I have been researching both of these and would like to hear from people who own these. I'm not looking to get SS or Si right now. I hear that the Bird has better features but the Lowrance has better picture and i think the customer service issue with Lowrance is pretty poor. Which one is the better overall unit?

I have a 5 and 5X. I have had no problems with either unit, so I cannot speak to customer service. The detail shown by these units is amazing. I looked at both brands before I purchased, and after a year of using the Lowrance, I would make the same decision. The option of adding down scan/side imaging is very cool. Just my $.02.

Bought the 788ci, do not want to have to deal with Lowrance if it has problems.

Have the lowrance. Last call to customer service was less than ten minutes.