The Humminbird Fishin’ Buddy portable fish finder series currently has several models for purchase. They include, in ascending price, the Hummingbird 110, 120, 130 and 140 model units. As the model number and subsequent price increase, there are additional later features that lesser models lack.
All models, except the 110, have a single beam down beam and side sonar at 240 feet and 120 feet, respectively. They all have the same power output at 125 watts RMS (roots mean square) and 1,000 watts, peak-to-peak. They all have a built-in thermometer, are water resistant, backlit, clip on to a portable clip, have a target interval of 2.5 inches and run on 6 AA batteries. Now let us discuss the differences between all the four models.
The Humminbird 110 Fishin’ Buddy is the base unit in the series at an entry level price. The current manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $119.99. For just under $120, you’ll have a portable fish finder that will find fish, but not have all the bells and whistles of the more advanced models. Most anglers looking for a cheap fish finder will be completely satisfied with this unit.
One level higher than the 110 is the Humminbird 120 Fish Finder with an MRSP of $169.99. So, for fifty dollars more, what do you get? You get a higher resolution screen, with 8 gray levels instead of the 4 levels sonar and sideways plus one down beam. Is the added screen resolution and grayscale another fifty bucks? Probably not, but side sonar is definitely an added bonus.
Next in line is the Humminbird 130 Portable Fish Finder with an MSRP of $219.99. What do you get for another fifty dollars? It has a higher resolution, 16-level vs. 8-level grayscale display and a telescoping 24-40-inch transducer pole instead of the fixed 24-inch pole of the previous two models. The power adapter accessory will be especially useful for those who plan to use the fish finder on different sized boats, kayaks or float tubes.
Then there’s the top of the line, the deluxe Humminbird 140 Fishin’ Buddy with an MSRP of $269.99. For another fifty bucks, you can get a color screen. Everything else on this unit is the same as the 130. Most users say the black and white screen works just fine for them, but for those who really want the added contrast of a color screen, you might want to consider this unit. The color screen will help distinguish between plant species, schools of fish and individual fish.
For a portable fish finder, Humminbird offers a very good deal with this series no matter which unit you choose. Other brands to consider are the Norcross Hawkeye F33P, Garmin 140 or 300c, and even the Humminbird Piranhamax 230 portable fish finder. It depends on what features are important to you and what you’re willing to spend. Whatever model you choose, having a portable unit will now allow you to find fish wherever you need it.