Lowrance HOOK2-5x SplitShot

The HOOK2-5x GPS SplitShot is one of the Lowrance fish finders released in 2018. The unit and the transducer are basically the same as for the HOOK2-5 SplitShot model, except that this one doesn’t support mapping, only a basic GPS plotter for navigation. For reference, this is the Lowrance part number 000-14016-001. Also, at the beginning of 2020, Lowrance has released a new version which has the Genesis Live feature, the Hook Reveal 5x SplitShot.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, WVGA color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: High Wide-Angle CHIRP & DownScan
• Max. Depth Capability:
  • 500 ft (153 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  • 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 2D Sonar: 200 kHz / 40°
  • DownScan: 455/800 kHz
• Transducer: SplitShot (000-14028-001)
• Power Output:
  • 2D CHIRP Sonar: 200 Watts (RMS)
  • DownScan: Max. 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Supply: 12 VDC (10.4-17 VDC min-max)
• GPS: Internal
• Maps: No

Sonar and transducer

As we’ve mentioned above, this is the Lowrance HOOK2-5x part number 000-14016-001 and includes the SplitShot transducer part number 000-14028-001. This is a plastic transducer but comes with a metallic transom mount. However, it can also be mounted on a trolling motor. This transducer integrates a temperature sensor, it has approx. 20′ (6m) of cable and an 8-pin connector.

The unit is capable of two types of sonar: Wide Angle CHIRP and DownScan Imaging. With the included SplitShot transducer, the unit can use both these types of sonar. The system can use only one frequency for its 2D Wide Angle CHIRP sonar, this being 200 kHz, while for DownScan it can use two frequencies, 455/800 kHz.

For the High CHIRP sonar, the transducer uses a conical beam with a coverage of approx. 40°. For DownScan, the beams are fan-shaped, similar to the beams of a scanner, but their side-to-side coverage is a bit wider than for the 2D beam. The exact beam widths are not specified, though.

Since it’s a fish finder system intended for freshwater use, the Lowrance HOOK2-5x GPS SplitShot doesn’t offer extreme depth capabilities. However, it can reach depths of 500 ft (153 m) when using the High CHIRP sonar. The depth capabilities of the DownScan sonar are 300 ft (91 m) @ 455 kHz, and 150 ft (46 m) @ 800 kHz. Also, the recommended speed for the best quality imaging is up to 5-6 MPH, but the system should still offer a good bottom reading even at higher boat speeds.

Automated Sonar Settings are available with this fishfinder. This feature allows you to spend more time fishing and less time tuning the unit. It actively adjusts the sonar settings as the fishing conditions change. In all, it’s a plug-and-fish depth finder.

The unit offers several other sonar applications along with the CHIRP sonar and DownScan sonar. For example, it has the Circular Flasher mode, Fish ID, Shallow Alarm, Depth Alarm, Bottom Range, etc. However, since it’s a more basic unit than the HOOK2-5 (without the “x”), it doesn’t offer Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind.

Navigation

Since it’s a HOOK2 X model, this Lowrance unit doesn’t have GPS mapping, only a basic GPS plotter, similar to the one available with the Garmin Striker PLUS units. Evidently, the GPS antenna is internal; the number of GPS channels and the GPS frequency are not specified (it’s probably a 5 Hz GPS, though, which should update your position 5 times per second).

Like any other GPS plotter, the one available with the Lowrance HOOK2-5x SplitShot consists of a blank page on which you can mark waypoints, records trails and create routes. The system automatically tracks and draws the vessel’s movement on the white sheet of the plotter. Each created waypoint has an exact global position with the latitude and longitude coordinates.

A Man-Over-Board (MOB) function is also available. It’s actually a different way to save an emergency waypoint. In other words, you can create a MOB waypoint at the current vessel’s location by pressing both zoom keys of the unit simultaneously.

Control unit features

The Lowrance HOOK2-5x SplitShot features a 5-inch diagonal display, with a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V. It’s a SolarMax type display that integrates an adjustable LED backlight providing very sharp images and excellent visibility in direct sunlight.

The unit is keypad operated. It doesn’t have touchscreen technology such as the Lowrance Elite-5 Ti, for example. The usage of its functions and navigation through the menus is done exclusively from the keypad on the right. Its interface is highly intuitive and easy to use. It’s important to mention, though, that the unit doesn’t have a split-view feature. Differently put, you can only view and use one application at the time; you cannot view the 2D sonar and the DownScan sonar in split-screen.

Since it’s a Lowrance fish finder that doesn’t use charts, it also doesn’t have a microSD or SD card slot. It also doesn’t offer NMEA or Ethernet integration.

Last but not least, a quick-release classic bracket mount and a front-dash kit are included. A unit cover is not included.

The Pros

• Wide-angle Broadband Sonar (200 kHz/40°);
• DownScan Imaging Sonad (455/800 kHz)
• SplitShot HDI skimmer transducer included;
• Depth capability – 500 ft (153 m)
• Sonar Autotuning;
• Fish ID feature included;
• Circular Flasher feature included;
• Depth Alarm and Shallow Water Alarm;
• Water temperature reading;
• Simple and accurate GPS plotter;
• Waypoints, routes, and track plotting functions;
• SolarMAX™ display offering excellent readability from sharp angles.
• Quick-release bracket and flush mount;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• No sonar recording function;
• No split-view function;
• No A-scope function.

Summary

The Lowrance HOOK2-5x SplitShot is a CHIRP/DownScan fish finder which also has a basic GPS plotter. It includes the SplitShot HDI transducer which is capable of 200/455/800 kHz frequencies and backs the unit’s 2D and DownScan sonar. It has a depth capability of 500 ft (153 m) which makes it perfect for freshwater fishing, but also for saltwater fishing if you don’t go too far offshore. It’s a unit that focuses on offering the most necessary fish finding and navigation features at the most affordable price.