The big diference in wattage depends on what kind of transducer you have. Single double triple or 6 beam. Also if it has a 3d feature it will use more wattage.Garmin and eagle pretty make good products.(check out Zercon if you have the chance) I have the Humminbird Wide Paramount. It list's for about $600(paid $380 from a friend) and has a true 1000 watt tribeam TD. I believe if i remember right 400watts went to the center beam to get an accurate read of the bottom depth and high detail. And the remainder split between the 2 45 degree offset beams for better fishfinding capabilities. Wattage is ALL the difference. It doesn't only mean deeper, it's more on the side of detail and area covered. Mine has everything i could want except one thing, GPS. Eagle makes an awesome gps high wattage, low price, big screen, fish finder with sidefind, temp,speed,1000watts 1000ft depth and true fish arch(air bladder)display detail. Something to look at. If i hadn't bought the Wide Paramount i would have got the Eagle/Gps. It was under $500 and i saw it at the Tacoma Narrows Bait and Tackle shop. I believe it even had an optional graph printer so you can make hard copies. Can't remember though. Make a wise choice grasshoppa. Try www.outlaw.com they may have it too.

D