Need help on picking new unit

I enjoy this site so much because of all the great and knowledgable people on here. Have gotten some good and helpful info in the past. Would like to try again. I don't understand all the new information out there and get very confused. What I want in my new unit, sonar, down and side imaging, GPS lake maps. I don't need to network with other units, don't need to run my trolling motor off it. Do I want Garmin, Hummingbird or Lowrance and which unit would fit my needs best? Prices is not a big factor, just want the best unit out there right now. I am 73, fishing mainly small lakes on my new PONDTOON. I think this will be the last unit I buy. Also not real good with computers etc. so the easier to operate the better. Thanks for any info and may you all have a blessed Christmas Season!!!

I may be wrong, but if you want BOTH SI and DI on the same unit, you may be limited to H'bird. As far as "ease of use", I think H'bird might be a bit simpler, too.

Get one of the new 1199s from Brian at BBG Marine. Sure they are being discontinued but you can still get 2 years warranty with Humminbird Select and they will do everything you are looking for at 1/2 the price they were a couple years ago.

In the Lowrance brand ...you would need the HDS series to get 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking... There are still Gen 2 available ...even as the new Gen 3 has been released ...there are many bundle configurations for these so it's important to talk to the dealer to verify you're getting the equipment needed for the technologies you're wanting ...

Lowrance is also releasing a Lowrance ti series (February I think) that has most of the same technologies and features as the HDS series above ...but without Ethernet networking (several $$ less) ...

In the Humminbird brand ... There is the SI Combo series to get 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking ...There still a few of the 899/999/1199 series available ...but they have been discontinued and dwindling supplies are certain ...

Humminbird also has the HELIX 5 and HELIX 7 which is available in 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping with no networking for a lower price point ...

Humminbird has just released the new HELIX 9 and HELIX 10 series ...which replaces the discontinued xx9 series mentioned above ... These are available with the same technologies of 2d/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking with a few added new features ...

Humminbird will be releasing a HELIX 12 in January ...which will be available with 2d-CHIRP/DI/SI/GPS/mapping/networking ...

Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad have comparable units ... But I'm not sure the model numbers to get the same technologies as mentioned above ...

Brian at BBG Marine could help with those brand lines ...

As far as ease of use ...it can sometimes help to go to a big box store and play with the demo units available to see which user interface seems easier for you to navigate ...

Rickie

Wow! What a great reply! Again why I like this site so much. People who know a lot and are willing to take the time to help you. Thank you so much!!! Now it is decision time and definitely heading in the right direction.

My dad is in his late 60's and also wanted ease of use. The problem is that if a function is not easy to use, it doesn't matter if you have it or not, you won't use it.

I have HDS Gen2 models in two of my boats (4 units total). These are NOT touch models. I wanted to see how easy a brand new Gen 3 touch was without reading any literature on it (shopping for dad). I walked up to an HDS12 Gen 3 touch and was easily able to figure out the functions, how to add screens, widen them, position them where I wanted, and so on. I don't have much experience with the HB so I cannot compare. Just telling you what I saw with the newer units in comparison to the older models that I have. Dad will have an new HDS gen 3 onboard his new boat come springtime.

I believe theys are all easy to use. I am glad they have a "back" button.

Thanks again for all the help! So I did it, I called Brian at BBG Marine and got the special on the HDS 9 Gen 2 Touch w/83/200 transducer plus the dwn/side scan transducer. As always Brian is very helpful, walked me through somethings and saved me some money. This sounds like a super setup. Between this and the PONDTOON there are going to be some crappies in trouble come spring!!!!

You will like it. I have 3 HDS7 gen2 touchers. Easy to use.

I'm glad everyone could help. I'm also glad that you called Brain and he was able to walk you through a few things. Always love talking to him. I'm sure he feels the same way as it usually means I'm buying something from him!

If you ever have an issue, or run into something you are unfamiliar with, you can email (or call lowrance). In my dealings with them, they have always been helpful and knowledgeable. I've called them from the lake a time or two trying to figure out how to do something. Always worked. Besides that, there are enough of us CDC members that have probably ran into the same issues that will be more than happy to help you out.

Glad you got a new toy!