Need a little help.  I'm putting new electronics in my boat this spring, and have been planning on getting 2 Elite-7 HDI units, one for the console, one for the bow.  I was checking out lowrance's website this morning and they have an Elite-7 Broadband unit for $200 less than the HDI unit.  

 

I guess my question is -- Is the HDI technology worth $200 more than the broadband technology?  I currently use an Elite-5 HDI and don't know what features I'd lose if I moved over to broadband tech. 

I believe you don't have the downscan imaging with the Broadband, you would only have the GPS and Sonar.

I believe you don't have the downscan imaging with the Broadband, you would only have the GPS and Sonar.

That would suck!  

 

The specs on lowrance site (the last line backs up what you said btw):

 

Elite-7 Broadband FISHFINDER / CHARTPLOTTER

Elite™ Series

NEW! 7-inch fishfinder/chartplotter with LED backlit display.  Broadband Sounder™ technology with 83/200 kHz transducer, built-in GPS antenna and high-definition mapping. HDI™ ready.

KEY FEATURES

• 70% larger Elite color display
• Multi-Window displays let’s you choose up to three panels in split-screen mode to view chart, sonar and DownScan Imaging -- all on one screen
• Reliable navigation that’s easy-to-use
• Exclusive technology overlays DownScan Imaging onto Broadband Sounder display for one stunning view
• TrackBack™ through sonar history
• Hybrid Dual Imaging™ (HDI) ready

 

That would suck!  

 

The specs on lowrance site (the last line backs up what you said btw):

 

Elite-7 Broadband FISHFINDER / CHARTPLOTTER

Elite™ Series

NEW! 7-inch fishfinder/chartplotter with LED backlit display.  Broadband Sounder™ technology with 83/200 kHz transducer, built-in GPS antenna and high-definition mapping. HDI™ ready.

KEY FEATURES

• 70% larger Elite color display
• Multi-Window displays let’s you choose up to three panels in split-screen mode to view chart, sonar and DownScan Imaging -- all on one screen
• Reliable navigation that’s easy-to-use
• Exclusive technology overlays DownScan Imaging onto Broadband Sounder display for one stunning view
• TrackBack™ through sonar history
• Hybrid Dual Imaging™ (HDI) ready

 

That means it comes with a Dual Beam 2D sonar transducer and can support a HDI transducer IF you buy one and attach it.

That is way it is cheaper= cheaper transducer.