I was debating getting a lowrance 12 new gen or a humminbird 12 new gen can someone explain to me the main difference between the two units? 

Not trying to start a debate just wondering the main befits of both

What's your budget? Just asking about a 12 inch unit is pretty vague considering both companies have several 12 inch units that start out around $1200 and go well above $2k

At that level, if you are comparing like for like in features, both are pretty good.  The differences are in operation and menus.  Take a look at the demo units in a store, and see which you like.

The keystrokes (commands) are completely different.  I have a Low and my bud has a Bird.  Neither one of us can use the other's unit at all so if you are familiar with either brand go with the familiar brand or like Francho said go to a store and spend some time with both units.  You may also want to put Garmin in the mix.

 

4 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

You may also want to put Garmin in the mix.

I was gonna say the same, as well as Raymarine.  I was looking at some screen shots from a friend's Axiom Pro, and the 3D bottom stuff is amazing.

Maybe the OP  has $10k to spend on electronics and can get a Bird, Lowrance, Garmin, and Raymarine. They're just like phones....they're all good, one has a feature you wish the other had, vise versa. Another comparison to phones....you get the latest and greatest and 6-12 months something newer and better comes out.

4 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

Maybe the OP  has $10k to spend on electronics and can get a Bird, Lowrance, Garmin, and Raymarine. They're just like phones....they're all good, one has a feature you wish the other had, vise versa. Another comparison to phones....you get the latest and greatest and 6-12 months something newer and better comes out.

Lol Op does not have 10k he wants to get the best electronics he can for around 4000. I'm pretty sure I'm getting the gen2 hummingbirds 12 and 9. But wanted to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions. 

28 minutes ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Lol Op does not have 10k he wants to get the best electronics he can for around 4000. I'm pretty sure I'm getting the gen2 hummingbirds 12 and 9. But wanted to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions. 

Helix 10 mega at the helm Helix 10 and 360 imaging at the bow.

39 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Helix 10 mega at the helm Helix 10 and 360 imaging at the bow.

I really like this idea actually! Which exact models would you recommend? CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N at the helm and which at the bow?

18 minutes ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

I really like this idea actually! Which exact models would you recommend? CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N at the helm and which at the bow?

I think you can get away with the Helix 10 DI unit g2n of course

On 9/26/2017 at 9:55 AM, J Francho said:

At that level, if you are comparing like for like in features, both are pretty good.  The differences are in operation and menus.  Take a look at the demo units in a store, and see which you like.

THat's where I'd put it too.

 

I don't have Lowrance, so can't comment on them other than to say everyone I know who has them likes them.

 

I can tell you that the Humminbird 12 MEGA SI resolution is crazy good and works great.