Before changing the Hook series, Lowrance asked anglers what they really want in these units. Turns out, they want less — less futzing with controls, cables and add-on modules. And they want combo units that are affordable.
Lowrance delivered. The new Hook2 series serves as a prime example of how less can be more. For example, the auto-tuning feature actively corrects the sonar setting for the clearest underwater view. That means less time spent adjusting the sensitivity and more time finding fish.
The Hook2 series comes in 12-, 9-, 7-, 5- and 4-inch display sizes, and most include full navigational capability and pre-loaded, high-detail mapping with 1-foot contours. A wide-beam-angle broadband sounder and chirp fish finder have more than double the sonar coverage of most other models.
The Hook2 series also offers SideScan and DownScan Imaging. Bundled features include packages called TripleShot (3-in-1 sonar with High CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan Imaging), SplitShot (2-in-1 sonar with High CHIRP and DownScan Imaging), and Bullet (vertical 4-inch display with broadband sounder). With the exception of Bullet, models include a built-in chart plotter for saving waypoints and navigation to favorite fishing spots.
On the downside, none of the Hook2 units feature touchscreen operations, but the menu-driven user interface is simple to use. I found access to functions quick and easy.
Lowrance kept prices at affordable levels, with MSRPs as low as $99 for the 4-inch model. The priciest 12-inch model is $1,499. To learn more, visit lowrance.com.
