Garmin GMR 2526 xHD2 6' Open Array Radar & Pedestal
Best high-performance radar for serious offshore anglers and long-range cruisers.
Navigate with confidence using the Garmin GMR 2526 xHD2, a 25kW high-definition 6-foot open array radar. This powerful system offers an impressive 96-nautical mile range, enhanced by Pulse Expansion technology for superior target clarity. It seamlessly integrates into 12V or 24V systems with the included converter. Key features include Auto Bird Gain to pinpoint fishing spots, Dual Range for simultaneous close and distant views, and Echo Trails to monitor moving targets and potential collision threats, ensuring reliable performance in diverse marine conditions.
$7874.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
8
/ 190
#8 in Marine Radar
Price vs Category Average
+192%
Above average
Peak Power
25
/ kW
Who it's for
- Offshore navigators needing long-range target detection
- Captains requiring precise weather and vessel tracking
- Mariners operating in harsh, high-wind environments
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious boaters seeking affordable marine electronics
- Owners of vessels with limited power capacity
- Skippers of smaller or mid-sized boats
Performance breakdown
Long-Range Detection
The 25kW output provides unmatched visibility across a massive 96-mile radius.
Target Clarity
Pulse Expansion technology sharpens returns for precise identification of distant objects.
Fishing Utility
Auto Bird Gain makes locating active fishing spots effortless and highly accurate.
Situational Awareness
Dual Range mode allows simultaneous monitoring of near and far hazards.
Collision Avoidance
MARPA and Echo Trails provide reliable tracking for all moving targets.
System Integration
Flexible voltage support ensures seamless installation across most marine power systems.
Key Specs
Peak Power
25kW
Antenna Type
6' Open Array
Maximum Range
96 nautical miles
System Voltage
12V or 24V Systems
Weight
93.8 lbs
Box Dimensions
8"H x 12"W x 80"L
Mount Type
Open Array & Pedestal
Model Number
58318
Features
- 25kW power for long-range detection
- 6' open array antenna
- 96 NM maximum range
- Pulse Expansion for clearer targets
- Auto Bird Gain finds fishing spots
- Dual Range for simultaneous views
- Echo Trails track moving targets
- MARPA capable for collision tracking
What customers say
This open array radar earns high praise for its exceptional performance and reliability in demanding marine environments. Users consistently highlight the superior target separation and image clarity provided by the xHD2 technology, which significantly boosts situational awareness, especially during poor weather. Integration with existing Garmin networks is seamless, simplifying setup. While the initial cost is high, the robust build quality and professional grade dependability are widely viewed as justifying the investment. Experienced mariners find its dependable operation crucial for safe navigation and collision avoidance, confirming its status as a top tier marine electronics choice.
Know before you buy
The 25kW power provides exceptional long-range detection, allowing you to identify targets up to 96 nautical miles away. This high output ensures that even small or distant objects are clearly defined, which is critical for safe navigation in open water.
Dual Range allows your display to show two different radar views simultaneously. You can monitor close-range hazards for navigation while keeping an eye on long-range weather patterns or distant vessels on the same screen.
Yes, the system includes a voltage converter that allows it to operate seamlessly on both 12V and 24V power systems, making it versatile for a wide range of marine vessels.
Auto Bird Gain is a specialized setting that adjusts the radar sensitivity to help you locate flocks of birds feeding on the surface. Since birds often congregate over schools of baitfish, this feature is a highly effective tool for finding productive fishing spots.
Yes, the system is MARPA (Mini-Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) capable, which allows you to track and monitor the movement of other vessels. Additionally, the Echo Trails feature leaves a visual path on your screen, making it easier to identify the direction and speed of moving targets.
Given the 6-foot length and the 93.8-pound weight of the unit, you will need a sturdy, dedicated mounting platform on your hardtop or radar arch. Ensure your mounting surface is reinforced to handle the weight and the wind load generated by an array of this size.
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