific areas, while the lower frequency (455 kHz) offers broader coverage, useful for scanning larger areas. This versatility makes it suitable for various fishing environments.

The above SideScan image from the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot demonstrates a good level of detail and clarity, which is indicative of the unit’s performance. Here is an analysis of the performance and usefulness of SideScan in this fish finder:

Detail Resolution: The image shows distinct structures such as branches or a tree, suggesting that the side scan sonar has a high resolution, which is crucial for identifying features and potential fish habitats.
Range and Coverage: The side scan image shows a broad area on both sides of the boat. This wide coverage allows you to survey a large swath of water with each pass, making it efficient for locating points of interest.
Contrast and Sensitivity: The clear distinction between the dark and light areas in the image indicates good contrast sensitivity. This is important for discerning different types of bottom composition and structure.
Water Column and Bottom Visibility: The side scan provides a clear view of the water column and the bottom. In this image, it’s easy to see the transition from the water column to the lake or river bed, and to identify where the bottom features are located relative to the surface.

While Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot lacks the clarity and detail of premium side scanning fish finders, it is typically more than adequate for most recreational and serious anglers. It provides a good balance of range and clarity, helping users identify fish, track bottom contours, and understand the underwater environment effectively.

DownScan Imaging

The DownScan imaging of the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot is also highly regarded, especially for a fish finder in its price range. It offers clear and detailed views beneath the boat, which is a significant advantage for anglers looking to identify fish-holding structures and bottom composition.

The DownScan technology on the TripleShot transducer operates at frequencies of 455 kHz and 800 kHz. At 455 kHz, it provides a wider view with good detail, suitable for scanning larger areas under the boat. The 800 kHz frequency offers even finer detail, which is excellent for closely examining specific structures or areas. This higher resolution is particularly useful for distinguishing between tight groupings of fish and nearby structures.

With maximum depths of 91 meters (300 feet) at 455 kHz and 46 meters (150 feet) at 800 kHz, the DownScan on the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot is effective for a wide range of freshwater and coastal saltwater fishing environments.

FishReveal

FishReveal is a beneficial feature in Hook Reveal because it combines the detailed information from CHIRP sonar and DownScan imaging into a single, easy-to-interpret view.

CHIRP sonar is excellent at detecting fish arches and providing information about the water column, while DownScan imaging offers high-resolution images of the structure beneath the boat. By merging these two data sets, FishReveal makes it easier for anglers to identify fish targets against the structure.

This is especially useful in waters where fish may be hiding or blending into the bottom or in areas with dense underwater vegetation or other complex structures. The clarity and precision of the combined view help anglers to more accurately distinguish between fish and other underwater objects, improving their fishing efficiency and success.

GPS and Mapping

The GPS and mapping features of the Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot are well-suited for a range of fishing and boating scenarios, from inland lakes and rivers to coastal areas in the US. Below are the mapping options:

Preloaded US Inland Mapping: These charts are ideal for anglers and boaters navigating inland waters across the United States. The preloaded maps cover thousands of US lakes and rivers, providing useful contours and depth information. The level of detail is generally sufficient for most fishing and boating needs, offering insights into water depths, bottom contours, and potential fishing hotspots.
C-MAP Contour+ Card: This option expands the mapping capabilities to include detailed charts for the US and Canada, making it an excellent choice for those fishing in North American waters. The C-MAP Contour+ provides enhanced details such as high-resolution bathymetry, structure outlines, and detailed coastlines. This level of detail is particularly valuable for identifying fishing areas, navigating tricky waters, and understanding underwater structures in both freshwater and coastal environments.
Genesis Live: This real-time mapping feature allows users to create their own high-definition maps of uncharted or poorly mapped waters. It’s particularly useful for local spots that might not be covered in preloaded or C-MAP charts. With Genesis Live, anglers can map the depth contours and bottom hardness in real-time, providing a significant advantage in exploring and understanding new fishing areas.

TripleShot Transducer

TripleShot transducer, known for its features in providing high-quality sonar imaging, typically includes DownScan, SideScan, and traditional CHIRP sonar capabilities. However, regarding its build quality and suitability for specific boats, there are a few points to consider:

Build Quality

The TripleShot transducer is generally well-regarded for its build quality. It is designed to offer robust performance and durability, essential for marine electronics. The inclusion of multiple sonar technologies in one unit is an indicator of advanced engineering and design.

Suitability for Boats

The Lowrance TripleShot transducer is about 10 inches long and has a high ‘knuckle’ or protrusion, making it challenging to mount on smaller kayaks or very compact boats. Here are the types of boats for which the TripleShot transducer is typically a good fit:

Larger Fishing Kayaks: As mentioned in the transcript, the TripleShot transducer is suitable for larger kayaks such as the Predator Big Water 132. Its size and mounting design make it more appropriate for kayaks with ample space.
Small to Medium-Sized Fishing Boats: The TripleShot transducer can be a good choice for small to medium-sized fishing boats, especially those used in freshwater or inshore saltwater fishing. These boats usually have enough space to accommodate the transducer and can benefit from its advanced sonar capabilities.
Pontoon Boats: Pontoon boats, often used for leisure activities including fishing, can be suitable for the TripleShot transducer, particularly if they are used in environments where the advanced sonar features of the TripleShot can be beneficial.

Cost

The Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot, priced around $450, offers a competitive set of features in its price range.

This includes CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan imaging. The combination of these three technologies in one unit provides a comprehensive view of underwater structures, fish, and terrain. This level of integration is often found in higher-priced models. At this price point, this is the best cheap side imaging fish finder.

The 7-inch display is a decent size for easy viewing. The resolution and clarity are generally good and are comparable to what the competitors offer.

The FishReveal technology is a plus. This combines the benefits of CHIRP sonar and DownScan imaging to make fish easier to identify. This is a notable feature that enhances the usability of the device, especially for beginners.

FAQs

What are the mouting options for Hook Reveal 7 Display Unit?

The Hook Reveal 7 display unit typically offers several mounting options to accommodate different boat layouts and user preferences. These options include:

Bracket Mount: This is a common and versatile option that allows the display unit to be attached to a bracket, which is then mounted on the boat’s dash or another flat surface. This setup provides flexibility in positioning and is relatively straightforward to install.
Flush Mount: For a more integrated look, the unit can be flush-mounted directly into the dash or a panel on the boat. This option offers a sleeker appearance and can help save space, but requires more precise installation.
Gimbal Mount: This type of mount allows for greater adjustability in terms of angle and direction, making it easier to view the display from different positions. It’s ideal for anglers who need to frequently reposition the unit for optimal viewing.

What are the mouting options for TripleShot transducer?

Mounting options for the TripleShot transducer are designed to accommodate various boat types and fishing conditions. The key transducer mounting options include:

Transom Mount: This is the most common mounting method, where the transducer is attached to the back (transom) of the boat. It’s relatively easy to install and adjust. This position is suitable for many types of boats and allows the transducer to remain in the water at high speeds.
Trolling Motor Mount: Some anglers prefer to mount the TripleShot transducer on the trolling motor for a more forward view and to utilize the motor’s maneuverability. This requires a special mounting bracket or adapter.
Scupper Mount: For kayaks, especially sit-on-top models, the transducer can be mounted through a scupper hole, placing it directly in the water for accurate readings. This method is kayak-specific and may require additional mounting accessories.
Jackplate Mount: On bass boats or similar vessels, mounting the transducer on a jackplate can be an option. This keeps it out of turbulent water and can provide clearer readings.

How to use Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot?

To use the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot effectively, follow these steps:

Power On and System Controls: Press the power button to access system controls, including standby mode, brightness adjustment, night mode, and data overlay settings.
Accessing Settings: Use the settings option for internal configurations, such as sonar settings, display adjustments, and system preferences.
Navigating Menus: Familiarize yourself with the menu structure, using the enter and exit buttons to navigate through various options and settings.
Using Sonar Features: Learn how to use the sonar, structure scan, and FishReveal technology. Understand how to read and interpret the sonar display, including depth scales and frequency settings.
Customizing Display: Adjust the display according to your preferences, like changing color palettes for better visibility.
Using Genesis Live: Utilize the Genesis Live feature for real-time mapping by inserting an SD card and recording sonar logs.
Setting and Editing Waypoints: Learn to set and edit waypoints using the dedicated button, and understand how to navigate using the chart screen.
Utilizing Split Screen Options: Explore split screen views for simultaneous display of different data like charts, sonar, and structure scans.
Logging Sonar Data: Use the log sonar feature to record sonar data for later analysis.

What is the difference between Hook Reveal 7 vs 7x?

The primary difference between the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 and the Hook Reveal 7x lies in their navigational capabilities. The Hook Reveal 7 comes with pre-loaded charts. In contrast, the Hook Reveal 7x does not have these mapping features and focuses solely on the GPS plotter.