Lowrance HOOK2-7x SplitShot

The HOOK2-7x SplitShot is one of the fish finders released by Lowrance in 2018. As opposed to the HOOK2-7 SplitShot unit that we’ve previously covered here, this one only has a basic GPS plotter for navigation. It doesn’t have charts, nor it can be upgraded with any charts. For reference, this is the Lowrance part number 000-14020-001. Also, a new version was released in 2020, so you might want to check out the Hook Reveal 7x SplitShot.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ 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
• Charts: No

Sonar and transducer

This Lowrance fish finder includes the SplitShot transducer, which is a replacement for the older HDI transducer. As opposed to the older HDI transducer, the SplitShot model is only capable of 200 kHz for the unit’s 2D sonar, but uses a High-Wide CHIRP conical beam, with a coverage of approx. 40° and a depth capability of 500 ft. (153 m) which is more than enough for freshwater fishing.

For DownScan, the SplitShot transducer can use the classic 455/800 kHz scanning frequencies. The beams are fan-shaped, offering a slightly superior coverage than the 2D beam (although the beam angles are not specified). The maximum depth capability for this system’s DownScan sonar is 300 ft (91 m) at 455 kHz.

The SplitShot transducer features a plastic shell but does have a metallic transom mount. Its top has a small ledge with cutouts which give you the possibility to attach it to a trolling motor. It integrates a temperature sensor, it has 20′ (6m) of cable, with an 8-pin connector.

This unit has automated sonar settings. Its Sonar Autotuning gives you the possibility 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.

Other sonar functions available with this unit are the Fish ID mode, the Circular Flasher, Depth Alarm, Colorline, Fish Alarm, Bottom Range, Depth Off-Set and more. Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind are not available with this unit, though.

Navigation features

One of the features that make this unit considerably better than its predecessor, the HOOK-7x CHIRP is the GPS plotter. The older “X” unit didn’t have any navigation features whatsoever; the newer 2018 unit does have a basic GPS plotter. The GPS receiver is internal and capable of using the EGNOS, WAAS, and MSAS satellites.

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit doesn’t have any charts and cannot be upgraded with any charts. The GPS plotter uses a blank sheet, on which you can mark waypoints, record your trail, or create routes. Each waypoint is created in accordance with its real global coordinates.

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

Control unit features

The Lowrance HOOK2-7x SplitShot is equipped with a 7-inch, color, SolarMAX display which has adjustable LED backlight. It offers a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V providing an excellent quality of images. It also offers a great readability in direct sunlight. It’s keypad operated; it doesn’t have touchscreen technology such as the Elite-7 Ti model.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof; this means it’s built to withstand incidental water exposure or rain, and even immersions in freshwater. Its connectors create a very tight seal and shouldn’t sustain damage from water exposure if properly attached.

One of the aspects that we must mention here with regards to this Lowrance fish finder is that it does not have a split-view feature. In other words, you cannot view the 2D and DownScan sonar in split-view, only one at the time, in full-screen mode.

In terms of connectivity, this unit doesn’t offer NMEA or Ethernet support. It also doesn’t have microSD card reader. Its only two connectors are the 8-pin one for the transducer and the power cable plug.

The Pros

• 2D High-Wide CHIRP Sonar;
• DownScan sonar;
• SplitShot 2-in-1 transducer included;
• Depth capability of 500 ft (153 m)
• Sonar Autotuning;
• Fast and accurate GPS plotter;
• Waypoints, trails and routes functions;
• SolarMAX color display;
• Adjustable backlight for superior readability;
• Split-screen view up to 4 panels per view;
• Various functions included, such as Fish ID, Flasher, Colorline, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm etc;
• Gimbal bracket mount included;
• Fairly easy to install;
• One year warranty.

The Cons

• No split-view feature – you can only view one application at the time;
• No NMEA or Ethernet ports;
• No unit cover.

Summary

The Lowrance HOOK2-7x SplitShot is a CHIRP/DownScan fish finder with basic navigation capabilities. It includes the SplitShot transducer which is capable of 200/455/800 kHz frequencies and backs the unit’s 2D & DownScan sonar technologies. 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. Even though it has a GPS plotter it’s still cheaper than the older HOOK-7x CHIRP unit. In all, it’s an excellent fish finder for the price.