lowaranceHDS8 or Humminbird 997

[laserdoc]

Thinking about giving myself an Xmas present. Either a 997 thats on sale for around 1500 from Cabellas and then do the free bottom scan software update or should I go for the Lowrance HDS8 with the new bottom scan for almost 2200 for the two. Price maybe the factor

[crappiekiller2]

if you are a member of Cabelas club you can get the 997 for 1399 plus they have free shipping for a limited time.

[J White]

Thanks to a member on here, I've got to look at and push buttons on
a 997 and an HD8 lately, same boat - same trip.

The HD8 didn't have the side imaging yet, but did have the latest and
greatest software.

My take, for starters Lowrance GPS rocks - absolutely killed H'bird.
Now it may be a different story after they get the GPS udate fix, I'm
waiting to see.

Regular sonar. Both were great, but after hearing so much praise over the years for Lowrance's sonar, I was expecting something miraculous I guess.
I didn't prefer one over the other. Still think maybe my old Vexilar Edge 3
has them both beat on clean picture.

I was a little put off by the menus/pages part of the HD, but then I've only
got two days use on it, compared to several years with the later H'bird
menus. More things to change on the Lowrance, but Jeez - not sure
all thats necessary. Different items on sonar for example, some you have
to get to from one direction, others you gotta come in the side door.
Kept me confused. I'm waiting to see the structure scan in action myself

[fishin couillon]

That would be a hard call the make. Looks like the big factor is the price. You can't beat that. I have an 8 w/structure scan and love it. This is the first imaging unit i ever had. I can't say anything about HB due to i never had a HB unit. If you can do like J White and get a hands on look in real action, that would be the best way to figure it out. But then the money situation almost makes it a done deal.

[Chowan]

both units are fantastic. HB is cheaper and been out longer. Low has much better charts than navionics a bit more expensive. Either way u go you will be pleased

[laserdoc]

I see the HB on Cabelas website says it needs a 1 kv transducer to work at 8000 watts.
What is the 8000 for and do we need it

[RogerR]

Hi,
LakeMaster (Lake Maps) have new chips that will run on Humminbird units coming out this month and into next year. I have the Minnesota chip (Minnesota and Lake of the Woods are now available). You will need level 4.7 software (and later) to run the chips on your unit. The capabilities (adjust base map water level, highlight shallow water level, and highlight depth range features), you will never see available on a Lowrance and only on a Humminbird. Note: LakeMaster only have chips that support the midwest states.

[Cane Pole]

Hi,
LakeMaster (Lake Maps) have new chips that will run on Humminbird units coming out this month and into next year. I have the Minnesota chip (Minnesota and Lake of the Woods are now available). You will need level 4.7 software (and later) to run the chips on your unit. The capabilities (adjust base map water level, highlight shallow water level, and highlight depth range features), you will never see available on a Lowrance and only on a Humminbird. Note: LakeMaster only have chips that support the midwest states.

Never say never. Map folks gonna make money anyway they can.

LakeMaster Pro Maps

I am sure Lakemaster won't lock themselves up forever to just 1 source, unless they are bought out by Johnson Outdoors. Buy and destroy works.

[AUTiger]

I've never owned a Lowrance but what experience I've had with them and reading into what JWhite said, I don't think they are nearly as user friendly as a Humminbird...I've got a 957 and a 997 and they are the first "nice" graphs I've owned but I really do like them....if you can navigate around on a computer I think you can probably do just about everything Humminbird has to offer without having to take the book fishing with you...on a side note, I long line troll so that must make all the difference in the gps problem folks have because I dont have trouble using mine the way I fish....Just my $.02

[Cane Pole]

I basically agree tiger. I am gonna gripe if stuff doesn't work per pubs. However, I am not too keen on praising things that are supposed to do what you pay good money for them to do in the first place.

To me, HB is more user friendly, but I prefer my Lowrance sonar views. I ain't buying nothin anytime soon.

I have had both over the years, so I ain't a dedicated ostrich.