31 replies to this topic

[Ror Boy]

Ive never owned a fish finder. Im willing to spend $1500 but would not like to spend that much if ican. What would you guys buy?

[Jig Man]

Either brand will do a very good job for you if you take time to research them and get some hands on experience.

Go to a place like Cabela's or Bass Pro where they have both brands on display.  I latch onto a sales guy and have him walk you through both units in your price range.  Then take over the controls and do some button pushing yourself to see which one have the features and ease of operation that you want.

If the store is a reasonable distance from you, go more than once.  Make sure you are getting what you want before you lay down that much cash.

[Wayne P.]

First of all what features do you want?
Regular Sonar---Single or Dual Frequency
Imaging Sonar---Side or Down or both
GPS---with or without mapping
Color or Monochrome display
Screen Size

Don't count on anyone at Bass Pro knowing anything about Humminbird products.

[Jig Man]

Wayne P., on February 13 2012 - 12:43 PM, said:

Don't count on anyone at Bass Pro knowing anything about Humminbird products.

That may be the case where you live but the guys here know more HB than Low.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Here is what I did.  I read both websites, read the owners manuals, then went to BPS for some button time.  I was dead set on the H 898 until I went and pushed buttons.  I ended up ordering the HDS7 Gen 2.  The lowrance is cheaper to expand and if you buy the bundle its the same price.  IMO it comes down to preferece.  Both are good units.

[J Francho]

Siebert Outdoors, on February 13 2012 - 02:15 PM, said:

Here is what I did.  I read both websites, read the owners manuals, then went to BPS for some button time.  I was dead set on the H 898 until I went and pushed buttons.  I ended up ordering the HDS7 Gen 2.  The lowrance is cheaper to expand and if you buy the bundle its the same price.  IMO it comes down to preferece.  Both are good units.

Have you had any on the water time with yours?  How about ethernet to another unit?  I'm thinking about a 5 on the console and a 7 on the bow.

[Siebert Outdoors]

J Francho, on February 15 2012 - 09:58 AM, said:

Have you had any on the water time with yours?  How about ethernet to another unit?  I'm thinking about a 5 on the console and a 7 on the bow.

Not yet.  I'm still waiting for it from Lowrance.  I had a local shop I use to work at order it in for me.  I bought the LDS7 package that retails at 1499.  I did see in a Cabelas catalog that starting feb 16 approx there is a rebate.  I dont know the truth to that or if its just cabelas but its worth looking into.  I went with the 7" but really want the 8"  The small ones have a small screen obviously.  I'd buy the biggest one you can afford.  I'm hoping next year to buy the 8 and move the 7 to the front.  Once I get it all hooked up I will be giving my report and likes.  I just hope we dont freeze over by then.  I'm hoping less then 2 weeks and I'll be up and running.  Once I get it hooked up I am going to the lake unless froze.  I might not even take a rod.

[J Francho]

What I want to do is get the HDS5 fully bundled, and get the basic HDS7 Sonor/GPS.  I want to be able to use the 5 on the boat and on the kayak.  I'm wondering if I have to buy the bundles for both units, or does Ethernet let you share on both?

[S Hovanec]

J Francho, on February 15 2012 - 09:58 AM, said:

Have you had any on the water time with yours?  How about ethernet to another unit?  I'm thinking about a 5 on the console and a 7 on the bow.

I have a 5 on the console and 7 on the bow (both gen 1).  I do not have the LSS, I just ahve the two connected together with the ethernet to share waypoints.  I believe you can share a LSS unit between 2 head units.  If you want to use the LSS on your yak, you would need to move LSS unit and the LSS transducer to the yak.  If you don't want to to that moving each time, you wold need 2 LSS units.

[J Francho]

I can't just get another 'ducer for the kayak?

[Siebert Outdoors]

JFrancho, the way I understand it is yes for both your answers.  If you want to use the LSS you can view it on both finders.

This will help.  http://www.lowrance....ureScan/System/

Your only major catch with transferring units is the LSS for the Kayak.

[J Francho]

Just figured that out.  It may also be worth while to consider LSS hooked up on the TM.  Apparently it's a pretty sick tool for peeking under docks.

[Todd Driscoll]

J Francho, on February 15 2012 - 01:32 PM, said:

Just figured that out.  It may also be worth while to consider LSS hooked up on the TM.  Apparently it's a pretty sick tool for peeking under docks.

No doubt, it's very beneficial on both the transom and trolling motor.  Each LSS only supports one ducer, so to have independent LSS ducers on both the TM and transom, you would need two complete LSSs.

[J Francho]

Thanks, Todd.  That may have to come later - three LSSs (two for the boat, one for the kayak) is a tough pill to swallow.

[Siebert Outdoors]

J Francho, on February 15 2012 - 01:32 PM, said:

Just figured that out.  It may also be worth while to consider LSS hooked up on the TM.  Apparently it's a pretty sick tool for peeking under docks.

Interesting.  Very Very interesting.

I'm thinking when I get all hooked up I'm going to go for a dive and see how the LSS picks up a diver.