Lowrance hook reveals that 7 vs. 7x is a debate many anglers find themselves in. Multiple factors are to be considered when deciding on the better one. Begin with determining what your needs are going to be while out on the water.
The reviews on the Lowrance Hook Reveal aren’t too good when you compare the performance of different models.
Even though some medals from a similar line have been regarded as good options by most anglers, it is common to see complaints regarding the X models for the same product line.
You’ll need to be extra careful when finding a viable Lowrance model compatible with Genesis Live.
Queries on the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 vs. 7X models are common when users consider purchasing a new fish finder. The following information on how these units differ should give you a clear idea of what product will best match your existing setup.
Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 vs 7X
| Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 | Lowrance Hook Reveal 7x | |
| Expert Opinion | Expert Recommended | Not favored by experts |
| NMEA 2000 support | NMEA 2000 supported | Not supported |
| Pricing | Expensive | Cheap |
| Usage | Long term usage | Does not support long term usage |
| Personalization | Good personalization | Poor personalization |
Hook Reveal 7
The 7 model is the base unit in the Reveal line. It doesn’t have all the additional features of more expensive models. The main selling point of the 7 models is their price, which is significantly lower than that of the 7X.
What it offers: The resolution of the Hook Reveal 7 is 480×800px, which is a step down from the 720p offered by the 7X model. Even so, the clarity of the images produced by the 7 is still good enough for most anglers.
The 170-dollar price increment over the price of the standard X model might seem like a bad idea for most users, but it will serve you far better in the long run when storing waypoint and the Genesis Live maps.
Almost all experts recommend anglers to stay away from the 7X, and you will be much better off with the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7. Otherwise, you will just be struggling with storing waypoints and other map data in the unit.
The biggest advantage that the 7 has over the X model is the support for NMEA 2000. The other benefit of spending a few extra dollars is that the 7 comes with better scanning and charting abilities.
The personalization of the Hook Reveal 7 is what makes it superior to the 7X version. You won’t get the same utility from the 7X, and paying the extra 170 dollars for the Hook Reveal 7 will be your best purchase decision.
Instead of getting appealed by the better price point for the Lowrance 7X, stick with Hook Reveal 7 for long-term usage.
The GPS is also the other differentiator when choosing between these options. If you don’t have any other gadget on your boat to keep up with the GPS requirements, then you should always go for the option with GPS.
You will thank yourself for this purchase later in the season when the weather is a bit foggy.
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 is the only viable option when comparing these two units. Going with the Hook Reveal 7X won’t do you any good.
So, wait a while to extend your budget and only purchase the option that better matches the requirements of your fishing system.
Otherwise, you will just be wasting your money, and the lack of waypoint storage and mapping compatibility won’t do you any good.
Hook 7: Pros
- The Lowrance Hook 7 fish finder/chart plotter combo offers features and functions that anglers have come to expect from Lowrance.
- The Hook 7 has a large, bright 7-inch display with LED backlighting that is easy to see even in direct sunlight. The display resolution is 800 x 480 pixels.
- The Hook 7 comes preloaded with US Inland and Coastal cartography from C-MAP by Jeppesen.
- The Hook 7 has a built-in GPS antenna and can be used with external GPS antennas (sold separately) for even better accuracy.
- -he Hook 7 has a dual-core processor that provides fast map drawing and menu navigation.
- The Hook 7 is compatible with the LowranceOutdoors app so that you can download software updates
- The Hook 7 has a MicroSD card slot for storing additional maps and data.
- The Hook 7 comes with a transducer, power cable, and mounting brackets.
Hook 7: Cons
- The Hook 7 does not have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, so you cannot connect it to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly.
- The Hook 7 does not have a touch screen, so you will need to use the buttons on the unit to navigate the menus.
Hook Reveal 7X
Because of its better pricing, it is not rare to see anglers pick the 7X model. While most specifications between the 7X and the standard seven models are the same, you will likely ignore the compatibility options regarding Genesis Live and other mapping features.
Even though the plotted data will be uploaded to the centralized system, you won’t get any performance when it comes to accessing these charts.
The personalization options for the 7X are also not that good. So, even though you get a better price point, you will miss out on many features that come standard with the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7.
Owners are angry with the lack of compatibility with the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7X’s combability options.
The fact that this unit can’t access the same mapping data uploaded to the network annoys many anglers. So, if you don’t have any additional gadgets to help with the mapping, then going with the 7X is not a viable solution.
The price point is the biggest advantage of using the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7X. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles that the 7 model has, but it will serve you fine if you are tight on budget.
Another good thing about this unit is that it supports NMEA 2000, a must-have feature.
The GPS is also the other differentiator when choosing between these options. If you don’t have any other gadget on your boat to keep up with the GPS requirements, then you should always go for the option with GPS.
There are much better units on the market, and you will get more utility from an option that brings the GPS and plotting features to the setup.
It would help if you had an accessory with waypoint compatibility and other mapping features to help you with preloaded map data. That will save you a lot of time, and it will be much easier to consistently find better spots for your trip.
The other benefit of spending a few extra dollars is that the 7 comes with better scanning and charting abilities. The personalization of the Hook Reveal 7 is what makes it superior to the 7X version.
You won’t get the same utility from the 7X, and paying the extra 170 dollars for the Hook Reveal 7 will be your best purchase decision.
So, instead of getting appealed by the better price point for the Lowrance 7X, stick with Hook Reveal 7 for long-term usage.
The only nice thing about the 7X is the pricing of this unit. There are a ton of variants for the Hook Reveal 7X, and you will surely find an option that best suits your boat’s requirements.
However, if you’re not getting any plotting compatibility and the unit can’t access Genesis live features, then there is no point in spending your money on these options. Referring to local experts will help you find the perfect fit for your fishing boat.
Hook 7X: Pros
The Lowrance Hook 7x fish finder/chart plotter combo offers features and functions that anglers have come to expect from Lowrance.
- The Hook 7x has a large, bright 7-inch display with LED backlighting that is easy to see even in direct sunlight. The display resolution is 800 x 480 pixels.
- The Hook 7x comes preloaded with US Inland and Coastal cartography from C-MAP by Jeppesen.
- The Hook 7x has a dual-core processor that provides fast map drawing and menu navigation.
- The Hook 7x comes with a transducer, power cable, and mounting brackets.
Hook 7X: Cons
-The Hook 7x does not have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, so you cannot connect it to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly.
Which is the better option?
The Lowrance Hook 7 vs. 7x debate can be difficult to determine. Both units offer similar features and functions.
The difference between the two is the lack of wireless connectivity on the Hook 7x. If you need to be able to connect your fish finder/chart plotter combo to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly, then the Hook 7x is not the unit for you.
However, if you do not need wireless connectivity, either unit will work great.