The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is a sonar unit that you can utilize during your fishing trip. Compatible with many types of other Humminbird electronics, this useful little gadget is perfect for scanning through the waters to be able to hook the best fish.
“Sonar” is actually an acronym that stands for SOund Navigation And Ranging. Products like the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 work by propagating sound waves through the water. The pulses that have been emitted from the sonar can detect movement and debris in the water by bouncing back and to be received by the unit. The unit then displays the objects on-screen and converts them to readable data.
The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is capable of detecting fish even in conditions of zero visibility. No matter how murky or dark the waters may be, the sonar is capable of bringing back information because of its unique use of hydroacoustics. Sonar is more reliable for fishing because sound can travel through the water and is more reliable that using camera technology that requires light and a clear field of vision.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 Features
The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is a very portable sonar and has a compact, 4 inch screen display. It has high resolution 8 level grey scale graphics that displays information in real time. Little symbols representing fish and other items like underwater flora and debris can be seen on the screen. It is a great tool to have if you need an at-a-glance look at what lies beneath the depths. The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 features are as follows:
- Dual beam sonar – the dual beam sonar allows you to scope out a larger area than a single beam sonar. The first beam gives you detailed information about what can be found in the immediate vicinity of the sonar, while the second beam collects information from a broader area but with less detail. You can use one or both readings to help you find the areas with the most fish.
- Sonar coverage – The dual beam can read up to depths of 800 ft. The first beam is 83 kHz / 60º at -10 dB, while the second beam is 200 kHz / 20º at -10 dB.
- High resolution display – The high resolution screen colours operate on an 8 level grey scale. It has a 240 V x 160 H pixel display matrix, and a 4 inch display screen size.
- Power output – The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 has a 1600 Watts PTP power output.
- Temperature – It includes temperature readings in the water.
- Backlight – The unit has a backlight so that you can see the readings even when it is dark
- Waterproof – The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is fully waterproof and can be used outdoors in the rain with no issues.
- Easy to position – the mount is a simple tilt and swivel mount so that you can position the display in a way that suits you.
- Compact – The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 takes up little space. The whole unit only measures about 5 x 6 x 3 inches.
Our thoughts on the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170
The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is a great sonar that is simple to use with an easy to understand user interface. The dual beam sonar technology that is included in the unit allows for more accurate and detailed readings, because you receive information from both beams. The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is also quite small, and is a good choice if you need something compact for your boat.