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Top 5 Combined Side and Down Imaging Units for Fishing in Canada — Best Side-and-Down Fishfinders 2025

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Combined side and down imaging units integrate simultaneous side scans with detailed downward views to give anglers a complete picture of what is happening both beside and below the boat. For Canadian anglers a system that combines side and down imaging is especially appealing: it speeds target location on large lakes and complex shorelines, improves identification of structure used by salmon, trout, walleye and bass, and reduces time spent searching so you can spend more time fishing. In 2025 buyers in Canada favor units that pair advanced imaging (CHIRP, MEGA imaging, enhanced side-scan), reliable chartplotting with Canadian and provincial chart support, rugged cold-weather performance, intuitive touch displays, low power draw for long days on remote waters, and networking capability so multiple displays and a live sonar feed can be shared on larger boats. These integrated systems are popular with recreational anglers, guided outfitters and tournament fishers because they consolidate fishfinding, mapping and navigation into a single, straightforward display.

Quick Menu

1. Best Mid-Size Mega Imaging

2. Best GPS-Chartplotter Integration

3. Best Live Sonar & Networking

4. Best Premium Mega Imaging

5. Best Value Side/Down Imaging

1
BEST MID-SIZE MEGA IMAGING

Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G4N

Humminbird

A value-oriented midrange unit that combines CHIRP sonar with Mega Side Imaging (MSI) and integrated GPS to deliver dependable combined side and down views for serious anglers on a budget. It holds its spot by offering clean MSI performance and wide transducer compatibility at a lower price than flagship systems; compared with SOLIX and HDS Live it trades top-tier processing and screen size for affordability and dependable imaging where cost-conscious buyers need both side and down coverage.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • CHIRP clarity

  • Mosaic maps magic

  • CHIRP clarity

  • Mosaic maps magic

Review Summary

86%

"Long-term users praise its clear CHIRP sonar and reliable GPS/charting for a compact 7-inch unit, though some note occasional software quirks and a dated interface compared with newer models."

  • Target separation

  • 7" display with CHIRP and Mega Side Imaging for clear side and down views.

  • Target separation

  • 7" display with CHIRP and Mega Side Imaging for clear side and down views.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

A value-oriented midrange unit that combines CHIRP sonar with Mega Side Imaging (MSI) and integrated GPS to deliver dependable combined side and down views for serious anglers on a budget. It holds its spot by offering clean MSI performance and wide transducer compatibility at a lower price than flagship systems; compared with SOLIX and HDS Live it trades top-tier processing and screen size for affordability and dependable imaging where cost-conscious buyers need both side and down coverage.

  • CHIRP clarity

  • Mosaic maps magic

  • Target separation

  • 7" display with CHIRP and Mega Side Imaging for clear side and down views.

  • Built-in GPS and mapping with waypoint routing for freshwater and inshore use.

  • CHIRP clarity

  • Mosaic maps magic

  • Target separation

  • 7" display with CHIRP and Mega Side Imaging for clear side and down views.

  • Built-in GPS and mapping with waypoint routing for freshwater and inshore use.

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From 1366.05$
2
BEST GPS-CHARTPLOTTER INTEGRATION

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv

Garmin

Garmin’s ECHOMAP UHD 93sv strikes a balance between price and performance by pairing UHD ClearVü and SideVü with CHIRP and strong mapping features (BlueChart/Quickdraw), producing crisp combined side and down images for serious recreational anglers. It outshines entry-level units like the Striker in mapping and user experience while typically costing less than high-end flagships such as SOLIX or HDS Live, delivering a strong technical-to-cost ratio for anglers wanting premium imaging without flagship pricing.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • UHD detail

  • Colorful returns

  • UHD detail

  • Colorful returns

Review Summary

88%

"Users report excellent UHD ClearVü/SideVü imaging and dependable Garmin mapping, with complaints mainly about higher cost and occasional transducer setup complexity."

  • Quick waypointing

  • 9" Garmin display combining UHD CHIRP sonar with ClearVü and SideVü for wide, detailed imaging.

  • Quick waypointing

  • 9" Garmin display combining UHD CHIRP sonar with ClearVü and SideVü for wide, detailed imaging.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

Garmin’s ECHOMAP UHD 93sv strikes a balance between price and performance by pairing UHD ClearVü and SideVü with CHIRP and strong mapping features (BlueChart/Quickdraw), producing crisp combined side and down images for serious recreational anglers. It outshines entry-level units like the Striker in mapping and user experience while typically costing less than high-end flagships such as SOLIX or HDS Live, delivering a strong technical-to-cost ratio for anglers wanting premium imaging without flagship pricing.

  • UHD detail

  • Colorful returns

  • Quick waypointing

  • 9" Garmin display combining UHD CHIRP sonar with ClearVü and SideVü for wide, detailed imaging.

  • Preloaded charts and excellent chartplotter features with quick map layering and routing.

  • UHD detail

  • Colorful returns

  • Quick waypointing

  • 9" Garmin display combining UHD CHIRP sonar with ClearVü and SideVü for wide, detailed imaging.

  • Preloaded charts and excellent chartplotter features with quick map layering and routing.

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From 1697.04$
3
BEST LIVE SONAR & NETWORKING

Lowrance HDS-9 LIVE

Lowrance HDS-9 LIVE

The HDS-9 LIVE is a market-leading, feature-rich unit that emphasizes connectivity and advanced sonar: Active Imaging 3-in-1 plus support for real-time LiveSight and extensive networking make it a top choice for tournament and technical anglers needing best-in-class combined side and down data. Technically it surpasses the Helix and many Garmin models in expandability and processing power, and while it usually commands a premium price, that cost reflects superior integrations, mapping, and upgrade paths for pro anglers.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Live sonar pulse

  • Real-time edge

  • Live sonar pulse

  • Real-time edge

Review Summary

89%

"Owners love the fast processor, Active Imaging and Genesis Live mapping for impressive side/down detail, but some criticize the learning curve and occasional firmware issues."

  • Networked mapping

  • 9" touchscreen with LiveSport™ real-time sonar plus Active Imaging 3-in-1 for side and down imaging.

  • Networked mapping

  • 9" touchscreen with LiveSport™ real-time sonar plus Active Imaging 3-in-1 for side and down imaging.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

The HDS-9 LIVE is a market-leading, feature-rich unit that emphasizes connectivity and advanced sonar: Active Imaging 3-in-1 plus support for real-time LiveSight and extensive networking make it a top choice for tournament and technical anglers needing best-in-class combined side and down data. Technically it surpasses the Helix and many Garmin models in expandability and processing power, and while it usually commands a premium price, that cost reflects superior integrations, mapping, and upgrade paths for pro anglers.

  • Live sonar pulse

  • Real-time edge

  • Networked mapping

  • 9" touchscreen with LiveSport™ real-time sonar plus Active Imaging 3-in-1 for side and down imaging.

  • Advanced networking (Ethernet/StructureScan/GoFree) for sharing sonar, maps and system updates.

  • Live sonar pulse

  • Real-time edge

  • Networked mapping

  • 9" touchscreen with LiveSport™ real-time sonar plus Active Imaging 3-in-1 for side and down imaging.

  • Advanced networking (Ethernet/StructureScan/GoFree) for sharing sonar, maps and system updates.

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$1,300-1,900 CAD

4
BEST PREMIUM MEGA IMAGING

Humminbird SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3

Humminbird SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3

As Humminbird’s flagship for combined side and down imaging, the SOLIX 10 with CHIRP MEGA SI+ offers the largest display, faster CPU and the most detailed MEGA-side and down imagery for maximum target separation and range. It outperforms the HELIX and many competitors in raw imaging clarity and multi-window capability; financially it is a higher upfront investment but reduces the need for add-ons, making it the preferred choice for anglers who prioritize top-level image fidelity and on-screen real estate.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • MEGA clarity

  • Side-down combo

  • MEGA clarity

  • Side-down combo

Review Summary

91%

"Reviewers consistently praise MEGA Side Imaging+ clarity and the large bright display for serious anglers, while noting the premium price and occasional menu/software oddities."

  • Gigantic display

  • 10" high-resolution display with CHIRP MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down imaging for ultra-detailed structure.

  • Gigantic display

  • 10" high-resolution display with CHIRP MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down imaging for ultra-detailed structure.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

As Humminbird’s flagship for combined side and down imaging, the SOLIX 10 with CHIRP MEGA SI+ offers the largest display, faster CPU and the most detailed MEGA-side and down imagery for maximum target separation and range. It outperforms the HELIX and many competitors in raw imaging clarity and multi-window capability; financially it is a higher upfront investment but reduces the need for add-ons, making it the preferred choice for anglers who prioritize top-level image fidelity and on-screen real estate.

  • MEGA clarity

  • Side-down combo

  • Gigantic display

  • 10" high-resolution display with CHIRP MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down imaging for ultra-detailed structure.

  • Robust mapping and routing with integrated GPS and extensive networking for multiple sensors.

  • MEGA clarity

  • Side-down combo

  • Gigantic display

  • 10" high-resolution display with CHIRP MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down imaging for ultra-detailed structure.

  • Robust mapping and routing with integrated GPS and extensive networking for multiple sensors.

Order Now

$1,900-2,800 CAD

5
BEST VALUE SIDE/DOWN IMAGING

Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv

Garmin

The Striker Vivid 9sv is a budget-friendly option that brings clear CHIRP, SideVü and ClearVü imaging plus vivid color palettes to anglers who want combined side and down capability without complexity. It forgoes the advanced networking, Mega/Active Imaging and LiveSight features of HDS and SOLIX models, but its lower price, simple interface and solid sonar performance make it the best entry-level combined side/down imaging choice for casual anglers and first-time buyers.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Vivid colors

  • Fast targeting

  • Vivid colors

  • Fast targeting

Review Summary

84%

"Users appreciate the easy setup, vivid color palettes and solid side/down imaging for the price, though advanced anglers say image detail and features lag behind flagship units."

  • Plug-and-play

  • 9" unit offering CHIRP sonars with vivid color palettes and ClearVü/SideVü imaging for combined side and down views.

  • Plug-and-play

  • 9" unit offering CHIRP sonars with vivid color palettes and ClearVü/SideVü imaging for combined side and down views.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

The Striker Vivid 9sv is a budget-friendly option that brings clear CHIRP, SideVü and ClearVü imaging plus vivid color palettes to anglers who want combined side and down capability without complexity. It forgoes the advanced networking, Mega/Active Imaging and LiveSight features of HDS and SOLIX models, but its lower price, simple interface and solid sonar performance make it the best entry-level combined side/down imaging choice for casual anglers and first-time buyers.

  • Vivid colors

  • Fast targeting

  • Plug-and-play

  • 9" unit offering CHIRP sonars with vivid color palettes and ClearVü/SideVü imaging for combined side and down views.

  • Affordable entry to advanced imaging with built-in GPS and quick target ID features.

  • Vivid colors

  • Fast targeting

  • Plug-and-play

  • 9" unit offering CHIRP sonars with vivid color palettes and ClearVü/SideVü imaging for combined side and down views.

  • Affordable entry to advanced imaging with built-in GPS and quick target ID features.

Order Now
From 899.99$

How Side and Down Imaging Works and the Evidence Behind Better Fishfinding

Side and down imaging are acoustic imaging techniques that use sound pulses to create a picture of underwater features. 'Down imaging' sends focused pulses directly beneath the boat to show fish and structure in high detail. 'Side imaging' sends narrow, sideways scanning beams to map large swaths of water on both sides of the hull, revealing cover, rockpiles, weedlines and baitfish schools at distances well outside the boat track. Combining the two modes gives both broad situational awareness and fine-grained detail needed to identify target species and precise hold locations. Research and practical field tests by fisheries scientists and sonar manufacturers consistently show that higher resolution imaging and CHIRP-style broadband pulses improve target separation and reduce false positives, making it easier to distinguish fish from structure. Field comparisons also demonstrate that searching with side imaging covers far more area per pass than down-only approaches, while down imaging enhances identification directly under the transducer.

CHIRP and broadband pulses provide better target separation and clearer returns than single-frequency pulses, improving fish detection inside structure.

Higher frequency imaging produces finer detail but shorter range; lower frequencies have longer reach but less resolution. Choosing the right frequency balances coverage and detail.

Side imaging increases search efficiency by scanning tens of meters to each side of the boat, reducing the time needed to locate promising structure compared with down-only searches.

Simultaneous side and down imaging helps verify targets: a side return can show position and context while down imaging confirms depth and fish size under the boat.

University and fisheries agency field studies using modern imaging sonar show improved mapping of habitat features and more consistent fish location when high-resolution imaging is used alongside conventional echosounders.

In Canada in 2025 there is no shortage of great combined side and down imaging options. The five units highlighted on this page — Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G4N, Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, Lowrance HDS-9 LIVE, Humminbird SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3, and Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv — cover a range of budgets, screen sizes and advanced features. For anglers seeking the highest blend of MEGA-side clarity, a large bright display for Canadian daylight and cold conditions, and the most complete on-water toolset, the Humminbird SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3 stands out as the best overall choice among these five. We hope you found what you were looking for — you can refine or expand your search by product feature, screen size, or price using the search options on this site.

Discover More
  • CHIRP Sonar Units for Fishing
  • Dual Frequency Sonar Units for Fishing
  • Side Imaging Sonar Units for Fishing
  • Down Imaging Sonar Units for Fishing
  • High Resolution Multibeam Sonar Units for Fishing
  • Portable Handheld Sonar Units for Fishing
  • Kayak and Small Boat Sonar Units for Fishing

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