HB 581i HD DI not happy so far

Just bought a 581 HD DI at bass pro. The one on display had a bit of a burnt in screen from being run in demo mode for months, but I expected a new unit to be fairly sharp. That is not the case, and there seems to be a bad line right in the middle of the display. I hope it is due to the reflective screen and will be sharper out doors.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Also, I didn't see anything about the snapshot feature in the settings. Is this available on this model or not? The HB site is not very clear, and this is one of the main reasons I bought a DI unit.

Well, I took it outside and the screen is more easily viewable, so that's good. The line still seems to be there, so we'll see how that goes.

I would contact HB customer service and describe your concerns to them

I'm thinking about it, but don't want to jump the gun. I think this screen is just cheap. The refresh time is terribly slow, as in when the depth number changes, the old numbers still show for a split second. I might just take it back and try a different brand. This whole unit just feels cheap.

Not sure what the 581 costs but the new Elite 7 is an awesome unit for the money, backtrack is pretty cool too.

The 581 is a $300 unit, 2D/DI/GPS. Not the best, but it was what I can afford. I stayed away from the Lowrance units as they have no 2D sonar on the elite 4 series, and the elite 7 is out of my price range. I'm going to give this one an on-the-water shot as soon as I can, and return it if it isn't up to snuff.

I do like the menu system and ease of use, so it's not all bad. It is just that my $80 Fisheasy 240 has a much better screen than a $300 unit.

That is a no on the Screen Snapshots for the 581i HD DI unit.
With the display type it has the contrast and viewability of the display will improve outside. The brighter sun the sun the sharper it will look.

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Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

That is a no on the Screen Snapshots for the 581i HD DI unit.
With the display type it has the contrast and viewability of the display will improve outside. The brighter sun the sun the sharper it will look.

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Thanks for the input Greg. I'm going to give this one a shot on the water before I pass final judgement.

Just my 2 cents, but you can usually get better pricing from one of the board sponsors than what BPS sells for.

I got to try this out yesterday. Worked much better than expected, so I will happily say I was wrong. Didn't catch but one dink white, but was really impressed with the DI and GPS of the unit. Should be a real nice asset.

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Originally Posted by montagc

I got to try this out yesterday. Worked much better than expected, so I will happily say I was wrong. Didn't catch but one dink white, but was really impressed with the DI and GPS of the unit. Should be a real nice asset.

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We like pix...even if they are from a camera or a phone pic...

Rickie

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

We like pix...even if they are from a camera or a phone pic...

Rickie

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Sorry, was too busy with a finicky engine, playing with settings and keeping the 2 and 5 year olds happy, feed, and unhooked, lol.

I will take some pics if I find some good features. I didn't see much at Cowan. That is probably part settings, part Cowan. The lake is pretty featureless, and there were many boats out at the spots where I knew there were brushpiles. I did see an interesting box type object. Think it might have been a sunk duck blind or something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by montagc

Sorry, was too busy with a finicky engine, playing with settings and keeping the 2 and 5 year olds happy, feed, and unhooked, lol.

I will take some pics if I find some good features. I didn't see much at Cowan. That is probably part settings, part Cowan. The lake is pretty featureless, and there were many boats out at the spots where I knew there were brushpiles. I did see an interesting box type object. Think it might have been a sunk duck blind or something.

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Someone was telling me that now at Cowan you can run your big motor on your boat but its no-wake zone the whole lake.......is this true?

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Originally Posted by hookum

Someone was telling me that now at Cowan you can run your big motor on your boat but its no-wake zone the whole lake.......is this true?

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Not yet, last I heard was no decision was made.


i have a screen shot to post as well, but have to edit it.

Just an update:

Bought a used 597 HD Di and rec'd it today. LIGHT YEARS of difference in the screen quality. Backlight on the 581 is blotchy but the 597 is super clear and consistent. It is as bright on Dim as the 581 is at 5/10. Contrast is through the roof. Clarity is awesome, screen refresh is better, and there is very little problem with glare. Very happy with the 597.

Anyone want a cheap 581i HD Di head unit? lol