The best feature overall is it's portability. I can't imagine having to some how "rig up" a regular depth finder for the tube. It's so nice being able to just wrap the Fishin' Buddy up with my rods, carry it down to the beach and slip it into the holder and instantly be ready to go. I also like it because I can use it on other boats. Occasionally we will take my brother-in-laws canoe out or my dad's ski boat up at the lake. With the bracket that came with the Fishin' Buddy I can easily move the device from one boat to another.

So while it may not be the all around "best" depth finder out there for me it is the "best" one.

Some of the new features (and I got the bottom of the line version) are adjustable gain, filters, etc.

For the type of fishing I do the Fishin' Buddy gives me all the information I need - depth, bottom type, structure, water temperature, and if I'm deep enough (which I'm usually not) it will find fish and baitfish.

I guess it boils down to how much work you want to put into it. Not only installing it but in carrying it from fishing spot to fishing spot.