So I am looking for a fish finder for my new kayak.  I am a novice when it comes to today's electronics. I am familiar with Lowrance so I am looking at the three options they have available> the HDS Live, FS, and Hook Reveal. I can get an HDS 7 for $950 with rebates but it has more than I will use. I like the FS but for the money the HDS is the better deal. I didn't care for the screen on the Hook in the sun but the price and features were good.  What do you guys think? An advice would be appreciated. 

I believe that @Bluebasser86 recently received and installed a new Lowrance unit on his kayak.

 

I have a discontinued HDS Carbon unit and a discontinued Elite unit on my boat and they have both served me well.

14 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I believe that @Bluebasser86 recently received and installed a new Lowrance unit on his kayak.

 

I have a discontinued HDS Carbon unit and a discontinued Elite unit on my boat and they have both served me well.

I read his post. The TI2 was one I liked but it's not available at Cabelas online.  I might see if my local store has one.  It seemed to be just about right for my needs.  The last time I looked they didn't have one on display but they had stock. I think the main difference between the TI2 and the FS is that the FS has screen to screen WiFi.  I would only be using one.

Are they submersible?

Tom

11 hours ago, WRB said:

Are they submersible?

Tom

 

Again kind of new to electronics but I believe the units can get wet but not submerged.   Not sure of a head unit that can get dunked but the Hobie PA 14 I have is almost the size of a small barge. It looks more stable than some of boats I have been on.

I have a very humble Hook Reveal 5.  It’s pretty good.  It was so easy to install in our Hobies.  The transducer mount is d**n near intuitive to put in. 
 

im not a FF expert, but it works .  I do admit floating next to a friend in his kayak, I’ll look at his graph and it shows structure better than mine. could be our settings, but I don’t think so. 
 

It doesn’t  bother me too much.  

11 hours ago, WRB said:

Are they submersible?

Tom

Kinda.  If I make sure all my openings are secure I can go over in mine I think.  I’ve gotten it Very very wet before.  Huge waves.  

Check the model you plan to use for IP rating; IP63 is basically splash proof and IP67 is submersible to 1 meter for 15 minutes.

Tom

Last Lowrance I had was an old Hook.  Not up to date on newer models.  But a quick scan on their website led me to believe the HDS model might not have side imaging.  I wouldn't consider going without SI after two years having had it.  I had to get a BerleyPro ducer cover for my Hobie, but SI would be on my list of must haves.

I went Humminbird helix on my autopilot. I have the G3 MSI 7”. I’d like a touch screen and I’d like a bigger screen, but a solix 9 isn’t in budget. I played with my dads 7” lowrance (Ti I think) and the imaging was better on the helix. I love mine and haven’t had a single issue in a year. 

I decided to get the HDS Live. I couldn't pass it up for the price with the rebate.  Now I have to get the thing installed. 

 

 

I got it installed. It wasn't too hard but not as easy as they make it sound.