After much reading and such, I still can not make a clear cut decision on which to go

The last ditch effort is to say the service dept sucks, and the old water issue. I like Beagle have had no water, and service has been fine as expected. You don't really see anyone comparing the performance of the units, or clarity of the images, which should tell prospective buyers of either unit that they are similar.

I have 2 HDS 5's and one LSS-1 unit. Not the biggest screen, but there's a reason why I did this. I have the LSS-1 transducer on the back of the boat and spend a lot of time looking at scans on the console, but If I'm up on the trolling motor and want to split screen and watch the down scan or side scan I can as it's built into the network capability. This is a great feature. As far as I'm aware, even with ethernet an 2 HB units can't share DI/SI views between them. So you have to make the full investment of 2 high end HB units. Guess what, that will cost you more money then doing it the Low way that I did.

Also with HDS and LSS-1 if you lose one or the other transducers you are not dead in the water. You'll either have 2d or the downs scan/side scan.

Both brands have similar features and performance. As always check your wallet, know what you want, see the units if possible, purchase, and don't look back.

thanks mduncan,

m

"Find the content you want - faster. Humminbird high-speed Ethernet lets you share sonar, GPS, waypoints and more between compatible units. Compatible with new Humminbird 700HD, 800, 900 and 1100 Series models plus Ethernet-equipped legacy models**."

This is a quote from the HB brochure. I read it that 2D, SI, and DI sonar will be viewable from each transducer on the network.

reeper i really need to come down, been talking about it for couple years now, thanks for the invite, but not today, someone said it was snowing outside,

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Originally Posted by Stymie

"Find the content you want - faster. Humminbird high-speed Ethernet lets you share sonar, GPS, waypoints and more between compatible units. Compatible with new Humminbird 700HD, 800, 900 and 1100 Series models plus Ethernet-equipped legacy models**."

This is a quote from the HB brochure. I read it that 2D, SI, and DI sonar will be viewable from each transducer on the network.

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If you are correct, that an NON SI unit can show the display from an SI unit, that would be a nice enhancement for HB. Maybe Joby or HB Greg can confirm this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mduncan62

If you are correct, that an NON SI unit can show the display from an SI unit, that would be a nice enhancement for HB. Maybe Joby or HB Greg can confirm this.

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See this...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...formation.html

Thru the ethernet connection...A unit can only receive SI information if the unit "receiving" is also a SI unit...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

See this...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...formation.html

Thru the ethernet connection...A unit can only receive SI information if the unit "receiving" is also a SI unit...

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My bad, forgot to add the ** footnote part. Thanks rnvinc!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

See this...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...formation.html

Thru the ethernet connection...A unit can only receive SI information if the unit "receiving" is also a SI unit...

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That rules it out then.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mduncan62

As far as I'm aware, even with ethernet an 2 HB units can't share DI/SI views between them.

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This statement threw me. I read it that you were saying that DI/SI wouldn't be shared between units with ethernet.

In the context of this thread, you are right that the guy using a SI unit will not be able to share that data with a DI unit.

That's part of what I really like about the HDS system. You can buy it in pieces since it's a modular system. I bought 2 HDS 5's when I had the money. Used them for several months as is, while I saved for the LSS-1. Now I can watch the DI/SI on either unit, and saved money over buying 2 full price HB units. Now if I decided to add a sounds system, I could buy the sonic hub from lowrance and connect it to the network, no problemo. I'm not made of money, so this was a great way to get quality units without breaking me off in the wallet. I'm also not bashing HB for requiring 2 SI units in order for you to share SI/DI data. For some that's the way to go, and there's nothing wrong with that, or the HB units.

Like most on here, we pay our own hard earned money and don't have the companies giving us free units, and paying us that way to tow the company line and say all the right things. If we cut the crap about bashing customer service, and really get to the nuts and bolts, we can help inform people about the units.