After much reading and such, I still can not make a clear cut decision on which to go

with either the HB 570DI or the Lowrance model. I already have one HB but was considering putting a Lowrance on the front of my boat. I know someone will probably say that go ahead and get the one with GPS and I have already been down that road and I do not plan of doing that unless someone will pay the difference :), with that being said, just wandering if you guys and any input on this. I have notice that the display pixels are different on the units and seems like one has more rms watts (cant be sure what it was called) than the other one. The units are price the same that I have seen, I will be mounting in on trolling motor. Also, I see where a trolling motor mount is optional with the Lowrance but didnt find anything about a trolling motor mount for the HB, now I could be overlooking it. I do know that we do have some of the HB guys that come one here and answer question and that is great. I dont know if anyone from Lowrance is on here or not. Just things that I am taking in to consideration

thanks for all help


maachuu

Lowrance service dept BITES bigtime. That, and they are prone to get water inside the units.

I think this mount may work for the TM...

AD XTM 9 :: Humminbird

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

I think this mount may work for the TM...

AD XTM 9 :: Humminbird

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thanks rnvinc

m

I have three lowrance products, never had a water problem, never had a customer relation problem, fish in the rain, am verry happy with all three units, 5 on the back 7 on the front, and 8 in the middle, all easy to operate, all preform as advertised.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by beagle man

I have three lowrance products, never had a water problem, never had a customer relation problem, fish in the rain, am verry happy with all three units, 5 on the back 7 on the front, and 8 in the middle, all easy to operate, all preform as advertised.

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thanks beagle man, been comparing transducer mount for the trolling motor and if Im reading right the one for the HB is like 11.00 and the Lowrance is like 39.00, dont know if I am looking at the right one for the Lowrance or not. seems strange that there would be that much difference in the price

thanks
m

One advantage on the Humminbird Down Imaging units are they also have traditional 2D sonar.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joby @ Humminbird

One advantage on the Humminbird Down Imaging units are they also have traditional 2D sonar.

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Thanks Joby, I have read that if you use the DI that you most likely will not ever use the sonar. Just saying and comparin but thanks for your input, just wanna make sure I get what I think is best. I already have a 898si and really like it and with the new s/w update I think its even gonna be better.

thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by beagle man

I have three lowrance products, never had a water problem, never had a customer relation problem, fish in the rain, am verry happy with all three units, 5 on the back 7 on the front, and 8 in the middle, all easy to operate, all preform as advertised.

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You need to bring that rig down to Oologah so I can send you back with some great big 'ol winter time slabs. I'd love to see some of your toys/tools in action. The Crappie fishing on Oologah has been so hot this winter it's like taking candy from a baby! It's been normal to catch over 200 fish with the keepers averaging in the 11" - 14" range. Every now and then a bigun get's hooked that'll push 2.5lbs+. Limit is 37 per person daily and you can keep them all. I've got enough.

I have a question about the new down imaging units as well. If you have a wider (left to ride) but narrower (front to back) beam for down imaging and say your in 20 feet of water. If a tree appears on the left side of the beam of the transducer how will that show on the screen. Because it would be useless to see structure but not know which side of the boat it is located on? I am getting ready to order the Hbird down imaging and this is the last piece of information that I am curious about.

The last ditch effort is to say the service dept sucks, and the old water issue. I like Beagle have had no water, and service has been fine as expected. You don't really see anyone comparing the performance of the units, or clarity of the images, which should tell prospective buyers of either unit that they are similar.

I have 2 HDS 5's and one LSS-1 unit. Not the biggest screen, but there's a reason why I did this. I have the LSS-1 transducer on the back of the boat and spend a lot of time looking at scans on the console, but If I'm up on the trolling motor and want to split screen and watch the down scan or side scan I can as it's built into the network capability. This is a great feature. As far as I'm aware, even with ethernet an 2 HB units can't share DI/SI views between them. So you have to make the full investment of 2 high end HB units. Guess what, that will cost you more money then doing it the Low way that I did.

Also with HDS and LSS-1 if you lose one or the other transducers you are not dead in the water. You'll either have 2d or the downs scan/side scan.

Both brands have similar features and performance. As always check your wallet, know what you want, see the units if possible, purchase, and don't look back.

thanks mduncan,

m

"Find the content you want - faster. Humminbird high-speed Ethernet lets you share sonar, GPS, waypoints and more between compatible units. Compatible with new Humminbird 700HD, 800, 900 and 1100 Series models plus Ethernet-equipped legacy models**."

This is a quote from the HB brochure. I read it that 2D, SI, and DI sonar will be viewable from each transducer on the network.

reeper i really need to come down, been talking about it for couple years now, thanks for the invite, but not today, someone said it was snowing outside,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stymie

"Find the content you want - faster. Humminbird high-speed Ethernet lets you share sonar, GPS, waypoints and more between compatible units. Compatible with new Humminbird 700HD, 800, 900 and 1100 Series models plus Ethernet-equipped legacy models**."

This is a quote from the HB brochure. I read it that 2D, SI, and DI sonar will be viewable from each transducer on the network.

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If you are correct, that an NON SI unit can show the display from an SI unit, that would be a nice enhancement for HB. Maybe Joby or HB Greg can confirm this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mduncan62

If you are correct, that an NON SI unit can show the display from an SI unit, that would be a nice enhancement for HB. Maybe Joby or HB Greg can confirm this.

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See this...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...formation.html

Thru the ethernet connection...A unit can only receive SI information if the unit "receiving" is also a SI unit...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

See this...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...formation.html

Thru the ethernet connection...A unit can only receive SI information if the unit "receiving" is also a SI unit...

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My bad, forgot to add the ** footnote part. Thanks rnvinc!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

See this...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...formation.html

Thru the ethernet connection...A unit can only receive SI information if the unit "receiving" is also a SI unit...

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That rules it out then.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mduncan62

As far as I'm aware, even with ethernet an 2 HB units can't share DI/SI views between them.

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This statement threw me. I read it that you were saying that DI/SI wouldn't be shared between units with ethernet.

In the context of this thread, you are right that the guy using a SI unit will not be able to share that data with a DI unit.

That's part of what I really like about the HDS system. You can buy it in pieces since it's a modular system. I bought 2 HDS 5's when I had the money. Used them for several months as is, while I saved for the LSS-1. Now I can watch the DI/SI on either unit, and saved money over buying 2 full price HB units. Now if I decided to add a sounds system, I could buy the sonic hub from lowrance and connect it to the network, no problemo. I'm not made of money, so this was a great way to get quality units without breaking me off in the wallet. I'm also not bashing HB for requiring 2 SI units in order for you to share SI/DI data. For some that's the way to go, and there's nothing wrong with that, or the HB units.

Like most on here, we pay our own hard earned money and don't have the companies giving us free units, and paying us that way to tow the company line and say all the right things. If we cut the crap about bashing customer service, and really get to the nuts and bolts, we can help inform people about the units.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maachuu

Thanks Joby, I have read that if you use the DI that you most likely will not ever use the sonar. Just saying and comparin but thanks for your input, just wanna make sure I get what I think is best. I already have a 898si and really like it and with the new s/w update I think its even gonna be better.

thanks

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Hi Maachuu, To answer your question it depends on how you fish and use your electronics to fish. With DI and even sonar you need to be moving roughly 2 to 5mph to get a clear picture of STRUCTURE or its going to look like you are motionless over a piece of brush. But with DI you don't have to be moving at all to see fish. The reason being is the footprint of a DI beam is a thin straight line shooting downward. if a fish goes through this beam it shows a blimp. But since cover like brushpiles are bigger and exceed the width of the narrow beam it is skewed so you need to moving 2 to 5mph or so.

The cool thing with the HB DI only units is they come with sonar. It's tough to see your lure with DI but with sonar it gives you that option. But it's a good learning tool so that you can cross reference what you see on sonar with what you are seeing on DI.

As for service. Joby and Greg from Humminbird are on here a good bit. Doug and I are also on here a good bit. YOu have any trouble feel free to contact any of us. Also Humminbird has a track record of servicing their units for quite a while. HB is still servicing some units made back in 1998 still servicing the old HDR600 units .

Hope this helps

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fish Assassin

I have a question about the new down imaging units as well. If you have a wider (left to ride) but narrower (front to back) beam for down imaging and say your in 20 feet of water. If a tree appears on the left side of the beam of the transducer how will that show on the screen. Because it would be useless to see structure but not know which side of the boat it is located on? I am getting ready to order the Hbird down imaging and this is the last piece of information that I am curious about.

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Hi Fish Assassin, Great question and I get asked this a lot. If you see a fish on DI there really is no way to tell via DI and even sonar which side of the boat the tree is on. Side imaging gives you that ability tho.

Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by T Mike

Hi Maachuu, To answer your question it depends on how you fish and use your electronics to fish. With DI and even sonar you need to be moving roughly 2 to 5mph to get a clear picture of STRUCTURE or its going to look like you are motionless over a piece of brush. But with DI you don't have to be moving at all to see fish. The reason being is the footprint of a DI beam is a thin straight line shooting downward. if a fish goes through this beam it shows a blimp. But since cover like brushpiles are bigger and exceed the width of the narrow beam it is skewed so you need to moving 2 to 5mph or so.

The cool thing with the HB DI only units is they come with sonar. It's tough to see your lure with DI but with sonar it gives you that option. But it's a good learning tool so that you can cross reference what you see on sonar with what you are seeing on DI.

As for service. Joby and Greg from Humminbird are on here a good bit. Doug and I are also on here a good bit. YOu have any trouble feel free to contact any of us. Also Humminbird has a track record of servicing their units for quite a while. HB is still servicing some units made back in 1998 still servicing the old HDR600 units .

Hope this helps

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Thanks tmike


m

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper

You need to bring that rig down to Oologah so I can send you back with some great big 'ol winter time slabs. I'd love to see some of your toys/tools in action. The Crappie fishing on Oologah has been so hot this winter it's like taking candy from a baby! It's been normal to catch over 200 fish with the keepers averaging in the 11" - 14" range. Every now and then a bigun get's hooked that'll push 2.5lbs+. Limit is 37 per person daily and you can keep them all. I've got enough.

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crappie, is 37 a mis-print or not? if not why the unusual number of 37 for a limit? strange. but then i could consider the state you are from?

Jig in DI and SI windows.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...ot3800x600.jpg

well after much reading and talkin, Im still not committed to either brand, some say I would want the 2d sonar along with the DI that comes with the HB and the Lowrance does not have it, I have moved up to lookin for a unit with gps capabilites. the Low has a good picture with DI but as mentioned, it does not have the 2d sonar that HB does. So that is the quandry at this point :( but I must admit, I seem to like the Low a slight bit better but I also like the fact that we have 2 members that work for HB on here :)

thanks
m

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maachuu

well after much reading and talkin, Im still not committed to either brand, some say I would want the 2d sonar along with the DI that comes with the HB and the Lowrance does not have it, I have moved up to lookin for a unit with gps capabilites. the Low has a good picture with DI but as mentioned, it does not have the 2d sonar that HB does. So that is the quandry at this point :( but I must admit, I seem to like the Low a slight bit better but I also like the fact that we have 2 members that work for HB on here :)

thanks
m

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Have to agree, it's nice to have HB employees around. I was on a Muskie site, and the President of Marketing was on there as the HB rep. He said he bought a Lowrance DI unit, for testing purposes of course. Now that there's more then 1 player in the market, it's causing everyone to step up their game. It's a good thing for all of us little guys. People come and go from jobs and forums, so I'm not sure how much weight I'd put into the members on here, but it's nice for now.

The good thing for you, is that you are taking the time to learn about both units, and deciding which is best for you. I don't think you'll have buyers remorse when you make your decision. Good luck man.

Here is pvc "stump" found by my HB. I am trying to help...:p:p

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...ndo640x480.png

Thanks mduncan62, yea I am still tryin to figure it all out :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Here is pvc "stump" found by my HB. I am trying to help...:p:p

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...ndo640x480.png

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Thanks Cane

m

What is you other HB unit?

mine is a 898

I would opt for the 788 DI just for the connectivity issues.

I am new here and this is my first post here but I might be able to throw out a bone.
I fish out of a 16' flat bottom for crappie and catfish. Did not want to spend money on a unit for the back of the boat and one for the TM. so here is what I did.
Bought the HDS5. and mounted the transduser in the back of the boat. Bought a 2nd ducer to mount on my TM. Purchased a 15 extinsion cord (25$) to get the TM transducer to reach the back of boat. Also had to get a switch ($125) Main unit is mounted on plywood. Can now switch between back and front transducers at the flip of a switch. Only had to buy 1 unit that I can now use from anywhere in the boat. Works great. Ordered the SS 1 and now waiting for it to show up at my door.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FroggerZack

I would opt for the 788 DI just for the connectivity issues.

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I like that word "connectivity" and I agree with you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by byron9393

I am new here and this is my first post here but I might be able to throw out a bone.
I fish out of a 16' flat bottom for crappie and catfish. Did not want to spend money on a unit for the back of the boat and one for the TM. so here is what I did.
Bought the HDS5. and mounted the transduser in the back of the boat. Bought a 2nd ducer to mount on my TM. Purchased a 15 extinsion cord (25$) to get the TM transducer to reach the back of boat. Also had to get a switch ($125) Main unit is mounted on plywood. Can now switch between back and front transducers at the flip of a switch. Only had to buy 1 unit that I can now use from anywhere in the boat. Works great. Ordered the SS 1 and now waiting for it to show up at my door.

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thanks byron, but I already have a 898 on the back of my boat.

m

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FroggerZack

I would opt for the 788 DI just for the connectivity issues.

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good point frogger, not a lot of price difference in the 788 DI and the 597 DI

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maachuu

well after much reading and talkin, Im still not committed to either brand, some say I would want the 2d sonar along with the DI that comes with the HB and the Lowrance does not have it, I have moved up to lookin for a unit with gps capabilites. the Low has a good picture with DI but as mentioned, it does not have the 2d sonar that HB does. So that is the quandry at this point :( but I must admit, I seem to like the Low a slight bit better but I also like the fact that we have 2 members that work for HB on here :)

thanks
m

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Always consider with this statement the actual "shape" of the sonar beam and how that might help/hinder your decision...

DI is a "thin slice" that shows returns directly under and to the sides of the xducer...

2D is "cone shaped" emitted in all directions (in that cone shape)from the xducer..

When I am spider rigging...a brushpile will show up on my 2d about the same time my baits touch the brush....

That same brushpile doesn't show up on the DI until my baits have already passed the brushpile....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

Always consider with this statement the actual "shape" of the sonar beam and how that might help/hinder your decision...

DI is a "thin slice" that shows returns directly under and to the sides of the xducer...

2D is "cone shaped" emitted in all directions (in that cone shape)from the xducer..

When I am spider rigging...a brushpile will show up on my 2d about the same time my baits touch the brush....

That same brushpile doesn't show up on the DI until my baits have already passed the brushpile....

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Thanks rnvinc, appreciate that info, good point for sure

maachuu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

That same brushpile doesn't show up on the DI until my baits have already passed the brushpile....

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Which, it was pointed out to me, is why you use either markers, or program it into your gps.