Lowrance Hook2 Review On January 10, 2018
This review is done by Mark O'Neill Doctor Sonar Pro Staff
Lowrance first introduced the touch screen family of products to the fishing industry in 2012. While the touch screen does open doors for ease of operations that can be achieved by a single touch of the
screen as opposed using a cursor and clicking on various keys to achieve the same results, touch screens are expensive and that leads to higher costing units. With the new Lowrance Hook2, which is being labeled as the easiest-to-to use fish-finder, a similar interface as the HDS Touch/Gen 3/Carbon units has been incorporated, but without the touch screen. This leads to very easy to use operations where one incorporates the use of the cursor as opposed to just the touch screen to choose the desired function.
Additionally, the new Hook2 series has gone to a wider screen format on all models starting with the value priced Hook2-4X all the way up to the top end Hook2-12, which enables the user to now have more viewable screen area, which is especially nice when having three screens showing vertically at once.
For those that want a unit where one simply has to turn it on and fish, then this may be the unit for you. But there is much more to this unit than that if one desires. There are three different sonar modes, Au- to, Custom and then Ice Fishing. When run in Auto mode, the sonar will operated in the high chirp frequency and all functions are fully automatic. If one desires to make some adjustments or to change to 200 kHz, one simply changes to Custom mode and you have full adjustability. For those that ice fish, the Ice Fishing mode will enable another independent set of options that can be set and retained just for ice fishing, which I have to admit makes this a very attractive versatile device.
For most anglers the Auto mode will work just fine as the sonar cone angle has been increased to 44 degrees, which is about two times the range of most common sonars. So what does that mean for your average angler, the ability to see more fish.
Lowrance Provided Image
There are a number of different model choices to choose from, ranging from the very affordable Hook2-
4x to the top of the line Hook2-12 Combo. While the Hook2 is being targeted at the low-mid level tier product segment, the features available are very impressive with three different transducer options will be offered, the Bullet, SplitShot and TripleShot.
Lowrance Provided Images
In addition to sonar, Down and SideScan options, there are also GPS options that the consumer can choose between. Models choices range from sonar with GPS plotter (no mapping, but does include the ability to save and use waypoints and trails), and then combo units that add full GPS Mapping (micro SD slot for upgraded mapping and software updates.
The connectors, both transducer and power have changed from the traditional screw locking types used on the older Hook models to a press fit O-ring sealed style. The fit is a tight and seals well, so I do not see this as an issue.
Lowrance Provided Image
So as with any fish-finder, the bottom line is performance. One can taunt all the features one wants, but if the unit doesn’t perform, those features are meaningless. The Hook2 brings in new life to the Hook family of products as compared to its predecessor. In fact the Hook2 has very little in common with the previous generation of Hook models. The interface for the Hook2 is much simpler to operate, the
screen image is much clearer and the processor is lightning fast as compared to the original Hook models.
As far as performance on the water, the Hook2 performed extremely well. As stated, the sonar, DownScan and SideScan functions have an “auto” mode which enables the user to simply fish and not have to worry about fine tuning settings. For more the more advanced user, one does have the ability
to customize the settings if one so desires. Running the sonar and DownScan in auto, I had no issue seeing baitfish, predators and even my own bait while fishing.
Another nice change for the Hook2 is with mounting system of the units themselves, the 4 and 5 inch displays now incorporate a very well thought out base that is very solid and yet the unit can be easily removed when needed. This replaces the former Hook base for the smaller units which proved to be difficult at times or some end users.
Conclusion
The Hook2 product line will be a winner in my book, it definitely fills all voids that the earlier Hook versions had and then adds simplicity and more capabilities. With a range of 12 different configurations available in varied price ranges, there is a model for everyone based on their needs. Although designed for the entry to mid-level end user, anyone on the water will find value with this product.
Mark O’Neill
Doctor Sonar Pro Staff
