I currently use a Humminbird 1197 on the console and a Lowrance x-27 on the bow. I'm considering upgrading to either a Humminbird 1198 or a Lowrance hds-10 gen2 bundle.
Any opinions or problems with either unit.
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I currently use a Humminbird 1197 on the console and a Lowrance x-27 on the bow. I'm considering upgrading to either a Humminbird 1198 or a Lowrance hds-10 gen2 bundle.
Any opinions or problems with either unit.
It's all personal preference, go look at both, push the buttons and ask questions. Then buy the one that YOU like best. I personally like Lowrance stuff and in my opinion the down scan and side scan is better than Hummin Bird. That's my opinion and I have no problem with someone elses opinion being different :bash. :biggrin
Ford vs Chevy type deal. They are both good units and as mentioned above get the one you like the best. That said I had a 997 I bought on here several years ago and really liked it and it was easy for me to use. I sold that boat with the unit on it and my next boat I put lowrance hds7 in it. I could never get use to it, as I'm an idiot when it comes to electronics so now I'm back to a 998. Go figure! One thing I didn't like about the lowrance was having to buy the LSS-1 for side scan.
I agree, check them both out and buy what you're confortable. I currently have Low HDS 7 & 8 and the 8 (&10) are easier to get around on than the HDS 5 & 7 with those soft keys. I've seen them both work and both are nice.
If you have any interest in adding i-Pilot Link to your boat, then the Humminbird 1198 is the only choice.
Too bad that the manufs. can't have a love fest and at least allow waypoint sharing between any unit. The don't give a hoot about our inconveniences. They just want our money.
Someone will take money with a smile. Good luck.
For some ... The decision is the hardware needed to get the features desired....
For others... The decision is the DI (or DownScan in L)...
Lowrance
HDS head unit..
2d xducer..
External GPS antenna (optional as L has internal)
LSS-1 module..
DI/SI xducer...
Humminbird
HDSI Head unit...
2d/SI/DI xducer...
External GPS antenna....
Lowrance has better down scan due to dedicated DI crystals...
Humminbird down imaging is "computer generated" from the SI crystals...
Menu differences are moot...practice...practice...practice...
Customer service is moot...both companies have their days...
So... It boils down to 2 distinct differences...(most every other brand issue is opinionated)...
1. Less hardware...Humminbird
2. Better DI .........Lowrance
Rickie
Just to clairfy the Lowrance hardware, you don't have to buy a LSS-1 or 2 for each unit. One LSS-1 or 2 will run three HDS units. I have a LGC-4000 (external GPS antenna) on my boat and in all honesty I can't say that it's any better than the internal. I've only been out with it one time, so my opinion may change later.
Good info Justin...;)Quote:
Originally Posted by justinp61
Rickie
The LGC-4000 is a major change for me. I'd say you need to compare the 2.Quote:
Originally Posted by justinp61
To the OP, I'd suggest you go and see the units in the store, or in action if possible.
I agree in most part, but Lowrance has the superior networking. Also, Lowrance NMEA2000 and Ethernet are backward compatible in most cases.Quote:
Originally Posted by rnvinc
As you already own a 1197 ask yourself if it has served you well and met your needs. If so get 1198. If not go HDS. If you go HDS you will have both and then you will really know which way to go when you upgrade again. Glad to see people give opinions without bashing. I run Birds bc they were best bang for buck when I was in market. If Low was cheeper then I would probably have them. I think Low has better DI and I think Bird has better SI.
Lowrance Ethernet cables kinda stink. The cables are real stiff and somewhat hard to pull thru boat belly. The cables are solid conductor twisted pairs. The cable will break near the connector if you connect/reconnect often. Be aware of this.
Wonder why they used a solid wire for a marine (boat) environment? Humminbird uses 24 AWG stranded copper wire in our Ethernet cables - basically CAT 5e cable.
But don't assume just because it is labeled "CAT 5e" that the cable is stranded as it is available in both solid and stranded.
All of them "hose" us on these cables. OTC RJ45 connector cables are available in waterproof configurations.
I agree both Humminrance and Lowbird are good products but I would never drive a Chevy.:RoflQuote:
Originally Posted by slimeyslab
Penny pinching I guess. billbob had an intermittent network problem. Cable was broken at the connector neck. That is how I found the solid conductor cable. This I believe to be somewhat amateurish in design.Quote:
Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg
I didn't. It lists a stranded wire on the Engineering drawing for the Ethernet cables.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill
I went with the 1198. Much inproved display and greatly improved downscan.
Post up snapshots....
We like snapshots...:)
Rickie