Main advantage
In addition to the high-quality products that Lowrance provides to customers, one of the areas in which the company excels is sonar frequency. Lowrance has been in the business of providing high-quality products to users for more than 30 years. Unfortunately, the Hook 4x is not an exception to this pattern, so knowing that this brand was one of many who helped to establish CHIRP sonar technology as a must-have feature for top-rated fish finders should be very encouraging.
It is still necessary to use CHIRP sonar technology in order to achieve better results in general when using models that have special settings that allow you to isolate certain frequency channels. The fact that this is a dependable method means that, even if you are completely new to using a fish finder, you will be able to obtain the results that you desire with it.
What makes CHIRP technology such a popular choice is that it does not rely on a single frequency to locate the target, but rather on a spectrum of frequencies to do this task. These are utilized in ascending sequence, and the most commonly used ones are 50, 83, 192, and 200 kHz, to name a few examples.
Essentially, this means that the CHIRP sonar technology identifies different degrees of detail and range, which are then combined by the unit’s software to produce an accurate image of what is going on beneath the boat.
As a result, you can be confident that you will have no difficulty understanding and applying the information presented in order to convert your fishing trips into memorable ones. True, frequencies cannot be changed, so if you are looking for a unit to use professionally, this may be a disadvantage, but for the typical user who wants to enjoy his or her time outside, this is a really good item to have as an addition to their fishing equipment.
Another feature of this fish finder that deserves to be mentioned is the fact that it is quite simple to operate. You won’t have to spend a lot of time fiddling with the settings, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself on your trip.
Additionally, the machine includes auto-tuning sonar technology as well as phone-like menus, allowing it to be used by more than one person in the event that you are going fishing with a group of friends. Because of this, it is absolutely an option to bear in mind while seeking a dependable fish finder that will make your life a little bit easier.
Main disadvantage
Despite the fact that this machine is relatively simple to operate, the instructions that come with it might be a lot more clear. If you are not familiar with the operation of a fish finder, this can be an issue for you. As a matter of course, there are numerous ways in which you can obtain the information that you require in order to utilize the item, from contacting the manufacturer for specifics to searching the internet for answers.
The good news is that the internet is a big repository of information, so you should have no trouble locating the information you require. However, this may be an enhancement that the manufacturer considers for future models of the product.
Main features explained
SolarMAX Display
While fishing and taking part in outdoor activities, having a device that can clearly show the information you require is essential when using various equipment to locate fish and enjoy outdoor experiences. At the end of the day, when you’re out fishing, there are numerous scenarios in which you must act quickly and avoid wasting crucial seconds attempting to figure out what to do in the following step.
That is why Lowrance equipped this unit with the Solarmax Display, which is a generous piece of technology that assures both daytime visibility and clarity when in operation. You’ll also benefit from the fact that it’s a high-resolution monitor because you’ll be able to read the information in a matter of seconds and be prepared to act when the time comes.
Moreover, due to the fact that weather conditions can change quickly when you are out on a lake or river, you will not be inhibited by direct sunlight or other types of weather when using this fish finder. As a result, this display has performance and dimensions equivalent to those seen in high-end devices, which is a fantastic feature considering how inexpensive the Hook 4x is to begin with.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors on sunny days, the SolarMAX technology included into the display will undoubtedly prove to be quite useful. According to the official definition, this means that the screen is capable of automatically adjusting its degree of brightness and associated settings in response to the amount of light that shines on it. Additionally, different viewing angles are secured, so you won’t have to stand over the top of the device to see it.
The ease with which it can be used
Many units come with a large number of functions, but these are concealed under a plethora of options, headings, and subheadings, making it difficult to navigate the menu. This can actually be rather uncomfortable, especially if you are new to using such gadgets or if you don’t genuinely want a complicated equipment, but rather one that simply gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
The beautiful thing about the Hook 4x is that it ticks all of these boxes, which means that it makes your life easier rather than making it more complicated than it needs to be. This is also one of the primary selling factors, therefore it’s clear that this is a feature that many customers appreciate and appreciate having. In light of the foregoing, it should be clear that the straightforward menu will result in you spending more time fishing than usual.
Given that we’ve just discussed the straightforward menu structure, it’s a good time to go a little deeper and figure out what this means. If you decide to put this unit through its paces, you’ll notice that the menu contains distinct and large selections that are easy to distinguish from one another. As a result, you will not waste time searching for a specific setting and then being unsure of where to find it.
Furthermore, this user-friendly device, in addition to having an outstanding UI, retains all of the important capabilities conveniently accessible. In other words, by merely pressing one of these buttons, you can do the fundamental activities that every fisherman needs to perform on a regular basis.
Keypad
Due to the fact that this is a more budget-friendly choice, it does not include the touchscreen feature that is found on other high-end fish finders. However, depending on your own preferences, this may really be a benefit rather than a detriment to your experience. Not everyone is used to working with cutting-edge technology all of the time, and if this is the case for you, you’ll like the traditional keyboard construction that is used on this computer.
Because of this, you won’t have to be concerned about one setting not being completed correctly or about changing one while using the fish finder. Furthermore, the buttons are simply accessible and clearly labeled, so you won’t have a difficult time learning out what each one performs in a very short period of time.
The trackpad option is always available for settings that can be found at a deeper level, making any selection much easier to make with only one hand, allowing you to use the other hand to be prepared for any immediate action that may be required in order to catch the fish that you are attempting to catch.
Beyond the straightforward trackpad navigation mechanism, you should be aware that the buttons have a pleasant and firm feel to them, so you won’t find them to be either too stiff or squishy to operate. The easy-to-use menu and keypad, on the other hand, may be a vital component in achieving this goal for users who don’t want to have to worry about anything other than enjoying their time out on the lake.
Installation and functionalities
The most crucial thing to look for when installing a fish finder is one that has a variety of mounting choices. This is especially important if you plan to use the device on more than one type of boat. Consequently, you may be pleased to learn that this Lowrance model meets all of your needs in this regard. In addition to quick-release bracket mounts, the unit has a front dash gimbal for stabilizing the unit.
This implies that the Hook 4x will be able to accommodate a fish finder in any position on your boat, regardless of where it is most convenient for you. An additional point to mention is that this device is compatible with a wide range of trolling motor accessories, which means that you may not need to purchase fully new equipment as long as the prior mounts are still in good working order.
If you enjoy night fishing, you should be aware of one additional thing that we haven’t mentioned before. Even though we noted that the display comes with a backlight that helps to make the images visible, it’s critical to note that the light is not bright enough for fish to see, which could otherwise scare them away.
Also included is excellent detection capability, which when combined with a user-friendly design and an affordable price results in a unit that should not be overlooked when it comes to any fisherman’s equipment.. Additionally, the autotuning sonar settings will make your life easier by making all of the necessary adjustments so that you can simply start using the fish finder without having to worry about anything.