Sub $300 Sounders

[spongy]

Looking to replace my old sounder which decided to die last week. Navman 4432.
Can someone give me some advice?
Here are my options

1. Garmin Echo 300c - ~ $220 - $265

2. Lowrance Elite X4 - ~ $220 - $265

3. Lowrance Mark 5X Pro - REFURB with 12mth warranty $220

The first 2 are very similar to each other and the Garmin seems to be well reviewed.
The Mark 5X PRO is the dark horse. It is not color but it has a 5inch 480x480 resolution compared to a 3.5inch 240x320. It's also the cheapest

I think the bigger higher def screen outweighs the color advantage.
My other concern is how well the monochrome screen performs in direct sunlight. Can anyone tell me their first hand experience? I know the Garmin screen is excellent in bright sunlight.

Any comments, thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers.

[BigGee]

My other concern is how well the monochrome screen performs in direct sunlight. Can anyone tell me their first hand experience?

Yes, the X4 is fine in the brightest of sunlight - perfectly viewable with polarised sunglasses on also.

My personal opinion is you are correct in your

I think the bigger higher def screen outweighs the color advantage.

thinking.

For me, more real estate on the screen and higher pixel count black and white (grey) will always win over less real estate lower pixel count colour sounders.

But I intend winning a nice sounder on the weekend at the SSBS Basin comp that will replace my X4 in any case. If by some manner of miracle I dont, I'll happily keep the X4 running for as long as necessary.

Gee

[Nativeman]

300c, very nice for the price...can get them way cheaper too

[bruus]

My thinking might be wrong but to me the resolution isn't as much of an influence in this because although the Lowrance has higher resolution, it also has a larger screen. If the screens were the same size but different resolutions then I think it would be more of a factor.

[spongy]

Thanks for the replies.
I have decided to get the 300c.
Got it from the USA. Total cost $202 and should also be able to get a $30 rebate less fees, making it a final cost of $180.