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Lowrance Elite 7 TI Fish Finder Review

Last Updated: 07.09.24

Main advantage

What makes this Lowrance model stand out among other similar products is the fact that it’s specially made to ensure the highest level of connectivity and fish finding features. If you decide that you should try it out on your own, you will definitely enjoy using it, as it comes with various premium technologies, such as the high-detail Active Imaging. 

This functionality allows you to cover the ground and see the underneath structure in high resolution, which also means that you will get all the necessary details to make any fishing trip a successful one. Moreover, you will also benefit from side-scan capabilities that are pretty much unmatched. 

The 3-in-1 Active Imaging includes CHIRP sonar technology, as well as both SideScan and DownScan. Depending on your fishing needs, you may also use the available Active Imaging 2-in-1 functionality. No matter what type of fish you are after, this technology will render clear and reliable viewings of what is going on underneath the water, thus making your job a lot easier. 

What makes this fish finder an alternative that you should not miss out on is the fact that it’s very easy to use as well. This means that you won’t have to waste seconds that can be very valuable in certain situations, trying to set it up. 

 

Main disadvantage

One of the aspects that could be improved in this otherwise highly effective product is the fact that the screen is only a single-touch one. This means that you cannot zoom in and out using your finger, as we are very used to doing today, given the rising popularity of smartphones in our lives.

Therefore, this may cause a bit of frustration at the beginning, until you get used to the fish finder and its navigation menu. However, you do have a +/- button on the screen for the zoom feature, so this can still be done without too much trouble. 

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Main features explained

 

Display technology 

One of the things that you are surely going to enjoy about this fish finder is the high-resolution 7-inch screen. Besides the fact that it has a generous size that allows you to see all the necessary details in no time, it’s also very clear, so you are not going to waste time trying to identify various structures and fish. 

Besides the enhanced clarity, the screen technology also ensures target separation, so you won’t have to start guessing what it is that you are seeing, while you are out on the water. This is something that is definitely very helpful, especially since you probably want to do your best to have successful fishing trips all the time. 

Since we’re talking about the screen, it’s important to mention that using all the various features and functionalities is very easy with its help. You won’t have any trouble changing screens, depending on the data you need, or marking waypoints faster, as you are creating your route. 

Furthermore, even though this is a premium device, its functionalities are similar in terms of usability to those on previous Lowrance units, so if you’ve already owned a few, you will get the hang of this one in no time. 

This is actually a very smart move on the manufacturer’s part, given that previous customers are certainly going to be very happy that they don’t need to learn complicated ways to work with the unit. Therefore, if you are part of this group, this is not something that you need to be concerned about. 

All you need to do is rely on the images rendered, especially since the side and down ones are not going to disappoint you in terms of clarity, which is always a good thing when we’re talking about finding fish. 

Smart maps 

Every such device should be as useful as possible in terms of maps and map-related functionalities. The good part is that this Lowrance model checks all the boxes. The first thing you should know is that it comes with high-detail preloaded maps, which means that you will get details on over 4,000 US inland lakes with 1-foot contours. 

If you want to be more productive when searching for fish, you can easily locate particularly rich structures, such as drop-offs or ledges. Of course, any fisher will also rely on experience and gut-feeling, but the preloaded maps included in this device can be of great help in taking a big part of the guessing part out of the picture. 

Another aspect that is worth keeping in mind as you are deciding whether you should try this fish finder on your own or not is the fact that it comes with a live mapping functionality as well. This means that you can update the map and mark your favorite fishing areas as you go along. 

This also applies if you want to map areas that are still unmapped, and you can do this with ½-foot contours. Then, using the chartplotter will be a breeze, especially since this means that you can create your own personalized routes. In the end, if you’ve had an especially spectacular fishing trip, it’s only natural that you will want to try to get the same experience again. 

Furthermore, you will also notice that map refresh is much faster than that of other models, which is definitely useful when you are on the go and you want to get a quick response or input. All in all, the map functionality is definitely one that sets this fish finder apart in its line. 

 

Wireless networking and connectivity 

In today’s world, pretty much everyone has at least seen a smartphone and knows the concept, and most people are using one on a daily basis. Given that we have constant access to the internet and that sharing pieces of data, photos and experiences has become more important than ever before, you might want your fish finder to include some similar features. 

With this in mind, Lowrance created a unit that is versatile and that includes plenty of functionalities, such as mapping and waypoint marking. However, in order to make these as effective as possible, powerful wireless connectivity is necessary as well, and the Elite Ti2 includes just that. You can also set specific notifications on your smartphone. 

You won’t have to deal with using cables in order to enjoy the full benefits this fish finder features in terms of networking, and you will also be able to share important pieces of data to another Elite Ti2 unit, in case this is necessary. Another aspect that many of you might be curious about is whether the system can be updated from time to time. 

The answer is yes, and you can use a WiFi network to get this done. The manufacturer provides all the necessary information on this topic, and you can always ask for some extra details, in case something is unclear. 

The only thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you check the device and all the necessary updates if you haven’t used it in a while and you are planning to take a long trip out on the water. Once everything is set, you will be equipped with a powerful and effective partner for your fishing adventures, and there’s a very high chance that you will be extremely happy with the results it delivers. 

 

Reliability 

In case you are wondering what is it that makes this the Elite 7 Ti2 fish finder such a reliable piece of equipment, the answer is the high-sensitivity technology included in its construction. This device’s MSAS+EGNOS+WAAS GPS system provides highly accurate locations, given its fine precision, as well as 3,000 waypoints that you can use along your journey. 

Along the same lines, you can rely on the 10,000 points per trail and 100 trails included as well, so figuring out where you want to get is not going to be difficult at all. Moreover, you can also track your trajectory using detailed charts, while the unit employs the Xi5 Trolling Motor functionality for control. 

Setting alarms is also something that is surely going to help you a lot, and it’s a feature that this model includes. Whether we are talking about Arrival, Anchor, or going off-course, you can tell right away by setting the unit up according to your preferences and needs. 

You can also upgrade the charts with Nautic Insight HD, Navionics HotMaps Premium, and Lake Insight, but these are optional features, so you may have to ask the manufacturer for more details. However, the process of installing them is not difficult at all, as the fish finder ensures reliable connections to the GoFree Cloud app to do any necessary shopping or upgrading. 

All in all, this is a handy fish finder that comes with plenty of options, and that is designed to make your life easier. You can also rely on its durability, as long as you follow all of the recommendations on how to protect and maintain it. If you decide to give it a try, there’s a high chance that the results are going to be great, so you shouldn’t hesitate. 

 

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