Scanned through the thread.. Looks like a battle between a few fanbois.. I like the images that the Lowrance produces.. When I see cover in an area that should be holding fish I am going to stop and fish it.. Both of those units will do the job... Would be proud to own either one.. This will be my third year with my 1197 and it has been fail safe.. Like all tech there will always be something bigger and better in the next quarter.. Personally I give the advantage to Humminbird.. Customer service, reliability plus cost effectiveness goes unmatched.