Lowrance HDS (original) vs HDS GEN2

[big10]

Recently got an HDS5 original to put on the TM and am looking at getting an 8 or 10 to put on the console. Iv done some looking online at the new features the GEN2 has but its kinda a blur to me. Can someone help me understand the differences in the old HDS models and the GEN2 models? What is the StructureMap view and what would the primary uses for it be? From what I have seen, its approximately $200 more for an HDS10 original than it is for an HDS8 GEN2. Are the features the HDS8 GEN2 offers better enough than the original HDS10 that I should drop screen sizes to get the GEN2?

I primarily fish for crappie in the warmer months and catfish in the cooler months if that makes any difference. Might also look into getting into some hybrid fishing in the future.

Thanks in advance

[rnvinc]

Lowrance HDS Gen2 - Structure Map View - YouTube

Rickie

[big10]

Thanks for the link. That was helpful in understanding what structuremap is.

[BigRiverMarine]

Thanks for this educational post!!! Good Stuff!!!!!


BRM

[rockmike]

I'll have a HDS 10 GEN2 in tomorrow---looking forward to trying it out.

[big10]

rockmike, did you have a gen1 HDS before your gen2?

[rockmike]

rockmike, did you have a gen1 HDS before your gen2?

I have two HDS8's. Been wanting the larger screen for the console, so I got the Gen2 when it became available.

[big10]

Once you get some use with your gen2 let me know what you think about it. Based on budget im trying to decide between the gen1 hds10 and the gen2 hds8. Id like to speak to someone with experience when the gen2.

[lcookie]

Is there a chance Low will make a software update to upgrade the gen 1 units?

[big10]

Is there a chance Low will make a software update to upgrade the gen 1 units?

That would be awesome! I could buy a gen 1 hds 10 for a much cheaper price than the gen 2 and then update the software and have basicly the same thing. I would think they wouldnt do this because it would lower their sales on the gen 2 units.