HB or lowrance??

[heavyd]

Not trying to start some epic debate here, but which would you want and why? Particularly the HB 1198c SI or the Lowrance HDSGen 2 Touch 12".

Give me your pros and cons on them. I already have a lowrance with external gps,not sure the model tho.

Thanks in advance gentlemen.

[steve48]

Welcome to the board from Greenbrier. They are like Fords and Chevy's. If I was going to buy one that size, with si/di, single I would really look at HB 1198. If running 2 I like the Lowrance with the LSS1. Sounds like you may have a LCS lowrance if you have external antenna. If it has the blue connecter cable, it will hook to new HDS, but will not share w/p. Spending that much money,I would have to go see both of them in action. They are both excellent.

[Billy E]

Welcome to the board heavy _ oh you started something. I run HP 898sidi. I have a stick steer boat so I only need 1. After fishing with ABH for a weekend I would get a Loweranse. Big river is going to say the same. They are all go but at slow speeds the HB has a problem keeping track. To me the GPS is the most important part of my DF.

[heavyd]

Thanks for the welcome guys. I figured people would have their favorites, i just wanted to know why. I have watched a ton of videos on youtube about both of them and I really like the Lowrance right now. The user interface on it, to me, is very desireable and it looks like the images are a better quality. (That last part might not be true, but just my observation.)
The reason i'm asking all this is I want to be sure I'm not missing out or making a mistake, especially when dropping that kind of money on some electronics.

[mdperson]

Welcome to the board.

[heavyd]

Thank ya!

[arkansasbowhunter]

Welcome i have had both and fished with guys that have high end hb. I got lowrance and have never looked back. Got tons of pictures on here u can search. The new 12 touch is the best ever!! Very user friendly. Ask and i will try to answer for you what i know. The ford and chevy debate is correct. Gotta eventually drive both and see what u like

[Shady]

Do they make or would you need a screen protector like those for I-phone or I-pad

[arkansasbowhunter]

I dont have one on mine and not sure one is made for them. Good idea though and i will have to look into it. However nothing usually touches it but finger tip.

[rockmike]

I run both, and I think HB is a little more rugged and user friendly, but I hate that GPS "donut" at low speeds. The Lowrance sonar is best IMO. I have an HDS8 and 10, with a 12Touch on the way, so I obviously prefer Lowrance. Lowrance has had some service issues, but they seem to be improving in that area. HB has always had good service.