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Reply With QuoteThe DSI is downscan imaging.Originally Posted by only_1_flip
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Slabmaster
Any BIG difference between lowrance elite 5 and the dsi???
Guppy
The DSI is downscan imaging.
Slabmaster
yes i'm aware of that but anything else??
Slabmaster II
This has to be the longest running thread i have ever seen, 59 pages, WOW. Now to hte point. I have been looking at a new combo system and from what I hear the lowrance can't be beat on the GPS/chart plotter side but is not as good on the sonar side. and the humminbird is just the opposite with the garmin falling inbetween. Would you guys say thats a fair opinion I've been hearing.
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Actually, no ... I don't consider it an accurate or fair opinion.
It would all depend on which units were being compared, and even that is relative since there's different technologies involved. Very few of the HB, Garmin, & Lowrance units are close enough in their technology & capabilities to be an apples to apples comparison. They all have their pros/cons, and enough differences to make an equal comparison a bit on the tricky side.
I've actually read more positive comments about the Lowrance sonar images, more discussions about the HB update problems, and heated debates over the need or lack thereof of the 2d sonar capabilities. IMHO ... it's all a matter of what you want the unit to do, how its capabilities will work in tandem with your fishing methods/style, and what your budget will allow you to obtain.
... cp
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Biggest diff's are :
Elite 5 is not a DSI unit, but basically a color 2d 83/200kHz sonar with GPS/Chartplotter capabilities.
Elite 5DSI is a downscan image unit, with GPS/Chartplotter capabilities, and has 455/800kHz downscan sonar (not 2d imaging).
So, in effect, "rickomatic" is correct ... all other capabilities being equal, the Elite 5DSI is a downscan imaging unit, whereas the Elite 5 is a color 2d sonar unit. Choosing between the two is a matter of which sonar technology is right for your fishing methods.
There's also the Elite 5x & the Elite 5xDSI units, to be considered. All four of these Elite series units are a variation on a theme, having different capabilities, to allow for a choice that meets one's preferences.
... cp
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According to the Operations Manual, you are quite correct !! I'll be sure and try some lower backlight settings, next time I'm fishing at night. Thanks !!
... cp
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I found that out the hard way. My screen went almost dark, but it was still on and couldnt figure out what had happened till my buddy "enlightened" me (and the screen)!
Keeper
Thanks everybody next time out I'll try setting it up like CP has his and also try bumping the brightness button some. I guess I just have to play around with the surface clarity, contrast, color, and brightness levels until I get the results I'm happy with.
Minnow
I had a chance to use my new Elite 5 DSI for a week long vacation. I was very pleased with the unit. Before I left, I adjusted the transducer a ittle and lowered it about 3/4 inch. That seemed to help a lot. I can now hold bottom up to about 35 mph. The unit worked great . I did fuss with the contrast, surface clarity, and brightness of the unit. The images of grass and stumps, and rocks etc were outstanding. The only problem I had was seeing fish. I didn't see much to be honest. I think some did show up but were just little specs on the screen. No really well defined arches. I also tries jigging off the back of the boat and could never see my line or lure on the monitor. This made it hard to really know where under the boat I was seeing.
