So I'm looking to get a side scan unit. I am doing the research now on them and am usually a hummingbird guy. From everything I am reading these units are game changers. I fish 3 times a week or so and think this unit will help me locate shad and structure and help me to get off shore fishing more. I have also heard buy the biggest one you can afford. Any real time info. you guys have on these would be great.

Thanks,

Tom

I have a HB 798. Wish I got a bigger one because my eyes aren't great anymore. IMO the technology is worth the money. I took a look at the Lowrance Touch at Cabelas and it is more user friendly than the HB

I have a HB 798. Wish I got a bigger one because my eyes aren't great anymore. IMO the technology is worth the money. I took a look at the Lowrance Touch at Cabelas and it is more user friendly than the HB

They both are very good units. But I wiil have to disagree with the last post. I think the HB are more friendly to use and the HB customr service blows the socks off of Lawrance!!!

i've had the hb 597 di, the 898 si, & just bought the 1198 si.  i love them!  i was told that hb is more user-friendly, and that's what made my mind up.  plus the fact that my fishing buddies had 'birds.  i dont think you can go wrong with either.  oh yeah......+1 for buying the biggest you can afford.

Yep. Buy the biggest you can get.

I had HB 597ci HDDI.........I like it fine. When I decided to upgrade I started with HB......actually bought some HB networking cables. Then got to looking at the Lowrance units when I got some extra money from fantasy football. Ended up with 2 new Lowrance units......HDS 7 touch with structure scan and found an HDS 10 Gen1 for $999 at BP. They network and share the structure scan hardware and software.

One of the nice features of the lowrance touch units is that you can minimize the on screen menu bar and that gives you just a little more usable screen space......the HB units have that menu bar strip along the side or bottom and you can't get rid of it.....as far as I know.

Might check your local BP.......mine still has 2 HDS 8 gen 1 for $899 each......I think I would prefer the Gen 2 if I was only gonna get one unit....... But if you can find a Gen 1 on clearance like I did.....then add a Gen 2 or touch with structure scan the Gen 1 can use it also.

Just depends on how much you can or want to spend. I would suggest trying to determine which units you like...... And plan for expansion so you will have what you want down the road.

Good luck.

I'll add another thing here.

 

1.  With 2D sonar and Down Imaging/Down Scan the size of displayed returns is determined by depth.

 

2.  With Side Imaging/Structure Scan the size of displayed returns is determined by the range setting.

 

The display scrolls from right to left with 1. and top to bottom with 2.

 

That is why the largest screen you can afford is better for that technology.

A phrase I like to use is "bigger displays display stuff bigger"

Bigger display is good for old tired eyes!

And don't forget about the wife.  She wants a bigger one also.

And don't forget about the wife.  She wants a bigger one also.

Maybe yours does...

Thanks for all the info. guys. Very helpful.