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Im wanting to finally get a good side imaging unit. Ive kind of narrowed it down to these two. I know each has their pros but just cant make up my mind! A pro for the bird would be the Ipilot Link capability and the lakemaster. But I don't know that I will ever use the Link. The lowrance rebates are hard to pass up! I will mount this unit at the console. Someone help make up my mind already! :) Thanks
Been using the HDS series sense they were introduced in 2009. Great units, love the new TOUCH series.
Money talks, take it while you can. Makes a good deal even better!!!
Been using HB SI units since 2007. Started with an HB 997, but I now have two HB 998s bow and console networked together with Ethernet. These units have great SI and 2D and are very easy to use. Nothing complicated. For the most part, you can run them using default settings and get great images. Haven't bought the Lakemaster chip yet as my home lakes are not HD so I'm using two Navionics (Platinum and Premium). If they would HD survey my home lakes I'd buy the Lakemaster chip for the advantages they offer. I'm considering buying the Heading Sensor GPS antennae for my bow. I already have the HB GRHA Hi-Accuracy antennae for my console. Other than that, I don't intend to change a thing. I love this setup and it is very productive for locating structure of all kinds as well as finding fish.
Thanks guys! Keep em coming. IM sure this will probably be a 50/50 response. The touch 7 was also one I was considering. Wish they had it in an 8! Cant afford the 9!
IMO it's a Ford Chevy thing. My advise it to go fishing with someone that has the units you're interested in and see them in action. Call Brian at BBG Marine and pick his brain, he'll help you without any brand bias.
I have been in the market for a new locator for couple months now. I had myself talked into the elite 7 hdi chirp but now i did a side by side between lowrance and hb. The hb was much better than the lowrance in down imaging and side scan. So now i think im goin with the 999 considering i can add i pilot and 360 imaging down the road if i want.
Did you compare the Elite 7 to the 999 or the HDS 8? On the water or in the store? The 999 is about $1500 and a HDS 8 bundle is about $1230 after the $300 rebate.Quote:
Originally Posted by wipanfisher
New HB 999 for $1299.90.
http://www.okefenokeeoutdoors.com/Hu...1_p_25261.html
HDS 8 bundle, $1174 after discount and rebate.
http://www.bbcboards.net/lowrance-ga...shfinders.html
We were having the lowrance -vs- hb debate last night at a local watering hole. My friend has the elite 7 hdi and another guy had a hb 899. He swore the hb was much better so we met on the lake this morning (opening day of game fishing here) and tested who had the best images. I dont know how much more equal a test could have been same exact conditions for both locators. By the time we were done i was definately on the hb side. My friend with the lowrance even admitted the hb had better DI and SI. The 899 is 300$ more but you get the SI. I want the bigger screen so i will go with 999.
I don't know much about the quality levels of HB units from model to model. I do know that you can't judge a HDS by looking at an Elite series.
The most frequent opinions that are consistent on the forums is...::
*Shallow water SI = HB...
*Down imaging = Lowrance...
Which technology would benefit your fishing style best...??
Rickie
I have had three HB units and now run two 998s. I have four fishing partners and we fish every week and rotate boats and partners each week. One of the other guys has the same identical setup as me with two 998s networked via ethernet. The other three run Lowrance HDS units including the 7s and 8s. I have seen and used all of these units. My thoughts are that HB has the better Side Imaging. I think HB also has the better 2D down sonar primarily because you can run both 83 and 200 simultaneously (83/200 combo). With this feature you can turn on Fish ID and it will show you orange fish symbols for fish that fall within the 200 kHz cone and blue Fish symbols for those that fall within the 83 kHz cone. I love this feature especially when fishing vertical with spoon or dropshot.
I must agree with Justin in that the Lowrance HDS units have the better Down Imaging primarily due to the dedicated element used for this function. HB uses it's two SI elements to create the DI image and it's not quite as clear and detailed as the HDS.
On the Navigation side, I think they are essentially identical except when using Navionics map cards. The HB has the advantage here as it can also run the Lakemaster chip which has several advantages over the Navionics cards. The HB also allows the use of the Heading Sensor GPS antennae, the iPilot Link and the 360 imaging if you are so inclined.
Good luck with your choice. You can't go wrong with either of these great products!
I agree with what someone else mentioned already its alot like the Chevy vs Ford thing and both are great brands and both probably sell some cheaper not so great units. I have the HDS 8 set up with side n down scan and I put it up at front on my trolling motor with that adapter for the US2 and I really do love mine. Its way too good of a unit to leave at the console like you mentioned to me unless I had another one up front. I sometimes fish with all four different screens up at the same time. Down scan, Side scan, chart and sonar. Also if you like to sit and vertical jig much, I have friends who say that their HB loses position and goes into a circle, they call the dreaded doughnut hole. Don't know much about that except I don't experience losing position on my Lowrance unless I fish under a bridge.
Ronny I went through this also and ended up going with the HDS 7 gen 2 with SS, I am starting the install today. I have seen the HB units at work and also the HDS units and both have very good details. What made me go with the HDS is being able to over-lay the SS on the chart. I have had a HB 787c2i unit for 8 years and have no complains other than losing GPS and the bottom at high speeds. I also have a Lowrance 4x DSI and for the small unit the details in DI are unreal for a 4'' screen so I really am looking forward to the bigger screen. (just my incite on why I went with the HDS)
Now looking over the manuals, I need a degree to be able to use the units :yikes :)
Trout, I thought the 200/83 combo didn't work anymore?
Yep it works. Use Dual Beam with the most current software and use 83/200 with the older v6.49 software for those not interested in 360 Imaging, HS or iPilot Link.Quote:
Originally Posted by GroutScout
Ahhh ok so it doesn't work with the new updates. Seems like a really neat & useful feature.
Get one of each!
I've been a lowrance guy for quite a while now. I have three HDS units in three different boats and love them. That said, side by side with a HB unit (comparable) and the images from SS and DI blew mine out of the water. I was shocked and impressed!
I would be interested to see the new Garmin though. Those images look really super crisp.
X2 that is some great advice!Quote:
Originally Posted by justinp61
If you want great SI and So So DI, go with the Bird....If you want great DI and So So SI, go with the Lowrance.
I bought the HDS8 a few months back and could not be happier. Its all in the settings and installation that will get you the quality Pics. I need to download all the stuff I have saved on my mem card and put it on here. Really amazing unit. I been back and forth on HB and lowrance for years. 8 years ago I swore by lowrance. 3 years ago HB now Im back to lowrance. For $1200 you wont get a better unit than the HDS8 with sidescan. The GPS prolems HB has been having really thre me off them My front unit Humminbird Unit cant read well below 1 MPH while my Lowrance at the console is dead on. I have the Ipilot and dont really think I would use the follow track all that much. The fishes generally dont like to stay between the lines anyway:biggrin
Link below to some of my HDS screenshoots. This is the first few weeks with the unit I have sense found some really neat stuff.
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/showt...re-scan-review
Would you mind elaborating on the "The GPS problems HB has been having"? I am having zero problems with the GPS on my two HB 998s. Also, I don't understand why your HB GPS doesn't read well below 1 mph. I have two HB antennaes on my boat (GRHA on console and AS-GRP on bow) and one Lowrance (LGC-2000 on back of boat). I use the console antennae for trolling with the SI looking for structure and fish and I use the bow unit while "strolling" with the A-Rig and C-Rig with speeds between .4 and 1.0 mph. Never had any hint of a problem. The old LGC-2000 is hooked up to my Lowrance 520C in the console that I use strictly for running at speeds. Never saw any advantage of this antennae over either of the two HB antennaes.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishman78
Great DI/SI images! But, you have some serious interference on your 2D images. Is that coming from the HB unit?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrownTrout
Lowrance.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishman78
Well when Im trolling which is 90% of time on the water My HB unit I have on the front of the boat which I am staring at all the time Jumps from .1-.9 mph constantly. So I just looked back at my trusty lowrance to see how fast I am really going. When I call HB about it they said the unit I just paid $800 wasnt made to read below 1 mph
Which HB unit are you running on the front of your boat?Quote:
Originally Posted by fishman78
I run both HB 1198 and Lowrance T9 units at the console. I like the SI on the HB unit and the convenience of the T9. There are times though when I can use the buttons faster than the touch. They are both good units. As stated try to see both in action.
One thing I can say for sure it you would use the Link more than you might imagine. My lake is Lakemaster HD and follow the contour is worth the money for the Link. Before Lakemaster made my lake HD I just made an Itrack and had the unit follow it. It makes boat control so easy you almost forget the TM is taking care of it! I have a friend with a cable steer and it drives me nuts running it now. On the other hand he loves my Terrova......
Nice to see you over here James :biggrin
I had to check out kosmo and his Onix! I'm close to making the beta plunge ..... LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by BrownTrout
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishfood
:Rofl Maybe you need to read the Onix thread Doug started on BBC? More like beta junk... Most of the post on it are how something isnt working properly.
James, I hope your friend is a troller also. If not, he surely will be disappointed in the Terrova "spot lock"Quote:
Originally Posted by fishfood
My spotlock is doing good if it holds in a 20' circle. Some would say "maybe you bought too small of one"? Nope, biggest trolling motor my boats ever had on it, plenty of power but it doesn't react quick enough.
Don do you have the Link with the latest updates? The last update (not the Onix one) really helped my "spot lock". I can put down a 10ft ring around my "spot lock" point and it stays inside of it the majority of the time. I realize that isn't good enough for what many of you crappie guys do but for fan casting an area it does OK. I think most folks expect way more out of the "spot lock" than GPS accuracy can give it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Don G
The features I use the most more than make up for any "spot lock" problems. I can fish through a windy flat or along a weed line using "follow the contour" or"Itrack" while the cable steer guys are trying to figure out how to fight the wind.
I wonder how the Motorguide is doing? I looked at them during the Classic show but after seeing the way the front of the mount hangs over it won't work for me.
I have seen the thread Grout. I want one brand on the boat again and I don't see a time when Lowrance will have the SI that I am used to. This will give you someone to say "I told you so" to.........LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishfood
Nah I'm with you on the SI. When I see some real world Garmin results I may switch, but I need proof from guys like us.
James, I was getting ready to get the Link hoping it would be better than the regular I-Pilot. I called MK and the tech told me there would be no difference in the I-Pilot & I-Pilot Link as far as spot lock. Still just 1 GPS.. That is when I decided on the MG Ix5.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishfood
Keep posting your reviews. I enjoy reading them.
Precisely!Quote:
Originally Posted by GroutScout
I looked at the MG but the mounting base made it a "no-go" for me. I need a 24 volt motor and I'm hoping MK is working on something new now that MG has their new motor. I looked at one on the lake the other day and was amazed how quite the turning is. I've never been convinced the noise the Terrova makes doesn't spook fish.Quote:
Originally Posted by Don G