998 or HDS 8 ??

**GoneCrappieFishing** · 01-22-2011, 06:33 AM

Its ford vs chevy.....Both units will get you what your looking for most likely, although I went Lowrance even when Lowrance here wasnt cool. Am totally happy with my hds8 and 7 and side scan. Mine are linked together and I have one fish finder transducer on tm, one on back, and side scan ducer on back as well...See bottom and side scan on both units with sonar/fish from the two separate transducers. I can be up front and network my sonar(see what the back sonar transducer says at the front) and I can set waypoints on one unit and it stores them on both since they are linked together through the side scan unit..........Hb or Lowrance both have a good product to offer. You just make up your mind which fits for you is all. Good luck with your choice..........PS>>>> I had a friend who had his Lms-522-gps unit go bad about a year ago, and sure enough, just as the guy posted a few post back, they didnt fix his older model. They sent him a brand new unit.....I know for a fact that he didnt mind that except for he lost waypoints.

**tourdriver** · 01-22-2011, 08:08 AM

Just went thru the process and purchased the HB 998ci SI for the following reasons.
I have the I Pilot with transducer in trolling motor which means a transom mount for new unit.
I am usually in the front of my 1660 Lund while trolling and want to see screen then as well as while cruising.
Which means the unit must me mobil, which didn't seem practical with the Lowrance.
Most reports I read said picture quality about the same with the HB being somewhat more user friendly.
I liked the way Hummingbird Greg answered all my questions and truly feel free to call upon him with more questions once it is on the boat 1/25/11.

**frank lawhead** · 01-22-2011, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by GoneCrappieFishing

Its ford vs chevy.....Both units will get you what your looking for most likely, although I went Lowrance even when Lowrance here wasnt cool. Am totally happy with my hds8 and 7 and side scan. Mine are linked together and I have one fish finder transducer on tm, one on back, and side scan ducer on back as well...See bottom and side scan on both units with sonar/fish from the two separate transducers. I can be up front and network my sonar(see what the back sonar transducer says at the front) and I can set waypoints on one unit and it stores them on both since they are linked together through the side scan unit..........Hb or Lowrance both have a good product to offer. You just make up your mind which fits for you is all. Good luck with your choice..........PS>>>> I had a friend who had his Lms-522-gps unit go bad about a year ago, and sure enough, just as the guy posted a few post back, they didnt fix his older model. They sent him a brand new unit.....I know for a fact that he didnt mind that except for he lost waypoints.

Thats why I always keep a updated copy of waypoints on a SD card

**rnvinc** · 01-22-2011, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by rockmike

I have a 997 on one boat and a HDS8 on another, and I like the HDS 8 best, probably. I have two connected by Ethernet cable and I like the way they share data and that I can view SI on both units. The GPS will track at speeds below .6 mph. The 997 is more user friendly, and probably more durable. HB customer service is great---read a lot of horror stories about Lowrance CS, but I've not experienced it.

So far..this is the biggest issue with current HB owners...

If HB would eliminate this issue..it would be a lot easier for potential customers trying to decide HB or L...

**mduncan62** · 01-22-2011, 11:57 AM

Just buy whatever you think makes you happy. If you don't like it, sell it and buy the other.

**tourdriver** · 01-22-2011, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by rnvinc

So far..this is the biggest issue with current HB owners...

If HB would eliminate this issue..it would be a lot easier for potential customers trying to decide HB or L...

I addressed the slow speed issue with Greg in an email:

How will the 988c SI function @ speeds under 1 mph?

It works well. Some even use it while anchored or drifting. Now when moving very slow you would need to slow the display speed down or objects and the bottom would be distorted but it is fully capable of working at this speed.
Greg Walters

**rnvinc** · 01-22-2011, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by tourdriver

I addressed the slow speed issue with Greg in an email:

How will the 988c SI function @ speeds under 1 mph?

It works well. Some even use it while anchored or drifting. Now when moving very slow you would need to slow the display speed down or objects and the bottom would be distorted but it is fully capable of working at this speed.
Greg Walters

The issue I speak of is not the SI at less than 0.6mph...it is the boat icon on the chart view...the dreaded "Donut"...(when the unit ain't smart enough to know which way I'm movin)...

And I repeat...if HB would eliminate this "Donut" issue on the chart views...it would be easier for potential customers to decide HB or L...

**Cane Pole** · 01-22-2011, 07:57 PM

The boat icon turns into a donut below .6mph. GPS is working, but gives no boat direction, only a donut.. A circle has no beginning or end, therefore it has no direction.

**BamaMan** · 01-23-2011, 02:32 AM

I have the HB. I like it just fine! But I recommend you get the Lowrance that way you will not have to deal with the dreaded "Donut"!!! I tell everyone that ask me what I think about my HB, about the dreaded Donut and I always recommend the Lowrance. Just go to the store and play around with them. Let us know what you get and what you think about it.

**gunner_1911** · 01-23-2011, 07:27 AM

I had a Lowrance unit, cost about $1800 new. Right at 2 years old, it had a problem, so I called Lowrance to see if they would look at it. I called and called, but never got through to a real person. Ended up using their customer service e-mail. I did have several communications back and forth, with the summary being they would not even look at the unit. Too old! They gave me a certificate to get a discount on a replacement unit, with $126 being the biggest discount, and less for cheaper units. Would I buy a Lowrance again? Yes, but there would have to be a definite advantage of it over HB for me to do it. I've never experienced HB's customer service, but one thing I know, is it can't be any worse than Low. Something about spending $1800 and after 2 yrs, it magically turns into a boat anchor, is not very appealing.

I did just purchase a new HB 788 for the front and 798 with side and down imaging for the console, and networked them together.. I compared to the Lowrance for ease of use, and simplicity of installing. I preferred the HB (obviously). Which actually performs better, I really don't know. That would take a side by side comparison. Anyone want to send me a comparable Low system for free so I cn make that comparison? :-).

Both companies make good products, and maybe my my experience with Low was the exception. Good luck either way you go!
jim

Thread: 998 or HDS 8 ??

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