998 or hds 8

[jeremytoby11]

I am buying one of the two I would like for y'all to give me pros and cons of both. Having alot of trouble deciding but think I like 998 best

[JTMavs]

Before this debate begins for the umpteenth time, my opinion is that they are both quality units. I personally have a HB 898 and really like it. The HDS units are nice as well I'm sure. The only thing that made me choose HB was the HDS requires you purchase a SSD unit. Therefore the total cost is higher. Now let the debate begin!!!

[beagle man]

you get what you pay for

[lcookie]

Both are great. Just see which one you can get for less and go with it. Save the extra money for tackle.

[blueball]

thats what i did and then i switched because of the way i fish,do ur research and do searchs on both.u might even find someone on hear that will take u on the water with each unit.both are good ,but get one that suits ur fishing needs,instead of buy on price only

Both are great. Just see which one you can get for less and go with it. Save the extra money for tackle.

[Billbob]

ran a test on both 997 and hds there is a differance

[bb no longer in business]

Each brand has it's advantages and disadvantages. A lot depends on where the unit will be positioned on the boat, how many accessories you plan on adding to your boat...etc.

If I can help you, please give me a call.

Brian

[RangerZ21]

If you like the 898 best then buy it! You get what you pay for! I've got 2 HDS 10s and love them! Z21.

[talltimber]

I've got a 998 and like it fine.

[DoubleGobble00]

Here is my two cents for what it is worth.... I own a 898. I love the unit. Recently I decided to upgrade to a bigger screen. I was either going to switch to Lowrance and get the HDS 10 or the Humminbird 1198. I did alot of research. From what I saw... the Lowrance had the better Down Image and the Side Imaging actually looked better. Now I don't have any real world experience with the SI and DI of lowrance but from the pictures I saw, it looked like it had the upper hand. I believe this is due to the fact that the Lowrance has a dedicated DI crystal and SI crystals. The Humminbird has two SI crystals and they are used to get the DI image. Now... Lowrance is more expensive and has more wires to hook up. You have to buy the HDS 10 with 200/83 2d transducer ($2050) plus the LSS-1 Structure Scan ($575). Also if you want to have an external GPS that has a 5x refresh speed you need to buy the LGC 4000 and Nema 2000 kit for $270. That puts the Lowrance at $2895 plus what ever maps you want (Insight, Navionics, etc).

The 1198 Humminbird is $2350 total and includes one transducer that has SI and 2D built into it, a 50 channel 4x refresh rate external GPS puck, and stand and cover. All that is left to get are your maps (Navionics, LakeMaster, etc.). The SI on the Humminbird is real real good. I actually think (not sure since I have not use the HDS Lowrance) that the "Enhanced" features like "Sharpness" give it an advantage since it makes the fish much easier to see. If you can't see the fish then it is pointless. I have not been able to compare that though. That is just an assumption. Whether it is easier to navigate is up to the user.. It matters what you are use to.

I decided to go with the 1198 because I was already familiar with it, the wires were already ran, it was easier for me to use, and the Humminbird service, support, and internet help has been tremendous. The guys are so so helpful and have taught me a huge amount of info. I also didn't have a place to mount the LSS-1 and didn't want all the extra wires running all over my boat.

Bottom line, I believe both units are GREAT!!!! You will be happy with either...

DoubleG