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I went with the 899 unit and my understanding is that I can u lo grade to an 800hz transducer. I don't understand why HB wouldn't just put this in the bix from jump street, is it just a money racket? It seems shady to me.
Will I be ok running the transducer that came in the box, 455hz I believe. Is it worth the 90 dollar upgrade?
I use 455 95% of the time. Sure some others will chime in with more wisdom!!
Here is the comparison of 455kHz vs 800kHz...
The 455kHz will be brighter overall ...but fuzzier...
The 800kHz will be crisper close to the boat...but darker out to the edges of the screen..
http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps8630f91a.jpg
I use 455kHz when I looking for new structure because I can notice structure in the image all the way to the edge of the screen..then I drop a waypoint on interesting structure...
Then I re-position the boat to scan closer to the structure using 800kHz to see the details of the structure...
Frequency choices are specialized tools...use each for what it does best...
Rickie
I'm thinking they are doing it to reduce the cost. For someone who wants to get a SI unit that can be networked as cheap as possible, it would be a great deal. $999 MSRP before dealer sales is a pretty good price for a bright 7" SI unit with 2 card slots, and networking capability.Quote:
Originally Posted by redearhoosier
They would have to charge more for the base unit if they included the HDSI automatically. It might be smart for them to create 2 separate models....one with the HDSI and maybe even the external GPS, and one without.
They include the HDSI with the 999 model because they know if you are going for the bigger screen you are going to want the 800 Khz transducer. The external transducer is still an upgrade.
I think I'll just stick with the one in the box, not sure it's worth the extra money to upgrade.
Just looked up some old prices.....the 898 that came with the HDSI and the external GPS was MSRP $1495.
I would go for the extra and get the 800.....but that's just me. Better to do it now than wish you had later.
I would tend to agree with Bob!! Go ahead and spend the money.
Darn, I probably will then....
I would probably upgrade transducers. Also be sure and sign up for Humminbird Select for the extra year of warranty.
I just bought a 899 I used what came with it and well pleased with it. 90 bucks buys a lot of baits,gas,etc. IMHO
I just mounted mine and used it once, but I liked the 455 returns better. Though, I did do the upgrade! Once, you open the package, it can not be swapped. FYI
If you don't upgrade now, you will wish you did at some point in the future.
Ok guys, I called Humminbird today and was all set to do the upgrade and the representative talked me completely out of it. She said they did a casual poll among representatives and pooled the information together to reveal it's not worth it. It's worth it on a peace of mind level IMO, I can deal with runnin 455 and save the 90 dollars.
This surprised me, you would naturally think their reps would push for the upgrade. The 455 apparently has some advantages over the 800 that make it worthy.
With the HDSI transducer you can do either one.......I'm sure the standard transducer will be fine, it is just that sometimes I want to take a real good look at something with 800
Most (pros included) tend to stay on 455kHz for the simple fact that the overall image is brighter all the way to the edges of the screen...(even tho it is fuzzier)...
And it's aggrivating the amount of button pushes it takes to change the image frequency to 800kHz...(it would be handier in the SI Xpress menu)...
I'm like Bob...sometimes I just want to see a crisper image of what's directly under me...the HDSI gives me that option...
Rickie
I think it really just gets down to how closely you look at the sonar returns on the unit. If you don’t want/need the added detail that the HDSi transducer can give you (both in the 455kHz and the 800kHz Si/Di sonar), than it would not be worth the cost to exchange. However, if you are going to closely study the Si sonar you should upgrade the transducer. This is especially true if you review the Si sonar on your computer.
I have the same decision to make... Plus one other question
Once the upgrade is complete and I install the new transducer won't I need another transducer and y cable so that I get sonar readings when going fast?
I think that transducer placement determines how good of a reading you get at speed, not transducer type.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hkshooter18
High speed readings are better with the Y cable and a shoot thru the hull transducer. To me it is not a necessity, I don't personally scout at high speeds. Though, it is a plus in unknown areas without a good map.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hkshooter18