Simrad GO7 XSE Review
Simrad GO7 XSE is a fish finder/chartplotter combo with similar features to Lowrance Elite-7 Ti, including the Broadband 2D CHIRP and StructureScan technologies as well as the same chart package. The overall design is quite different, however.
This Simrad GO7 XSE review will cover the Simrad GO7 XSE 000-12671-001 part number model, which comes with preloaded US Insight charts and the TotalScan transducer, so keep on reading to learn more about it and see if it meets your fishing requirements or not.
Pros & Cons
- 2D CHIRP + StructureScan
- TotalScan transducer
- Low CHIRP capable
- Excellent display readability
- High-precision GPS
- US Insight charts + compatibility with many premium packages
- TripIntel
- MicroSD card reader + NMEA 2000 port
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Touchscreen-only controls
Specifications
| Specifications | Simrad GO7 XSE |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging and Side Imaging |
| Sonar | 2D CHIRP, StructureScan (SideScan and DownScan) |
| Transducer | TotalScan with transom mount |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, 16:9 aspect ratio, WVGA color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight |
| Dimensions | 9.26" Width x 5.95" Height x 3" Depth |
| Weight | 526 g (1.16 lbs) |
| Batteries | Not Specified |
| Depth Capability | 1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan |
| Frequency | 50/83/200/455/800 kHz 300′ (91 m) on each side – 455 kHz SideScan 100′ (30 m) on each side – 800 kHz SideScan |
| Power Output | Max 500 Watts (RMS) |
| Power Input | 12 vDC (10-17 vDC min-max) |
| GPS | internal |
| Maps | Insight Maps |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | Waypoints: 10,000 |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | yes |
| MicroSD card slot | yes |
Display/Screen
Simrad GO7 XSE features a 7” LCD WVGA color screen with a pixel matrix of 800 x 480, multi-touch technology, and LED backlight, which allows you to observe scans without any difficulties, even in direct sunlight. You can either opt for a bracket of flush mount. The latter can be combined well with a sun cover. Unlike the aforementioned Lowrance model, GO7 XSE does not come with a keyboard, which means you will use it like you would a regular tablet. The UI is beginner-friendly, customizable, and very intuitive.
The unit’s waterproof rating is IP-X7, which means you should not have any problems with rain, water splashes, and even complete immersion in 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the device has not been tested against solid outside objects like dust and dirt, for example.
Sonar & Transducer
The unit implements several scanning technologies, including 2D CHIRP, StructureScan (Side and DownScan), and ForwardScan. However, the provided TotalScan transducer is only capable of covering 83/200 kHz for 2D and 455/800 kHz for Side/DownScan. In other words, if you want the ForwardScan functionality, you will need to upgrade the transducer. The same goes if you want to cover the 50 kHz frequency for deep water scans.
With the provided transducer, the unit can reach 1,000ft at 83 kHz, 500ft at 200 kHz, and around 300ft with Side/DownScan. The bottom reading will be kept at 55 MPH, but the best scanning quality and target identification results will be achieved at around 10 MPH.
The TotalScan transducer utilizes conical beams for 2D scans and thin beams for StructureScan that should also have a greater scope. However, the manufacturer does not specify the overall coverage.
When it comes to additional sonar functions, Simrad GO7 XSE comes with Fish ID, A-Scope, Depth Line, BottomLock, Overlay DownScan, and sonar recording. The provided transducer also comes with a transom mount, around 24ft of power cable, and a temperature sensor.
Navigation
As we already mentioned in this Simrad GO7 XSE review, the unit comes with Insight USA charts that cover more than 8,000 US rivers and lakes with comprehensive shoreline details, relief shading, contour lines, and depth soundings up to 1,000ft. You can also upgrade the package to C-MAP MAX-N and Navionics+ or Navionics Hotmaps and Hotspots. The unit utilizes Insight Genesis charts and allows you to upload your scan logs to Insight Genesis and create your custom maps.
The TripIntel feature will track and display all the essential information you will ever need in order to plan a safe fishing trip. Apart from trip history (the routes you took and boat performance), this functionality will also allow you to observe the fuel range overlaid on specific charts and access current/future tide levels.
Simrad GO7 XSE is equipped with a built-in 10 Hz GPS module ideal for fast fishing vessels. Apart from tracking your movement in real-time, the unit will also show you the speed of your boat. When it comes to waypoints, you can store up to 10,000 with a very respectable palette of different icons. The system includes support for C-MAP Easy Routing and Navionics Routing for routes and will draw your boat’s movement automatically on the chart panel. You can always save your tracks and convert them to routes for later use.
Networking
Simrad GO7 XSE comes with a microSD card reader as well as NMEA 2000 port. It also features an integrated Wi-Fi model with direct access to GoFree cloud services, which include software updates, map downloads, and more.
What's In The Box
- Simrad GO7 (XSE)
- Documentation
- Transducer with combined power cable
- Mounting bracket
- Bolts, nuts and screws
Verdict
Simrad GO7 XSE is an excellent fish finder/chartplotter combo with numerous sonar and navigation functionalities. It comes with 2D CHIRP sonar as well as StructureScan, high-precision 10 Hz GPS module, and US Insight charts.
The unit provides you with decent networking options, including a microSD card reader, NMEA 2000 slot, and Wi-Fi module with GoFree and Bluetooth connectivity. The UI is very intuitive and easy to use, but the unit is exclusively operated via touchscreen commands.
With the provided TotalScan transducer, Simrad GO7 XSE is a pretty versatile device primarily intended for small-to-medium recreational vessels and inland fishing trips. You can also use it to go off-shore, but we recommend upgrading the transducer if you are about to scan a deeper body of water.