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I've been using Huminbird depth finders all my life starting with the super sixty flasher but after dealing with problem after problem over the last couple of years I want to buy one from someone eles. Can anyone recommend one? I have about $ 800 to spend. I bought 3 Huminbirds over the last 2 years and I'm done with them. Any advice woud be appreciated.
What are you looking for? 2d and DI, side and down with 2d. Ain't much out there in that price range but birds. You got the Lowrance elite7 but most folks aint happy with it. Think I might try one of the new Garmins.
Actually, Cray ... Lowrance Elite 5 HDS 83/200kHz systems are MSRP @ $650 ... and I'd say Brian at BBG Marine (site member/Sponsor) could probably beat that price. In fact, it shows on his website at $589 (when you click the "Buy Now" button).Quote:
Originally Posted by cray
I believe the Elite series units that are "having problems", are the HDI series. And, from what I understand, it's more about using a Navionics map card slowing the GPS positioning changes, and not the unit overall.
There's also Garmin, Furuno, and some other brands to consider ... but, I'm not familiar with any of those brands.
I do agree that we need to know what units are being replaced and/or what functions are absolutely necessary for the unit in the $800 range.
... cp :kewl
I guess I'm not up on it enough to really know,what I'm replaceing is a huminbird 581 di so I am wanting to up grade from that. Other than the sonar I mainly use the gps waypoints to find bruspile I sink. I can't afford the top of the line stuff but I want to get the best bang for my buck. I found a huminbird 858 c for 700 but after all the trouble I've had I'm scared to try it.
We all at one time or another have got a lemon or two,whether humminbird, lowrance, ford chevy,but all in all i think all these companies make over all good products,i have over the years had both lowrance and humminbird,in fact have both on my boat now,what is the problem with your di?
What's the problems been with the 581...??
Rickie
I'm curious too. What's wrong with the unit(s).Quote:
Originally Posted by rnvinc
I'm a Low guy and normally I would say find a unit with the features you want in your price range and get it but Bird has some pretty nice stuff and you should be able to find something to fit your need with either brand. You mentioned you aren't too savvy on the newer units. Are you just having problems with set up? Getting 3 bad units (any brand) in 2 years would seems a bit odd. Lots of Bird guys on here could help you out with set-up questions/problems.
If all you really want is a decent unit to help find your brush piles, I would think one of the higher end 2d units with GPS would serve you just as good as a DI unit which frustrates you.
What ever unit you decide to go with I would look towards the biggest screen you can afford.
bassaholic for your budget you can get a Elite 7 HDI and have almost enough left over to buy a point 1 gps antenna/heading sensor if you choose. I have never used one but have had an Elite 5 and was not impressed, the 7 has more features and the bigger screen is worth the extra $$$. Something else to consider is buying used, a Gen 1 HDS 7 can be had for around $500 and a used Gen 2 for around $700. These units are more complicated to set up but will offer way more features, better processors and better GPS.
http://www.bbgmarine.com/p17484/Lowr...duct_info.html
if I have had any problems with any unit I have used it was because of improper us or care of the unit. most units are water resistant not water proof. if you have got stuck on the lake in a down poor then I would make sure and dry the unit before storing it or turning it back on. I have also been told that you shouldn't store a unit face down if it is a liquid crystal display. I think most are now. I have used both lowrance and humming bird and have not had a problem other than one I might have created. the gps can be effected by where the unit or the puck is mounted. I say pick any unit in your price range. make sure to read and follow the instructions when installing or have an expert install the unit and see if you have any problems.
I'd say throw in 200 more and get the new 899 side imaging. Side imaging is worth it for sure if you never had it and it's not hard to use on hummingbird... But since you don't want hummingbird you can't go wrong with hds 5 or hds 7 they have good gps. I have heard that they are having problems with the gps being very slow on the elite's. My buddy has an old hds 5 gen 1 and I think the gps is better than my 998 hd si for speed and accuracy. Also if you want the down imaging I have read some people say that the new Raymarine Dragonfly is very good showing down imaging and has gps and sonar too for around 700. It has a 5.7 inch screen and is supposed to be very easy to use.
Just my two cents, been a Lowrance guy for years but have had a hds gen 1 on my boat for 5 years and a new elite 7 on the front, both seem to show and mark fish/structure about the same. Cant imagine fishing without them, No problems except a trolling motor rf noise on the elite 7, LOWRANCE!!! you wont be disapointed, but be advised I am still learning how to run them and tricks for them... Good Luck with whatever you decide