Thread: Need help on picking new unit

I may be wrong, but if you want BOTH SI and DI on the same unit, you may be limited to H'bird. As far as "ease of use", I think H'bird might be a bit simpler, too.

Get one of the new 1199s from Brian at BBG Marine. Sure they are being discontinued but you can still get 2 years warranty with Humminbird Select and they will do everything you are looking for at 1/2 the price they were a couple years ago.

In the Lowrance brand ...you would need the HDS series to get 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking... There are still Gen 2 available ...even as the new Gen 3 has been released ...there are many bundle configurations for these so it's important to talk to the dealer to verify you're getting the equipment needed for the technologies you're wanting ...

Lowrance is also releasing a Lowrance ti series (February I think) that has most of the same technologies and features as the HDS series above ...but without Ethernet networking (several $$ less) ...

In the Humminbird brand ... There is the SI Combo series to get 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking ...There still a few of the 899/999/1199 series available ...but they have been discontinued and dwindling supplies are certain ...

Humminbird also has the HELIX 5 and HELIX 7 which is available in 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping with no networking for a lower price point ...

Humminbird has just released the new HELIX 9 and HELIX 10 series ...which replaces the discontinued xx9 series mentioned above ... These are available with the same technologies of 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking with a few added new features ...

Humminbird will be releasing a HELIX 12 in January ...which will be available with 2d-CHIRP/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking ...

Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad have comparable units ... But I'm not sure the model numbers to get the same technologies as mentioned above ...

Brian at BBG Marine could help with those brand lines ...

As far as ease of use ...it can sometimes help to go to a big box store and play with the demo units available to see which user interface seems easier for you to navigate ...

Rickie

Wow! What a great reply! Again why I like this site so much. People who know a lot and are willing to take the time to help you. Thank you so much!!! Now it is decision time and definitely heading in the right direction.

My dad is in his late 60's and also wanted ease of use. The problem is that if a function is not easy to use, it doesn't matter if you have it or not, you won't use it.

I have HDS Gen2 models in two of my boats (4 units total). These are NOT touch models. I wanted to see how easy a brand new Gen 3 touch was without reading any literature on it (shopping for dad). I walked up to an HDS12 Gen 3 touch and was easily able to figure out the functions, how to add screens, widen them, position them where I wanted, and so on. I don't have much experience with the HB so I cannot compare. Just telling you what I saw with the newer units in comparison to the older models that I have. Dad will have an new HDS gen 3 onboard his new boat come springtime.

I believe theys are all easy to use. I am glad they have a "back" button.

Thanks again for all the help! So I did it, I called Brian at BBG Marine and got the special on the HDS 9 Gen 2 Touch w/83/200 transducer plus the dwn/side scan transducer. As always Brian is very helpful, walked me through somethings and saved me some money. This sounds like a super setup. Between this and the PONDTOON there are going to be some crappies in trouble come spring!!!!

You will like it. I have 3 HDS7 gen2 touchers. Easy to use.