Please explain the differences between these

Lowrance HDS-5 Gen2 | Fishfinder GPS Chartplotter - LOWRANCE | Marine Electronics

Lowrance HDS 5x Gen2 | Fishfinder - LOWRANCE | Marine Electronics

Besides $150 :Rofl

I see one is a Chartplotter, and after reading this:

What is a Chartplotter and why do I need one?

I'd just assumed if a FF had GPS and a map card, it was a "chartplotter". So I guess that's incorrect?

Or the other (less expensive one) shown, doesn't have GPS? So I'm comparing apples to oranges?

Is the transducer not included? I'm corn-fused (in case it's not obvious, lol), and how would I know which transducer to choose?

HDS-5 Gen2 Units sold with:	Part #	Price
Lake Insight + 83/200 kHz transducer	000-10515-001	$699
Lake Insight (transducer sold separately)	000-10516-001	$649
Nautic Insight (transducer sold separately)	000-10518-001	$649
Nautic Insight + 50/200 kHz transducer	000-10619-001	$749

The HDS 5 with 83/200 for shallow water ie lakes and rivers. In site is a much better mapping program that shows contours with depth. It also has the capability to have down scan and side scan with the addition of Lss-1 or Lss-2 and the transducer to go with.
5x has no GPS I think it can be run with a unit that has Lss hooked to it in a network but basically high priced depth only finder.
HDS-5 would be nice if you wanted to expand later with the Lss functions or just as sonar and GPS. I don't have one yet but am convinced if your going to buy one get the GPS for marking brush,stumps and cover. Plus with the in site let's you follow breaks and channels.
Hope this helps some.

Brian, might want to look up info on new Elite 7 they are coming out with. Bigger screen, built in down scan/2d and GPS. Transducer is very similar to Humminbird. Also supposed to be available with Insite. Pricing seems to be very comparable to the HDS units. That's the one I'm holding off for.

OK, so with the 83/200, you say "shallow", but still the one for all the freshwater lakes? On the Lss-1 and Lss-2 (didn't even see mention of those) I guess it's something to do with the side-scan? Probably not something I'd want anyway.

Understood on the 5X, doesn't sound as if that's the route I'd want to go.

And just to be sure I understand, with the HDS5 (not the x), I can follow channels, ridges, etc by it showing boat position (via boat icon) in relationship to them on the map?

Yes, it helps, I just have no experience/understanding of these. I know time on the water is about all that will help that, but I just want to be sure to start-out with what I'm wanting/needing (instead of buying the wrong unit), then I can worry about learning it (lol, I hope).

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cray

Brian, might want to look up info on new Elite 7 they are coming out with. Bigger screen, built in down scan/2d and GPS. Transducer is very similar to Humminbird. Also supposed to be available with Insite. Pricing seems to be very comparable to the HDS units. That's the one I'm holding off for.

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If it's any thing more (money wise), I couldn't swing it. I'm over-stretching the budget even considering the HDS5. Thanks Charlie! :ThumbsUp

I've got the HDS5 and am absolutely impressed with the machine. Next comes the Side scan for it.

NeonMoon, call Brian at BBG Marine, he can help you find the right df for your needs. Great guy to deal with.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by justinp61

NeonMoon, call Brian at BBG Marine, he can help you find the right df for your needs. Great guy to deal with.

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Been talking with him (PMs) earlier today :ThumbsUp. He is a nice guy, and I don't have a problem remembering his name :biggrin

It looks like the Elite7 and HDS5 are going to be comparable in price with 83/200 transducer on HDS5. Real difference is 5 would be expandable later if you ever wanted with side scan and down scan. Where as the Elite7 comes with Down scan already built in. And yes with in site on either one you would be able to follow channels and contores.
If you don't really want or need down scan you might consider one of the hummingbird units with with just 2d and GPS. They have some that may closer fit your budget. Just a thought. Hope you catch some fish today.