13 replies to this topic

[Chris274]

Hey guys looking to buy a new fish finder willing to spend any where between 700 to 1600 what units would you guys go for? I have a hds5 gen 1 in the console and looking to put a new one at the bow upgrading much older unit. Also buying a new trolling motor and wondering if getting on with sonar is a good choice or not thanks for the suggestions

[roadwarrior]

Raymarine

 

http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=4954

[Crappiebasser]

I have a Humminbird 898 SI and highly recommend it. I have never used the Lowrance HDS for enough time to have an opinion about them.

[Chris274]

Thanks!

[greyleg33]

Put me in the HB column. Better after sale support and I've got a garage full of Lowrance units that don't work.

[Long Mike]

I'll have to disagree with the above posters.  My Lowrance products have worked without flaw for years.  I currently have an HDS-8 with side-scan on the console, and must confess I'm in love with it.  As for Lowrance service and technical support, I think you will find that there has been a vast change for the better over the last couple of years.

 

I'm sure that Raymarine  and Humminbird both manufacture excellent products, but I have not had the opportunity to give them a test-drive, so will withhold comment.

[Wayne P.]

Hey guys looking to buy a new fish finder willing to spend any where between 700 to 1600 what units would you guys go for? I have a hds5 gen 1 in the console and looking to put a new one at the bow upgrading much older unit. Also buying a new trolling motor and wondering if getting on with sonar is a good choice or not thanks for the suggestions

Since you already have a HDS unit , another one would be the smart choice. You could network them. Additionally you are already familiar with the menu system.

As far as the trolling motor transducers go, the convenience of an internal one is offset by poor performance according to reports on another web site.

[3dees]

I can't comment on Lowrance cs because in 35 years I have never had a problem with one. do not get the built in transducer if you are thinking of side scan or down scan. won't work.

[Chris274]

Thanks guys

[wnybassman]

Since you already have a HDS unit , another one would be the smart choice. You could network them. Additionally you are already familiar with the menu system.

 

That was going to be my suggestion also.

[Comfortably Numb]

In my opinion having owned or used both.

 

HB better sidescan and easier to use (love the three buttons for instant view changes)

Lowrance better Di

2d is good on both

 

Most dont use Di much and I prefer my HB 898c si

[RoushBasser]

I can only speak for Lowrance equipment and never have had a problem with them. I agree you already have it so might as well stick with the HDS units!

[BassinB]

I just purchased a Lowrance Elite 7hdi unit.  For a unit that can be found under $700 honestly I don't think it can be beat.  It is NEMA2000 capable for sharing waypoints and stuff and with a 7" wide screen I am really happy with it.  Good option if you can live without side scan IMO.

[Crookedneck]

I am in the market coming up up also.  I have not messed around with the HB much.  A buddy of mine had a problem with his Lowrance HD7 this last year.  It kept powering down.  This winter he called CS and they had him send it in.  After they looked it over they told him that there was a known problem with this graph leaking at the SD card slot.  The unit was out of warranty but they could fix it for $200 or he could take his pick of a couple of the newer touch screens for a reduced price.  He ended up getting the new HDS9 with a touch screen for $400 and trade in on the old HDS7.  Needless to say he was super stoked.  He just got the unit a couple weeks ago.  He does nothing but rave about the CS now.

 

RW, what are the main differences that make the Raymarine better, in your opinion?  I was looking at them tonight.

 

Thanks