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I know the general opinion is that Lowrance is not worth the hassle. I haven't seen any recent post in reference to the quality or the customer service. I have looked at both the HDS 8 and the 998. I like the HDs unit better, but am still worried about the durability. I hate to beat a dead horse, but would like to here some opinions of people with more current units. Thanks in advance!
I've seen a lot of posts saying that Lowrance CS has taken care of people. I have not had a problem with Lowrance CS, and I've not had any hassle with my units. No durability issues. I've owned both, but for now I'm sticking with, and adding more Lowrance. I'd love to monitor my Yamaha motor, livewell temp, add music to my rig, and the broadband radar would sure be fun to play with. Only one brand offers this many items on their networked units. Prove me wrong on that, and I'll send you a pair of nail clippers for your boat.
Buy whatever units you think will make you happy. If you like the HDS unit better, but you think customer service is an issue, then you have a strange decision, meaning you might buy the unit you don't want because of customer service.
I have a HDS8 and a HDS5 on my boat and my buddy has a 8 and 10 on his boat. We have had zero problems. We have had the units over a year.
[QUOTE=mduncan62;1446912] I'd love to monitor my Yamaha motor, livewell temp, add music to my rig, and the broadband radar would sure be fun to play with. Only one brand offers this many items on their networked units.QUOTE]
I really like all these features you mention. They are way cool. Don't forget to mention the luxury of being able to just buy the HDS unit, then add the side/down scan when one can afford it. The Ethernet networking is also great. It allows to add future HDS units to the network (up to three different head units to the same side/down scan transducer.) and see the same thing on all three units. Should a head unit go bad, the side/down scan is separate, thus avoiding having to replace it with an entire setup.
I have a 60hp tiller on the back and stay at the back of the boat on a regular basis other than to deploy trolling motor or drop/pull anchors. I plan to eventually pick up another HDS-5 or 7 for the front of the boat so others can see what I'm looking at.
Bottom line is that both Humminbird, Lowrance, and other manufacturers have given us so many options when it comes to quality units. It looks to be more like a Ford vs. Chevy thing these days. I really don't think you could go wrong with either one. I chose Lowrance simply because I've never had a problem with one of their units that was not caused be me. I also like the GPS directional arrow that points in the direction the unit is facing, it leaves no guessing when easing up to a waypoint.
with the way electronics are improving we are all outdated as soon as we buy. both are good I have owned both, having said that I still cant catch fish. they need to put lasers on them for shooting and auto retreve for loading dead fish into boat. good luck.
but I do like my lowrance I have 5/7/8 and they are all working verry well.
I don't think that's the general opinion. I've had nothing but Lowrance since I switched from Garmin several years ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by shorebound1
I just bought a HDS-8. I haven't used it yet but the way i see it is just buy the one you want. Any of them can have problems and some of each brand has had problems. I know I'm going to look at this for quite a long time so I got what I wanted.
Thanks for the quick replies. I really want to take advantage of the discount. I just needed a few more opinions. I am glad this didn't turn into an attack on either brand. I've been leeching on here for awhile and enjoy reading the reports and advice. I plan to contribute as best I can in the future.
Glad to have you on the boards. Welcome.Quote:
Originally Posted by shorebound1
a lot of people here in western kentucky use the hds units. they seem to like them. ive herd good things about them.ive used 997 four 4 years now,no issues very pleased.good luck .P.S. i wouldnt buy a unit and plan to add acc. later because of money. technology moves way to fast. just something to think about????? good luck