Depth Finders

I've done a lot of reading on here and the manufacturers web sites & have a few questions before I make a purchase. Let me see if I have this straight.

Lowrance Structure Scan is an option that has to be purchased separately and networked to the actual units? It uses a different x-ducer from the head units.

Hummingbirds Down Scan is basically the same thing and is built into the head units via a software upgrade they offer?

I had thought about a bigger unit at the console and network to a non-SI up front because I very seldom troll at 2 mph. But after thinking about it some more I believe I would like to see a Structure/Down Scan while fishing, so that definitely puts me getting a model with SI at the front also.

I've read about the donuts and zoom features on split screens and other items people find issues with, but I'll sort them out later. Right now unless I'm understanding this wrong you have to buy a $500 separate unit w/ xducer for down scan on the Lowrance and HB you don't?

If this is the case the potential $500 savings is very appealing.

The biggest difference between the Lowrance and Humminbird is that Bird builds the SI into the unit, and Lowrance has what could be described as networked structure scan. With Lowrance, one LSS-1 can provide structure scan to 3 units, so that $600 LSS-1 adds structure scan to 3 displays. The LSS also acts as an ethernet hub for sharing transducers and other sensors.

Depending on how many units you have and what kind of networking you want, it usually comes out costing about the same.

Don't confuse Down Scan with side imaging or structure scan. Down scan is kind of a cross between the two. Both Lowrance and Bird offer it with the Side/Structure units. To get Side Imaging or Downscan with a Humminbird unit, it has to be one that comes with SI.

The best thing to do is figure out what display sizes and mapping features you want, then price out the full setups.

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Originally Posted by CatFan

Don't confuse Down Scan with side imaging or structure scan. Down scan is kind of a cross between the two. Both Lowrance and Bird offer it with the Side/Structure units. To get Side Imaging or Downscan with a Humminbird unit, it has to be one that comes with SI.

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I need to do some more investigating then. I was thinking HB's Down Scan was basically the same as Lowrance's Structure Scan.

I'll add that both companies plan to offer Down Scan units next year that don't do side scan.

I definitely want side scan. Help me learn a new lake.

Take a look at Simrad while you are looking. Nice stuff.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Take a look at Simrad while you are looking. Nice stuff.

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Companies that make you call to get a price scare me. :D

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Originally Posted by big ridge brewer

companies that make you call to get a price scare me. :d

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amen