The Lowrance Hook 5 is an upgraded model of the highly popular Lowrance Elite-5 HDI, which was introduced in late 2013.
The Hook 5 improves on everything the Elite-5 HDI did, and it does so in nearly every way imaginable. The display features a classic SONAR, DownScan SONAR, and GPS charts. The screen has a sharp 800×480 resolution that can show 16-bit colors.
The Hook 5’s DownScan imaging frequencies are 455/800 kHz, while the traditional SONAR frequencies are 83/200 kHz.
The menu and button arrangement has been modified to make it simpler to use. You can switch between screens with just one finger, which is convenient when comparing a lot of data.
The CHIRP SONAR is by far the most significant improvement in the Hook series. The CHIRP SONAR emits frequencies in a pulsating, fan-like manner, allowing for a much greater number of returns from the transducer. The sophisticated software in the fish finder then analyzes these signals and produces a comprehensive picture of the aquatic environment.
The CHIRP SONAR is a significant development. It was previously extremely costly and only available on large fishing gear. Now, even consumer-level versions have this technology, making your fishing trip even more exciting!
The Hook 5 has a sensitive GPS receiver that tracks your location and displays it over a map. The maps are extremely detailed, with more than 3,000 US lakes and rivers as well as coastal contours up to 1,000 feet in length.
If the maps on these cards appear insufficient (they won’t), you can simply upgrade the mappign software using the MicroSD card slot. You may choose from Navionics, Lake Insight, Nautic Insight, and Fishing HotSpots Pro to name a few of the program options. There are also choices for worldwide charting packages.
You can read more about mapping packages here.
Aside from these appealing features, SONAR’s fundamentals haven’t changed. You can “rewind” SONAR readings, change the SONAR sensitivity, modify the viewpoint, create GPS alarms, establish depth alarms, and access the water temperature.
The Hook 5 is part of Lowrance’s new Hook family, which also includes the smaller Hook 4. The range consists of a variety of models to satisfy the needs of all types of anglers. The following are some additional versions:
- The Hook 3x is a sonar device that both DownScan SONAR and conventional SONAR versions are available.
- The Hook 4x, like its 3x counterpart, is available with conventional SONAR or DownScan SONAR.
- There’s also the Hook 4, which is identical to the Hook 5 except with a smaller display for individuals who can’t afford the larger 5-inch screen or don’t want it.
- There are then the larger Hook-7 and Hook-7x, which are upgrades of the Elite-7 HDI and Elite-7x HDI. These are identical to the Hook 5, with the exception that they have larger displays. The Hook 9 is the largest member of the family, with a massive 9 inch display.
Lowrance Hook 3x
MSRP: $99.99
3.5 inch screen
Traditional SONAR only
Lowrance Hook 3x DSI
MSRP: $129.99
3.5 inch screen
DownScan SONAR
Lowrance Hook 4
MSRP: $299.99
4 inch screen
CHIRP + DownScan SONAR
GPS
Optional mapping packages
Lowrance Hook 4x
MSRP: $199.99
4 inch screen
CHIRP + DownScan SONAR
Lowrance Hook 5
MSRP: $349.99
5 inch screen
DownScan + CHIRP
Maps with 3000 US lakes + coastal areas
Lowrance Hook 5x
MSRP: $299.99
5 inch screen
DownScan + CHIRP
Lowrance Hook 7
MSRP: $449.99
7 inch screen
DownScan + CHIRP
Maps with 3000 US lakes + coastal areas
Lowrance Hook 7x
MSRP: $399.99
7 inch screen
DownScan + CHIRP
Lowrance Hook 9
MSRP: $749.99
Huge 9 inch screen
DownScan + CHIRP
Maps with 3000 US lakes + coastal areas
Because of this, it might appear to be odd that there is such a large price difference between the versions, even though the primary distinction is one inch in screen size. You should keep in mind that screen size is measured diagonally, so the visible difference between, say, the Hook 5 and the Hook 7 will be significant.
The best fish finders on the market right now are built by Senko. They are at the forefront of aquatic technology, and their usage will make a significant difference in your fishing.
