Thread: I bought a 899 HB today

I use 455 95% of the time. Sure some others will chime in with more wisdom!!

Here is the comparison of 455kHz vs 800kHz...

The 455kHz will be brighter overall ...but fuzzier...
The 800kHz will be crisper close to the boat...but darker out to the edges of the screen..



I use 455kHz when I looking for new structure because I can notice structure in the image all the way to the edge of the screen..then I drop a waypoint on interesting structure...

Then I re-position the boat to scan closer to the structure using 800kHz to see the details of the structure...

Frequency choices are specialized tools...use each for what it does best...

Rickie

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

I went with the 899 unit and my understanding is that I can u lo grade to an 800hz transducer. I don't understand why HB wouldn't just put this in the bix from jump street, is it just a money racket? It seems shady to me.
Will I be ok running the transducer that came in the box, 455hz I believe. Is it worth the 90 dollar upgrade?

I'm thinking they are doing it to reduce the cost. For someone who wants to get a SI unit that can be networked as cheap as possible, it would be a great deal. $999 MSRP before dealer sales is a pretty good price for a bright 7" SI unit with 2 card slots, and networking capability.

They would have to charge more for the base unit if they included the HDSI automatically. It might be smart for them to create 2 separate models....one with the HDSI and maybe even the external GPS, and one without.

They include the HDSI with the 999 model because they know if you are going for the bigger screen you are going to want the 800 Khz transducer. The external transducer is still an upgrade.

I think I'll just stick with the one in the box, not sure it's worth the extra money to upgrade.

Just looked up some old prices.....the 898 that came with the HDSI and the external GPS was MSRP $1495.

I would go for the extra and get the 800.....but that's just me. Better to do it now than wish you had later.

I would tend to agree with Bob!! Go ahead and spend the money.

Darn, I probably will then....

I would probably upgrade transducers. Also be sure and sign up for Humminbird Select for the extra year of warranty.