Simrad NSS16 EVO3S Review

Quick Overview

Many people from all walks of life choose fishing as their leisurely hobby, and it’s easy to see why.

There is plenty of fishing tech to use these days to help you get your prized catch.

Among these is a fish finder, a navigation device that will eliminate the most challenging part of fishing—finding the best fishing spot.

This Simrad NSS16 EVO3S review will show you how this multi-function unit can level up your fishing game.

About Simrad

Simrad Yachting goes all the way back to 1946 when brilliant pioneers in marine technology came together to unite.

The brand name came from Simonsen Radio, which started as a company converting surplus radios for commercial fishing vessels after World War II.

At present, they manufacture marine electronics for both leisure and professional markets along with Lowrance, Inc.

These two brands now belong to the Navico Group, the largest manufacturer of leisure marine electronics globally.

Simrad Yachting creates a wide range of navigation instruments that can withstand challenging conditions and offer navigation solutions.

The brand believes and makes sure that its electronic products have the durability and functionality you need while out on the water.

Simrad NSS16 EVO3S Review

The Simrad NSS16 EVO3S is the brand’s premium fish finder and chart plotter with a multi-function display.

It is a high definition 16-inch multi-function fish finder with a chart plotter preloaded with C-Map.

Released on the market on April 30, 2020, it is one of the latest additions to Simrad’s marine electronics devices.

The team from Simrad made some significant upgrades from the previous model for a smoother navigation experience.

As part of the upgrade, they added a powerful processor, allowing for quicker transitions between screens and pages.

Who Is This Product For?

The Simrad NSS16 EVO3S comes with significant upgrades, especially the processor that improves the smoothness and speed of the operation.

It is the ideal equipment for sportfishing professionals and powerboating enthusiasts looking for an excellent navigation device.

This device will be an excellent upgrade for marine professionals who navigate the water on a smaller screen.

Even entry-level boaters and fishing lovers will be thrilled about this unit’s functional durability.

What’s Included?

Inside the box, you will find the Simrad NSS16 EVO3S, the gimbal mounting brackets together with the knobs, and a pair of edge bezels.

You will also receive connector covers, a dash mounting kit, a power cable, and a sun cover.

As you can see, you have several mounting options in the gimbal mounting bracket and the dash mount kit.

The gimbal mounting bracket with knobs lets you secure the Simrad fish finder for easier tilting and swiveling while out on the water.

On the other hand, the dash mount kit will allow you to flush or panel-mount the Simrad on the console.

Overview of the Features

The Simrad NSS16 EVO3S has a full high definition 16-inch display and the new high-performance iMX8 processor.

It is a powerful processor that lets you change pages quickly, transitioning from one screen to another.

• Huge Display

The 16-inch high-definition colored display of the Simrad NSS16 EVO3S offers an ultra-clarity screen using SolarMAX IPS.

It also provides a 1080V x 1920H pixel matrix with additional brightness and LED backlight.

The unit’s wide viewing angle allows you to keep the screen in your sight from anywhere.

It is a crucial factor when you don’t have the luxury of keeping your eyes glued to the screen at all times.

Performing other tasks while seeing the boat’s current position is vital to the success of your fishing adventure.

• Touchscreen Controls

Most people, especially from the marine world, would highly appreciate touchscreen technology for fishing equipment.

Out of the box, you will see how responsive the screen is with the lightest touch, which some say is similar to a smartphone.

With Simrad’s commitment to creating a more responsive touch experience, you will notice the vast improvement in swiping.

You can pinch the screen to zoom it in, customize your display layout by dragging the panels, or quickly swipe left and right.

This improvement in the screen’s responsiveness is thanks to the unit’s significant CPU upgrade.

For those who still want a touch of the old school, the Simrad NSS16 EVO3S comes with a physical keypad and a rotary dial control knob along with other function keys.

• Improved Processor

The high-performing iMX8 processor operates in six cores, resulting in faster response times and smoother screen transitions.

Thanks to this upgrade, the CPU performance is doubled, providing you with instant access to your location via GPS.

Also, structure scanning, engine data, and depth information are more snappy and accurate.

At any given time and according to your preference, you can customize your screen’s outline in various ways and switch between these layouts quickly.

The added processing power also lets you split the screen into six panels, displaying more information simultaneously.

You now have the option to display engine data, GPS, low- and high-frequency sonar, radar, structure, or ForwardScan on one screen.

The bigger processor can power the 1kW CHIRP-enabled sonar built into the device, as well as the dual-channel transducers.

With the info displayed on the screen, you can monitor different information with detailed accuracy.

Plus, it also supports Active Imaging like StructureScan 3D or S5100 and ForwardScan, providing you with picture-like views in high definition.

Another addition to the upgrade is the HALO Pulse Compression radar and the automated control with Simrad’s autopilot integration.

• Impressive Connectivity

Similar to software on your phone and computers, the technology used in boats also needs regular updates to maintain its excellent operating condition.

Gone are the days when you were required to connect the hardwire to install these updates.

Today, we now have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for this process.

This Simrad device provides a wide range of networking features using Ethernet, J1939, NMEA2000.

You can mirror the display from the device to your smartphone to access the charts, engine data, radar, sonar, and more.

Additionally, the unit is equipped with a built-in GPS receiver, eliminating the need to install a GPS antenna.

How To Get the Most Out of Simrad NSS16 EVO3S?

Take control of your on-water experience with the Simrad NSS16 EVO3S and its clear display and wide viewing angles.

Through its powerful processor, you can experience quick response and smooth page transitions.

The unit comes with an embedded US Coastal C-Map and Inland chart for a much better navigating experience.

Enjoy productive fishing and safer cruising by using a transducer of your choice and see excellent fish-finding and bottom tracking performance.

With its wide array of accessories, you can make fast and straightforward networking connections to monitor and control your onboard electronics.

By downloading the Simrad App, you can easily mirror the display via wireless connectivity on your smartphone or tablet.

Simrad offers multiple radar system options, so you can cruise safely even in crowded ports and in areas with poor visibility.

Alternative

If the price of this Simrad unit is above your budget, you may want to check out this affordable option from Garmin.

Similar to the Simrad model, the Garmin 10-inch GPSMAP does not include a transducer, which means you need to buy a separate one compatible with your equipment.

Here are more reasons why we think it’s a good buy:

• All-in-One Chartplotter/Sonar Combo

There’s no doubt that you’ll experience an all-in-one solution with this 10-inch GPSMAP keyed combo.

It comes with built-in support for Garmin sonars like CHIRP, CHIRP ClearVu, and CHIRP SideVu.

What’s more, there’s additional built-in support for Panoptix, including LiveScope and other transducers.

It also includes a large and bright display with an easy-to-use keypad interface.

• Complete Network Sharing

The support from Garmin Marine Network lets you share dome, maps, open-array radar, sonar, and user data.

There’s also NMEA 2000 and 0183 network connectivity and support for autopilots, AIS, digital switching, media, VHF, weather, and other sensors.

• Built-in Sonar Capabilities

To utilize the sonar capabilities, you have to add a transducer.

The GARMIN GPSMAP has a built-in 1kW CHIRP with CHIRP SideVu and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar.

Additionally, it also supports the all-seeing sonar Panoptix, including LiveScope and other quality Garmin sonar modules.

Users can choose the information placed on the sonar screen.

Plus, the networked combos and their internal sonar can share with other devices on the network.

• Preloaded With Garmin Cartography

The device is preloaded with BlueChart G3 coastal charts and LakeVu G3 inland maps, offering industry-leading coverage, detail, and clarity.

These charts and maps are integrated with Auto Guidance, Garmin, and Navionics data.

Is the Simrad NSS16 EVO3S Worth It?

This Simrad NSS16 EVO3S review showcased the powerful processor and other upgrades that enhance the performance of the equipment.

Through these improvements, we see impressive accuracy and responsiveness via its touchscreen technology.

Another notable upgrade is the quick connectivity to your smartphone, allowing you to keep an eye on vital data wherever you are on the boat.

You can divide the 16-inch screen into a six-way customizable split, allowing you to view different data at once.

It also lets you create and save multiple layouts as well as interchange them depending on your preference for a particular day.