Thread: Fed up with Huminbird need advice on what to buy

What are you looking for? 2d and DI, side and down with 2d. Ain't much out there in that price range but birds. You got the Lowrance elite7 but most folks aint happy with it. Think I might try one of the new Garmins.

Originally Posted by cray

What are you looking for? 2d and DI, side and down with 2d. Ain't much out there in that price range but birds. You got the Lowrance elite7 but most folks aint happy with it. Think I might try one of the new Garmins.

Actually, Cray ... Lowrance Elite 5 HDS 83/200kHz systems are MSRP @ $650 ... and I'd say Brian at BBG Marine (site member/Sponsor) could probably beat that price. In fact, it shows on his website at $589 (when you click the "Buy Now" button).

I believe the Elite series units that are "having problems", are the HDI series. And, from what I understand, it's more about using a Navionics map card slowing the GPS positioning changes, and not the unit overall.

There's also Garmin, Furuno, and some other brands to consider ... but, I'm not familiar with any of those brands.

I do agree that we need to know what units are being replaced and/or what functions are absolutely necessary for the unit in the $800 range.

... cp

I guess I'm not up on it enough to really know,what I'm replaceing is a huminbird 581 di so I am wanting to up grade from that. Other than the sonar I mainly use the gps waypoints to find bruspile I sink. I can't afford the top of the line stuff but I want to get the best bang for my buck. I found a huminbird 858 c for 700 but after all the trouble I've had I'm scared to try it.

We all at one time or another have got a lemon or two,whether humminbird, lowrance, ford chevy,but all in all i think all these companies make over all good products,i have over the years had both lowrance and humminbird,in fact have both on my boat now,what is the problem with your di?

What's the problems been with the 581...??

Rickie

Originally Posted by rnvinc

What's the problems been with the 581...??
Rickie

I'm curious too. What's wrong with the unit(s).
I'm a Low guy and normally I would say find a unit with the features you want in your price range and get it but Bird has some pretty nice stuff and you should be able to find something to fit your need with either brand. You mentioned you aren't too savvy on the newer units. Are you just having problems with set up? Getting 3 bad units (any brand) in 2 years would seems a bit odd. Lots of Bird guys on here could help you out with set-up questions/problems.

If all you really want is a decent unit to help find your brush piles, I would think one of the higher end 2d units with GPS would serve you just as good as a DI unit which frustrates you.
What ever unit you decide to go with I would look towards the biggest screen you can afford.

bassaholic for your budget you can get a Elite 7 HDI and have almost enough left over to buy a point 1 gps antenna/heading sensor if you choose. I have never used one but have had an Elite 5 and was not impressed, the 7 has more features and the bigger screen is worth the extra $$$. Something else to consider is buying used, a Gen 1 HDS 7 can be had for around $500 and a used Gen 2 for around $700. These units are more complicated to set up but will offer way more features, better processors and better GPS.




http://www.bbgmarine.com/p17484/Lowr...duct_info.html

if I have had any problems with any unit I have used it was because of improper us or care of the unit. most units are water resistant not water proof. if you have got stuck on the lake in a down poor then I would make sure and dry the unit before storing it or turning it back on. I have also been told that you shouldn't store a unit face down if it is a liquid crystal display. I think most are now. I have used both lowrance and humming bird and have not had a problem other than one I might have created. the gps can be effected by where the unit or the puck is mounted. I say pick any unit in your price range. make sure to read and follow the instructions when installing or have an expert install the unit and see if you have any problems.