797 or 798?

[fullspectrum01]

I’m looking into purchasing the smaller SI unit, but wasn’t sure if I should go with the old 797 or the new 798.

I want to know if it’s even worth spending the extra $200 + on the 798. I know there are a few upgrades in the new 798, but is the new upgrades really worth the extra $? Gander Mt here, is selling their 797 for alittle over $700 and the new 798 is of course going $900 +.

I just wanted to know if the 798 contain that much more of an improvement over the previous 797 that it's worth spending more for it? If not, I might have to sacrifice and save some $ and go with the older version.

[LipJerker]

I don't know how to answer your question because I was wondering the same thing myself. I think the added features of the 798 would be nice. I espeicially like the preset buttons and the extra card slot. I was thinking of paying a little more for the extras. Here is the best price I have found.
Humminbird 798C and 798CI Fishfinder GPS Combos

[agdave112]

I have a 797 and can tell you i think it works great.....somone on here hopefully has had both or knows about both will chime in because the only real difference to me would be the gps portion of it. maybe it locks on faster and works a little better.

[Rapprunner]

Go with the 798. As discussed it has two card slots as opposed to only 1 on the 797. Additionally the screen is a little larger on the 798. The old issue of slow to update GPS will still most likely be an issue, but don't let that stop you from getting a side scan. I have the 997, it is absolutley fantastic!

Good luck to you.

BTW - J and H is the best buy around as previously mentioned.

[Ranger690]

798 . Bigger screen. Two card slots. Three preset buttons. Bigger screen. bigger screen.

You'll kick yourself later if you don't.

Did I mention the screen was bigger on the 798?

Dayton

[Rapprunner]

798 . Bigger screen. Two card slots. Three preset buttons. Bigger screen. bigger screen.

You'll kick yourself later if you don't.

Did I mention the screen was bigger on the 798?

Dayton

Did you say the 798 has a bigger screen???? LOL!

[fullspectrum01]

798 . Bigger screen. Two card slots. Three preset buttons. Bigger screen. bigger screen.

You'll kick yourself later if you don't.

Did I mention the screen was bigger on the 798?

Dayton

The 798 screen does look a bit wider, but I checked the specs on both units and they're both listed as 5".

[Ranger690]

There are many ways to make a rectangle that has a 5" diagonal. Here they are side by side. Notice that the 797 screen is set-in a frame. The 798 fills that frame with screen. Since the side image uses the width to display the important details (more bottom coverage), every little bit helps.

Look at the width of the left side of the case to screen.

[bttmline]

I have a 797 and was at the Grizzly jig show and saw the new 798. The 798 is the same base price as the 797, so I would difinately buy it over the 797 UNLESS you can find a new 797 greatly reduced to make room for the new version If you can say picking up a new in the box 797 for $699 instead of $999, well I would have to think about that.
Tim

[hotmod]

798 hands down!!!!!!!!!!!! 5"X5" 640X640 pixel screen 2 slots 3 preset buttons, 50 channel GPS, worth the difference.
Shop around there are places that sell cheaper, but be sure they are selling you the complete package since some break the units down & then you purchase the transducer & GPS antenna seperatly.
I bought mine here Bargain Prices on Marine Electronics! for $929. some may be cheaper but the service @ three rivers has been outstanding.