Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 DI

Although the PiranhaMAX 4 DI is one of the Humminbird fish finders released in 2016, it’s still available and hasn’t been discontinued yet. It’s also one of the highest-rated sonar-only Humminbird units. It is similar to the older PiranhaMAX 197c DI but does come with a few improvements. First of all, it features a wider display, with a richer pixel matrix. And second of all, it has a sturdier layout. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410160-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 4.3″ diagonal, color TFT with a 256 color range, 480H x 272V pixel resolution, with LED backlight
• Sonar: DualBeam, Down Imaging
• Depth Capability:
  • 2D: 600 feet (183 m)
  • DI: 320 feet (97.5 m)
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 2D: 200 kHz / 28° and 455 kHz / 16°
  • DI: 455 kHz / 75°
• Transducer: Transom XNT 9 DI T
• Power Output: 300 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• Power Draw: 180 mA
• GPS: No
• Maps: No

Sonar and transducer

Most Humminbird fish finders are supplied with a transducer, and the PiranhaMAX 4 DI doesn’t make an exception. The transducer supplied with this unit is the XNT 9 DI T, which comes with a transom mount and integrates a water temperature sensor. As it’s name suggests, it supports the unit’s Down Imaging sonar as well, not just the 2D.

In terms of sonar, the unit offers DualBeam (2D) sonar and Down Imaging. For DualBeam traditional sonar it’s capable of using two frequencies: 200 kHz and 455 kHz. For these two frequencies, the transducer will use conical sonar beams, with beam angles of 28° for 200 kHz and 16° for 455 kHz. Differently put, its 2D traditional sonar doesn’t have extreme coverage but nonetheless can help you scan the water for fish targets or structure.

The unit’s 2D sonar is only “DualBeam”, and not “DualBeam Plus”. This means the unit can use only one sonar beam at the time, not both of them simultaneously. It also does not have a split-screen function.

On the other hand, for Down Imaging sonar, the unit uses a much wider beam, of 75° for its only 455 kHz channel. The DI sonar beam is not conical, but rather thin, similar to a scanner’s beam.

This unit does not have CHIRP sonar technology. However, it does offer a 2.5″ target separation, which is not bad for a small unit. Plus, the Down Imaging sonar is great for observing and understanding structure or telling fish apart from vegetation.

Since it’s a smaller unit and does not support 50 kHz frequencies, its depth capabilities are limited. With the supplied transducer, the unit can scan depths up to 600 ft (183 m) for 2D, and up to 320 ft (97.5 m) for DI. The recommended boat speed for crystal clear images is between 1 and 6 MPH. However, the unit should be able to provide a bottom reading at speeds up to 30 MPH.

Just like the older models, the PiranhaMAX 4 DI offers the same integrated sonar functions and applications. Among them, we can count Fish ID+ , Structure ID, Bottom View and various alarms.

The Fish ID+ function assigns fish symbols to the suspended targets. In other words the fish will be represented by small fish icons, rather than the raw sonar arches. However, the Fish ID+ can also be misleading, as it may erroneously interpret various other targets such as debris or suspended vegetation, and give them fish icons. But still, it’s a function great to have, especially if you’re not familiar with the raw sonar view.

When it comes to alarms, the unit has three: Fish Alarm, Battery Alarm, and Depth Alarm. For the Fish Alarm, there are 3 fish size options such as “Large, Medium and Small” and you can choose one of them or all so that the unit will sound when it detects a fish that corresponds to the setting. The Battery Alarm sounds when the battery voltage is equal or less than the menu setting. The Depth Alarm will sound when the depth is equal or less than the selected value.

Structure ID is a function that represents the weak returns as light pixels, while the strong returns will be darker. And finally, there’s also a WhiteLine function which highlights the strongest sonar return in white, resulting in a more distinctive bottom contour.

Control unit features

The PiranhaMAX 4 DI features a display similar to the Lowrance HOOK-4 unit, 4.3″ diagonal, with a pixel matrix of 480V x 272H. The display is color and LED backlit, offering excellent readability in direct sunlight, or when fishing at night. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand incidental water exposure. Like most other 4-inch fish finders, it does not have touchscreen technology.

The unit does not offer NMEA or Ethernet networking options. It also cannot record sonar or transfer any data.

Finally, the box includes a tilt-swivel mount for the unit, and a transom mount for the transducer. However, for the control unit, there’s also the option of an in-dash mounting kit.

The Pros

• DualBeam and Down Imaging sonar, supporting 200/455 kHz for 2D, and 455 kHz for DI;
• Transducer XNT 9 DI T with transom mount and temperature sensor, included;
• 600 ft max. depth capability;
• Various functions included, such as Fish ID, Bottom
  View, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm etc;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• Color display;
• Fairly easy to install;
• Affordable.

The Cons

• Can only use one sonar frequency at the time;
• No upgrade options;
• No unit cover.

Summary

The Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 DI is a fish finder slightly above basic since it does offer two types of sonar: DualBeam and Down Imaging. The XNT 9 DI T transducer which supports both the unit’s frequencies, is supplied with the box. This fish finder has a max. depth capability of 600 ft, which means you can also use it for off-shore fishing, as long as you remain close to the shore. It’s great for kayaks and small boats, easy to install and maintain. And finally, it is one of the most affordable fish finders without GPS and one of the best fish finders under $300.