Somebody set me straight

I have a HDS 7 GEN 2. I am thinking about Structure Scan. This will cost about $600. I can buy a new Elite 7 HDI for $700. The unit is interchangeable with the HDS 7 power. .The hst-wsbl transducer on the back will show 83/200 and by changing out the hst-wsbl on the front I can have down scan on the trolling motor. I am not a big side scan man, could be wrong. I am not sure I would get that much from Structure Scan...... at least not $600 bucks worth The new Gen 2 Touch will show down scan by using the down scan transducer.......Am I overlooking something???? Please comment, And thanks. How much is my HDS 7 unit worth??? Works perfect and has GPS.

The HDS 7 Touch would be more along the lines of buying a HDS 7 and LSS unit together, since it contains the LSSHD. It also utilizes ethernet. If you really believe that you won't want/need Structure scan, than by all means the elite-7 would be a good choice for you. I had 2 HDS-7's with 1 LSS-1 all connected via ethernet. I just sold one of the 7's and bought an elite-7 because all I really want on the TM is DS, and to be able to share waypoints and other NMEA2K data.

I think the LSS-1 was 500ish when I bought it, and I'd bet you I've gotten my monies worth out of it. Between finding structure (man-made and natural) and finding other hot spots, it's worked well. I think DS on the TM is a must though. Once you've used it, it's hard to give up.

All of this is IMO of course.

Check the classifieds on Bass Boat Central, I've seen LSS-1s sell from $300-$400 if you're patient.

Electronics

146 read this post. Thanks very much to the two who responded. Sorry the rest had no opnion or could not type.

Well, one thing you don't mention is budget so it's hard to answer.
If it were me, I would complete the system you started with by adding a LSS and a 2nd HDS unit. I did this with Gen 1. I don't use SS alot but if I want it, it's there and I have used it alot on some outings and it has saved the day on others.
There is nothing like having the ability to share info, mark GPS points ect at both units. I know I have no regrets. Actually it's hard for me to not add a 3rd hds unit.

There is a lss2 on the personal classified adds for $325.Good buy.

What's the difference between lss1 and lss2

I think basically lss-2 will do map overlays------- big deal. Not sure if this is only difference. Elite 7 HDI is about $700, Structure Scan is $600.You can use the Elite 7 from the trolling motor and have down scan and 2d. Using the HDS 7 and structure scan, the transducer and structure scan transducer would have to be mounted close together on the trolling motor. Then movement of the trolling motor may be a problem. I bought the HDS 7 Gen 2 in March of last year. I am wondering if I should sell the HDS 7 Gen 2 and buy the Elite 7 or go through the trouble of mounting structure scan, running new wires,installing a switch, mounting 2 transducers on the trolling motor Just to be able to get side scan...... Is side scan that big of a deal?? Any comments....

It's the HDS gen 2 that does the overlay not the LSS. I wouldn't trade one of my HDS units for a half dozen DSI units. Unless they have made BIG improvements in the GPS and down imaging there is no comparison.

Guess I am not up on today's tech. Had a 332c on my skeeter and loved it. Then I had a 1197 hb on my ranger. Now I have a gen 2 hd5 now I have not used it I just thought HD would make it a better unit but now. I am not sure if it will be enough.

The HDS are great depth finders regardless what generation they are.

Glad to here that getting excited to get on the water real soon

I have a HDS-8 and LSS1 on the console now.Side scan is great to find structure without having to run over the top of it.I found a tire in 35 fow 40 ft. to the side and it looks just like a tire.It's great to find little things you would not normally.I want another hds 7 or 8 for the TM now so I can get over fish and view the lss at the transom while viewing what's under the tm.Help stay on the fish or structure I'm fishing.If you do sell your 7 let me know.:highfive

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Originally Posted by kingfish387

I have a HDS-8 and LSS1 on the console now.Side scan is great to find structure without having to run over the top of it.I found a tire in 35 fow 40 ft. to the side and it looks just like a tire.It's great to find little things you would not normally.I want another hds 7 or 8 for the TM now so I can get over fish and view the lss at the transom while viewing what's under the tm.Help stay on the fish or structure I'm fishing.If you do sell your 7 let me know.:highfive

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That's the combo I have, 8 on console & 7 up front. Some times I switch the units for a bigger screen up front.

Like someone else said, no way I'd switch the HDS Units for a DI unit either.