orderd a new boat and was planning on installing 2 898's.which Lowrance sonar is the match or close to the 898.would like to compare before the boat gets here and I make my purchase!!
let me add:compatibility and equal or close in price?
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orderd a new boat and was planning on installing 2 898's.which Lowrance sonar is the match or close to the 898.would like to compare before the boat gets here and I make my purchase!!
let me add:compatibility and equal or close in price?
Hds8
I think the HDS 7 is closer in price, but I believe the HDS 8 is closer in specs. To have independent SI at both the trolling motor and the console, you'd have to get two LSS-1s. Most people just have one at the transom and use ethernet to get the image to the TM unit.
thanks for the info guys!!
If you want a size equal to the 898 the HDS7 would be closest, HDS 8 about equal in size(diagonal measurement) to a 998, but HDS has more height to it screen.
If you decide to go with the 898 check out universal mania .com. Got mine there for $1230.00 to the door.
wow!!that's a great price!!thanks for that info!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dray81
I guess no matter where you buy a unit one has to contact HB for warranty issues?
what are the limitations on the HB units with regards to split screens on the 898, 998?
The HDS8 will do this, which is a handy feature.
http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/new_product/HDS8-1.jpg
Buying this and the LSS1 means you'll drop a little more jack then the 898 though.
Also, congrats on the new boat, what did you get?
this is the kind of info I'm looking for.this is a very nice feature!!this is the kind of info I'm looking for before I dump a bunch of $$.I'm assuming you have one of these.if so do you find the unit very user friendly compared to the HB?Quote:
Originally Posted by mduncan62
Currently I don't own and 8. I'm saving now to replace the 2 HDS5's that I have with HDS7's. I'd love to have the 8, and I've spent a lot of time looking at them. I may end up with one 8 and keep a 5. The buttons on the bottom of the 8 are awesome, and the out side edge of the top button with the arrows on it acts like a dial for the setting when you rub your finger around it. I can't look at the HDS10 because I won't have money like that until the kids move out. LOL. I highly recommend you go in and look at both brands and see what you think is the better fit.Quote:
Originally Posted by zwalls
All of the HDS units have the same settings system and menu's and they were a bit different for me when I switched from HB. But after a little while, it's automatic, you know what to do to change settings, etc. If you want to be able to monitor your motor or fuel economy, the HDS NMEA2000 system will do that. Buy the modules and the network kit, and you're in business. Cane Pole would be a good resource for you, he's got it up and running currently with his yamaha.
Good luck, congrats on the new rig, and new units, regardless of the brand, happy fishing to you.
thanks for taking the time to share your info!!I definitly need to take a look at the Lowrance's! just wondering where I might find both in the same store to compare?Quote:
Originally Posted by mduncan62
Last year when I was looking, one of the things that turned me off of the HDS7 was only having one SD slot. The HDS8 and the 898 have two SD slots.
Good point!!they all have so many features.it's hard to tell without seeing both of them in action!!DI is just as important as SI for me as well as map systems.I'd like to get the best of both worlds with which ever units I go with!Quote:
Originally Posted by Stymie
sheesh.....this is way to hard to weed thru and decide!!
I ended up buying the 898 and I have a friend who bought a Lowrance. We both like our units, so in the end you just have to see which unit fits your fishing style and make your own decision...but it's a fun decision to have to make.Quote:
Originally Posted by zwalls
after doing some research it seems to me to be able to display DI and SI in HD on a Lowrance HDS-8 that I would need to also purchase the LSS-1 to go with the unit.anyone with this unit can varify this?
it also seems that I would be spending a great deal more money to accomplish this where as the HB 898 already comes with 1 transducer to display DI and or SI!
am I right in this assumption?
thanks
Z
Quote:
Originally Posted by zwalls
Last night just for feces and giggles I priced the 998 si (I know this is not the item per say) due to the fact that its features are a close proximity to my 8 I went ahead and did some price checking. Correct me if I am wrong but some of the prices I saw (online) were around $1727. This, I assume will give you down, side and 2d ability. My 8 and lss1 came up to a total of $1723. I think the 8 provides you will a little bit better resolution (600 x 800) but both are pretty much identical. Granted, the rebates that Lowrance offered took a big chunk out of the final price.
My equipment was purchased from "authorized dealers" and are carrying the full Lowrance warranty. Why do I post this...most of the time patrons and what have you will say that HB is the "best bang for the buck"...inference...cheaper. In most instances I would say yes. But if you work at it and watch events that provide YOU the consumer an edge, quality savings can be had.
And yes...you would need the lss1 to give you the down and side imaging ability.
Not sure about the 998, but I've heard of people getting the 898 for $1230. The only difference between an 898 and a 998 is the screen size.
thanks,Quote:
Originally Posted by drifter106
I guess price wise your right if I were comparing the HDS8 to the 997 but I was comparing it to the 898.maybe I should be comparing the HB898 to the HDS7 for pricing purposes?
agreed!!that's why I was going with the 898's!I have a source I can get them at the same price, so 2 898's cost me $2,460 versus what would 2 HDS8'S and a LSS-1 total all together?Quote:
Originally Posted by Stymie
I need to check on this thru my source and see what exactly the difference in cost is!I don't want to go with the HDS7 cause the screen size is smaller and I haven't really compared the 7 to the 8 to see what other differences there are.
more homework!!
or you guys can keep the info rolling in!!
ANOTHER QUESTION
with the HDS8,does one use the original TD along with the LSS-1 TD.does one have 2 TD'S on the boat at the same time?
If it is a blue connector on the 2d Xducer, you can use it.
Something you gain besides real estate and resolution is the hot keys. After using the 5 for over a year and then experiencing the 8 with hot keys...just makes for a better experience. To bad they don't put them on the 7 but in the end its all about money, features and stepping up to a different level.Quote:
Originally Posted by zwalls
agreed!!the hot keys are a definite interest.and your right too bad they don't have them on the 7.but besides screen size that's what seperates the 2!!
Ok Z, I bought an HDS-8 early in March, I shopped and shopped and the best price I could come up with was $1,499 for the base package with transducer. This also included a $100 rebate up until March 27th.Quote:
Originally Posted by zwalls
I also shopped the LSS-1 units. The best I found was at $550 with a $50 rebate until March 27th.
I am self employed and with the economy in the shape it's in, I have to be very frugal on how I spend. I really couldn't afford the HDS-8, but figured if I was going to get a DI/SI that I might as well bite the bullet and get what I want. I had also shopped the Humminbird units. They were lower in price, but didn't get my attention as much as the HDS's. I spent a couple of nights watching videos people had posted on youtube for each unit I shopped. In the end, I jumped from the HDS-5 up to the 8 and I'm extremely happy with my purchase.
I think Stymie brought up a good point earlier. He mentioned that if you went with an HDS unit, that you would need TWO LSS-1 units if you wanted DI/SI front and back. To answer an earlier question by you, yes, the HDS units have a regular transducer and the LSS-1 unit has a separate transducer. If you choose two 898 units, then you'll save a lot of money getting DI/SI front and back of the boat.
Trying to figure out what each unit will do, what you need to get the results you want, how much is it going to cost compared to the other is enough to give any sane fellow Dain Bramage.
I think what it boils down to is if you want to save $$$, go with the Humminbird that will do what you want. If you want a Cadillac, go with the HDS units. They're not priced for the average Joe to own, but OMG, the difference in quality of what you're looking at is to me, night and day.
Since the LSS-1 unit is separate from the HDS head units, should one or the other ever go bad, all you replace is the bad piece.
My boat has a 60hp Tiller Merc on it and I have found it better for me to just stay in the back of the boat while fishing too. So I really only need 1 decent unit. However, I can add another HDS unit towards the front and network them together sharing the same LSS-1 unit and transducer allowing me, or others in my boat to view what we just went over. Once networked together by the Ethernet cables, any waypoint I mark on either unit will be recorded by both units.
I can also purchase the "Sonic Hub" on down the road sometime which will turn my HDS 8 into a docking station for an Iphone/Ipod/MP3 player/Sirius Sattelite Radio.
The options the Lowrance HDS system has to offer make it an amazing system. Chartplotter, Radar, Music, Monitor your engine settings/temp/gages/fuel/etc.
These items are some of the reasons HDS owners pay the piper for. It seems as if the HDS capabilities are limitless.
By the same token, Hummnbird owners save money while getting the results they're looking for in a finder, minus the "bells and whistles".
Now that I've really confused you, consider the extra cost for the quality if you're financing the boat.
But, before you jump to any conclusions or decisions, go to your States boards and try to hook up with an owner of each unit you're interested in and meet them at the ramp for a quick show and tell. This will help you greatly decide which route you want to take. I'm sure some of the guys would be happy to take you for a little boat ride, before some salesman takes you for a real ride.... Good Luck!
X2 on what crappie reaper said. If you have the money in the budget to spend, I'd Go with HDS8's and LSS1's or 1 LSS1 and ethernet the units together. You may decide to add nmea devices later if you wish, the option is there with Lowrance. In terms of options, controls, etc. the 800/900 HB units just don't compare to the HDS8. And the 2 year warranty with Lowrance is a nice move by Lowrance.
LOL........I wish it was as simple as it was when I was a kid.a flat bottom boat,cane pole,a cork and some shinners!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper
been doing a lot more reading and watching videos too!!I hear what your saying loud and clear!!If I figured correctly, 2 HDS8',an LSS-1 and a ether connection to join the units together would be about $1,200 more.with all of the extra features the HDS may be worth the extra coins!!I just need to continue researching until the my boat comes in in about 3 or so weeks.
ANOTHER QUESTION:those of you who do have the LSS-1,where did you mount the main unit at and the transducer?new boat is a wareagle predator!!suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mduncan62
Thumbs Up Thumbs Up
Most people I know, mount the LSS-1 ducer on the transom. Another thought, should you go HDS, you could alway add another LSS-1 at a later date, then you could have both units having the ability to see what's front, or back. Also, if money is a major player, you could use an 8 at your console and pick up a smaller 5 for the bow. Wouldn't take up near the room, but would confirm for you what you found on the 8. I do have a very good friend who owns a 997 and loves it although he wishes he'd gone with the 1197.
For me to stick two HDS 8s with two LSS-1's to boot, I'd have $4,300 in them and that won't include the nema cables to connect them. I don't know when or where drifter bought his 8 and LSS-1 for only $1,700+ but if it was recent, he got one heck of a deal. Some the HDS first and add the LSS-1 later, I bit the bullet and got it over with. I have more in my electronics now than the entire boat is worth.
just in case you have not already discussed it, the hds7 now comes as a package with the structure scan for $1,599.00 they did have the $100 rebate, but ended in MARCH.
After writing what I did and after further consideration I feel I owe it to this thread further explanations especially after reading Crappie Reapers post.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper
1st everything I said was fact... probably painted a little one sided but neverless the truth. The $ I put out and what I purchased...is it something that anybody could do anytime...probably not. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time for both purchases and catching BOE Marine with a sale and a discount to boot. Stating what I did may have created an illusion for the OP and that was not my intent. Both HB and Lowrance have good products and with money being what it is for most of us now days, well, u just gotta plan accordingly.
To be honest, I had no intentions of purchasing the 8 until I saw what I could do in the small window that I had and believe me Jim over at BOE went out of his way to help me get this purchase done.
OP, I don't envy you, at one time I was in the same position...which way to go HB or Lowrance and at what entry level. I am quite sure which ever way you go it will make for a satisfactory experience.
I did have a budget but that always seems to change once I really start diggin to buy something.I could do it in pieces but I know myself too well.either way I go I'd want to get it over with and I'd probably end up with 2 HDS8'S and 2 LSS-1's.....DohQuote:
Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper
decisions,decisions:rolleyes:
:Dthanks!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by drifter106
and your right about the money!!I'd be lying if I said I haven't been affected by this economy.I'm in the retail (car) business and it's not what it used to be.kinda scary at times.it may have to come down to the money after all is said and done and I may have to go with what cost the least.at least for now!!
maybe I can sell a few other toys!!anyone interested in a good tournament bow?:D
After I made the decision to go with the HDS, I looked at the 5's, but wanted a bigger screen. I looked at the 7's, and saw the combo w/insight and LSS-1 package that crappiegirl mentioned. I made the very tough decision to move on up to the HDS-8 and spend another 5 Franklins while I was at it. Hopefully, it will last me long enough to feel I spent my money wisely. For now, I do not regret the purchase. It's everything I thought it was. Now if I could just catch mo fish...
we sound very similar.I started looking at 2 798's and here I am looking at 898's and HDS8's!!whoo hoo!but I know once I've made the decision,no matter which units I go with,898's or HDS8's I'll be glad I took the step up from the smaller units.once I have them I'll somehow be able to justify moving up.especially when I'm fishing and I have my wife in the boat!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper
look Honey,see how detailed everything is.and you can even see the fish!! she'll just do this......:rolleyes: whatever!! Rofl
Zwalls
I've been following this thread for awhile and just now noticed that you're in Lafayette. Maybe as in Louisiana. If so I have the HB 898cSI newly installed on my Tracker 175 and it's awesome. You would be welcome to come by and check it out if you'd like. I have some recordings I could show you too. PM me and we can set a time if you like.
I will say this though, regardless of Lowrance, Humminbird, Simrad, Garmin, etc. You stick them all together and a few will always stick out as looking better. You take one away and watch it, and even if it was one of the not so great units, once it's separated out from the rest, it too looks great. Marine electronics have grown leaps and bounds and the competition just makes their engineers work that much harder coming up with new fangled gizmos for us all to play with. Ain't it great?
your right!!competition is great.then on the other hand,it's kinda of like computers,smart phones,tv's,etc. . they're always coming out with something new or better than what we just boughtDoh
can be rough on the pocket book sometimes!:eek:
It would be even better if the competition would drive the price down more.CF