Summary

I) Technical characteristics
  1. Comparison table of the 2 devices
II) The differences between devices
  1. The stirrups
  2. The Helm function
  3. Radar compatibility
  4. Networking
III) Conclusion
  1. Make your choice

HOW TO CHOOSE between ECHOMAP ULTRA AND GPSMAP XSV

In just a few years, Garmin has established itself as a leader in boat electronics. The product lines are extensive and it can sometimes be difficult to choose among the various models of fishfinders. Echomap In this comparison, you'll find all the information you need to choose between a Echomap Ultra and a GPSMAP XSV.

I) Technical characteristics
  1. Comparison table of the 2 devices
II) The differences between devices
  1. The stirrups
  2. The Helm function
  3. Radar compatibility
  4. Networking
III) Conclusion
  1. Make your choice

HOW TO CHOOSE between ECHOMAP ULTRA AND GPSMAP XSV?

In just a few years, Garmin has established itself as a leader in boat electronics. The product lines are extensive and it can sometimes be difficult to choose among the various models of fishfinders. Echomap In this comparison, you'll find all the information you need to choose between a Echomap Ultra and a GPSMAP XSV.


TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comparison table ECHOMAP ULTRA / gpsmap xsv

Here are the main differences between the two Garmin fishfinders

Echomap Ultra

GPSMap XSV

Quick stirrup

✔️

Helm

✔️

Radar

✔️

Network

✔️

✔️

Sounder power

600w

1000w

Anti-glare screen

✔️

Voltage

9/18 V

9/32 V


Comparative : LEARN MORE

Quick SlingBar or CLASSIC WHEELBAR

TheEchomap Ultra has a quick-release bracket, which means that all of the connections (sensor cables, power supply, etc.) are plugged into the bracket. The unit can be easily removed and stored overnight or until the next fishing session. 

The GPSMap XSV has a normal knurled clamp that is easily removed, but all the cables are plugged into the unit. This means that each time you remove the unit, you'll have to unplug the cables, one by one, and leave them dangling on the dashboard. That's why the GPSMap XSV is intended for fixed use and is more likely to be mounted on the dashboard.

Echomap Ultra quick release bracket
GPSMAP xsv Classic Wheel Bracket

HELM FUNCTION ON GPSMAP XSV

The HELM feature is only available on GPSMAP XSV

But what is it? With HELM, you remotely control your Garmin GPS fishfinder by sharing its screen on a smartphone or tablet via the Active Captain application. It's a great way to view your sonar or chart from another part of the boat. The HELM feature also lets you capture videos and screenshots of the screen directly from the sonar unit to share with your community.

HELM mobile screen sharing and video recording
GPSMAP XSV with Garmin radar

RADAR COMPATIBILITY ON GPSMAP XSV

The GPSMAP XSV is a multifunction display. It has sounder, GPS, plotter functionality, but is especially radar upgradeable thanks to the Ethernet port on the back.It can also support FLIR cameras, Garmin GRID keyboard, FUSION-Link audio system , broadcast from a VIRB camera.

TheEchomap ULTRA also has an Ethernet port, but it is not radar compatible because its software does not support the function.

NETWORKING

The Echomap Ultra and GPSMAP XSV GPS fishfinders are equipped with an Ethernet port, which allows them to be networked. For example, several Echomap units can be linked together to share the screen from one to the other, with the sonar view on the first, the chart on the second, the radar on the third, etc. It also allows you to have multiple screens in different parts of the boat for easy control.

2 GPSMAPs in a network, one displays the sonar, the other the chart

ConClusion

TheEchomap ULTRA and the GPSMap XSV have some common features, such as the sonar and the accepted technologies (SideVu, ClearVu...). However, there are some differences between them:

  • TheEchomap Ultra stands out for its portability, thanks to thequick release clip . You can clip it on and off easily: An asset for day anglers on open boats who need to secure their device every night.
  • The GPSMAP is more scalable. Indeed, it is radar compatible, has the Helm function allowing the sharing of the screen on the phone as well as the capture of video from the device which is recorded on the SD card. It is also equipped with a 1000w sounder module against 600w for theEchomap Ultra. But it is intended for a fixed use.

In the end, what will guide your choice between Echomap Ultra and GPSMap XSV will certainly be the price and the evolution perspectives of your installation(addition of radar...).

EchoMAP ULTRA 122 sv
GPS sondeur echomap ultra 122sv

TheEchoMAP Ultra 122sv CHIRP from Garmin is a hybrid GPS Plotter Sounder: touch + button with a 12″ screen. It incorporates an ultra-sensitive GPS antenna and a sounder with all the best technologies: 2D CHIRP HW, Ultra ClearVü CHIRP and Ultra SideVü CHIRP for excellent fish detection performance.

GPSMap 1223 xsv
Ecran multifonction gps traceur sondeur gpsmap 1223 xsv

The GPSMAP 1223xsv from Garmin is a GPS Plotter with a 12″ IPS touch screen display for wider viewing angles. It incorporates an ultra-sensitive 10Hz GPS antenna and a CHIRP 1kW fishfinder with technologies: 2D CHIRP, ClearVü CHIRP and Sidevü CHIRP Ultra High Definition thanks to the Vivid color palette for excellent fish detection performance.