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Im wanting to finally get a good side imaging unit. Ive kind of narrowed it down to these two. I know each has their pros but just cant make up my mind! A pro for the bird would be the Ipilot Link capability and the lakemaster. But I don't know that I will ever use the Link. The lowrance rebates are hard to pass up! I will mount this unit at the console. Someone help make up my mind already! :) Thanks
Been using the HDS series sense they were introduced in 2009. Great units, love the new TOUCH series.
Money talks, take it while you can. Makes a good deal even better!!!
Been using HB SI units since 2007. Started with an HB 997, but I now have two HB 998s bow and console networked together with Ethernet. These units have great SI and 2D and are very easy to use. Nothing complicated. For the most part, you can run them using default settings and get great images. Haven't bought the Lakemaster chip yet as my home lakes are not HD so I'm using two Navionics (Platinum and Premium). If they would HD survey my home lakes I'd buy the Lakemaster chip for the advantages they offer. I'm considering buying the Heading Sensor GPS antennae for my bow. I already have the HB GRHA Hi-Accuracy antennae for my console. Other than that, I don't intend to change a thing. I love this setup and it is very productive for locating structure of all kinds as well as finding fish.
Thanks guys! Keep em coming. IM sure this will probably be a 50/50 response. The touch 7 was also one I was considering. Wish they had it in an 8! Cant afford the 9!
IMO it's a Ford Chevy thing. My advise it to go fishing with someone that has the units you're interested in and see them in action. Call Brian at BBG Marine and pick his brain, he'll help you without any brand bias.
I have been in the market for a new locator for couple months now. I had myself talked into the elite 7 hdi chirp but now i did a side by side between lowrance and hb. The hb was much better than the lowrance in down imaging and side scan. So now i think im goin with the 999 considering i can add i pilot and 360 imaging down the road if i want.
Did you compare the Elite 7 to the 999 or the HDS 8? On the water or in the store? The 999 is about $1500 and a HDS 8 bundle is about $1230 after the $300 rebate.Quote:
Originally Posted by wipanfisher
New HB 999 for $1299.90.
http://www.okefenokeeoutdoors.com/Hu...1_p_25261.html
HDS 8 bundle, $1174 after discount and rebate.
http://www.bbcboards.net/lowrance-ga...shfinders.html
We were having the lowrance -vs- hb debate last night at a local watering hole. My friend has the elite 7 hdi and another guy had a hb 899. He swore the hb was much better so we met on the lake this morning (opening day of game fishing here) and tested who had the best images. I dont know how much more equal a test could have been same exact conditions for both locators. By the time we were done i was definately on the hb side. My friend with the lowrance even admitted the hb had better DI and SI. The 899 is 300$ more but you get the SI. I want the bigger screen so i will go with 999.