question about Bird vs Low

[crappiemax]

I was talking to a guy in a sporting goods store about HB 898 vs Low HDS-7. One point he made (several times) was that the HB units were using 4/5 year old technology and Low was 1/2 year old technology. Now I know HB was out there 1st so I don't want to go there but does anyone know what he is talking about.
I'm normally a Low guy but have really been looking at the HB.
In the past I've owned units from both with out problems.
That doesn't make sense to me since you can get updates to your units online.
I'm not computer savy at all so please help me out.

[jaxsprat]

Me thinks I would RUN, not walk away from that Biscuit head. Just cause LOW has only been on market 1/2 years doesn't necessarily mean its newer/better, what about all new downloads HB has been putting out. There is a chance that popcorn could be right if we are talking cardboard boxes:D believe they have a power problem
My 2 cents is research both units HB & low on sites like this and Bass thingy sites where lots of fishing guys use them. Only go to sporting goods to look & push buttons as most them(90%) knuckleheads can not operate one,don't own one & 50% clerks that do own usually admit to not really knowing what to do with it. Remember if U buy out of state-many good places to buy-U will save on no tax on web sites- Here in crooksville IL:rolleyes: we are talking 150-180 bucks but hay its your $$$$ spend as you wish & good luck.

[CatFan]

The only thing that really changes is the display and the processor. Nothing about either company's sonars is different from what was being used 50 years ago in the military or 30 years ago in commercial fishing vessels.

[Lonestar Proud]

I run a Lowrance HDS-7 on the console with a HDS-5 on the bow, with a LSS-1 Structure Scan linked to both units via an ethernet cable. Lowrance updates software as needed, just like HB. Personally I like the Lowrance stuff better, but I'm used to it, I have buddies that love their HB stuff as well. I bet you'd be happy with which ever one you decide on.

[mduncan62]

From what I have gathered from Doug V Bass pro, Lowrance charges for updates, HB's are free. That's a big deal. Also if you don't know how to use the unit, I know Doug will teach you how to use it for an hourly fee. They say HB units are super easy to use, but a lot of people opt to pay for a lesson from Doug. That's what I plan on when I get my new HB units. But as Lonestar said, you'll be happy with either, but I have yet to see someone who'll teach you how to run the Lowrance for a fee.

[rnvinc]

Both units will get the job done fine....
Both will make great images with the right settings....
Customer service at HB is outstanding...at Lowrance I hear it's getting better now than it was right after Linda "left"....

The biggest difference in HB and Low is the amount of hardware needed to have 2d sonar and SI technology in the same unit...

HB....head unit / 1 transducer / GPS antennae...
Low..head unit / 2 transducers / LSS-1 module / GPS antennae....

[Lonestar Proud]

Lowrance doesn't charge for software updates, they are a free download from their website. The gps on the HDS units are internal as well. I don't know about anywhere else, but if needed, there are Lowrance guru's in Texas that will provide training on the units for a fee as well.....

[crappiemax]

So it seems to me we are comparing apples to apples. Just different varieties of apples.
I see info on here about HB updates not so much about Low. I thought all the updates were free once you bought the unit for both units.
I was looking at both units and the Low seemed to show a little more detail in downscan (simulation) but hey it's simulation you can make it look however you want.

[mduncan62]

Crappiemax, you are a wise consumer. Low downscan on my boat shows more detail then the HB. I've looked at 100's of pictures from users and have yet to see an image from HB that matches Low in quality. I believe there is speculation that they higher quality is due to the LSS-1 and the composition of the transducer.

I can tell you from experience that installing the LSS-1 and an additional 2d transducer is not overwhelming. And once that hour or two of work is done, you don't have to worry about it, just hit the water and have fun.

HB just released an update, so that's why it's being mentioned right now.

Whatever unit you buy, I hope you enjoy it.

[Lonestar Proud]

Crappiemax, you are a wise consumer. Low downscan on my boat shows more detail then the HB. I've looked at 100's of pictures from users and have yet to see an image from HB that matches Low in quality. I believe there is speculation that they higher quality is due to the LSS-1 and the composition of the transducer.

I can tell you from experience that installing the LSS-1 and an additional 2d transducer is not overwhelming. And once that hour or two of work is done, you don't have to worry about it, just hit the water and have fun.

HB just released an update, so that's why it's being mentioned right now.

Whatever unit you buy, I hope you enjoy it.

I agree with mduncan62, I didn't want to say anything about the definition of the Lowrance downscan cause I didn't want to start a chitstorm with the HB guys LOL! Like I said earlier, I'll bet you'll be happy with either brand cause they are sooo much better than regular 2D sonar.