For fishers wanting a no-fuss, compact sonar unit with basic GPS functionality, the Lowrance HOOK² 4x with Bullet Transducer and GPS Plotter is a practical and cost-effective choice. Designed with kayaks and small boats in mind, this unit balances simplicity, sonar performance, and portability—ideal for coastal fishing or anyone short on console space.
The HOOK² 4x is part of Lowrance’s broader HOOK² lineup, but it’s the Bullet version that suits lightweight setups. The 4.3-inch SolarMAX display is small but legible, even in bright daylight, and offers crisp sonar visuals. While the screen size won’t impress users of larger fishfinders, it gets the job done for reading depth, fish arches, and bottom contour—all from a unit that takes up minimal space and draws little power.
A standout feature is Autotuning sonar, which automatically adjusts settings to suit changing water conditions. This makes the HOOK² 4x particularly user-friendly, especially for those who don’t want to spend time manually dialling in sonar settings every time the tide or bottom changes. The Broadband Sounder technology also helps deliver wide-angle coverage, meaning you see more of the water column and can locate fish more efficiently.
This model includes a basic GPS plotter—a major plus at this price point. While it doesn’t support detailed mapping or charts, it lets you mark waypoints, follow your trail, and navigate back to productive fishing spots. That’s a huge advantage for small-boat anglers who need simple navigation without the complexity or cost of full-featured chartplotters.
In terms of transducer capability, the Bullet version supports wide-angle CHIRP sonar only. There’s no DownScan or SideScan here—those are available on the SplitShot and TripleShot models. But for most tinnie and kayak users, CHIRP sonar alone is more than sufficient for tracking bait, marking fish, and avoiding sudden depth changes.
Mounting is straightforward, and the interface is controlled by a basic keypad—intuitive and fast to use. For saltwater inshore work or freshwater lakes, it’s well suited.
User reviews are mixed. Some have praised its simplicity, affordability, and clarity; others have reported technical issues and confusion over transducer compatibility. It’s important to note that this is an entry-level unit, and expectations should be aligned with its capabilities.
In summary, the HOOK² 4x with Bullet Transducer and GPS Plotter is best for fishers looking for a simple, compact, and affordable fishfinder with basic GPS—perfect for kayaks, jetskis, and small boats exploring New Zealand’s inshore waters.
