Hummingbird or Lowrance .....which unit and why ....
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Hummingbird or Lowrance .....which unit and why ....
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I have Lowrance but I will eventually change back to HB.
Been watching the used ads and offer one observation; there are many, many used Lowrance units for sale. I've yet to see a good deal on a 7" Helix or hardly any HBs for that matter.
Reason for changing? I have an HDS toucn 7". The side scan transducer is so long and cumbersome that I took it off and sold it. The on/off button quit working. Lowrance wants $300+ dollars to swap out to a rebuilt unit. All it needs is a switch. This setup was close to $1000 new.
Potato, Po-tahto
I have a helix 5 but the screen is to small , sometimes it tells me the water temp in like 147 deg. , screen freezes , then tells me the water is 600 feet deep ..... ?.?.?
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I dont own either, or any for that matter, but Lowrance is a Tulsa, Ok company so I choose them!!! Because I can be at their offices in 15 minutes from my house Haha.
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I will say that I picked up a used Lowrance Hook7 triple shot for $200 and it has been a good unit. I bought it when the HDS crapped out to fill in until I decided what I wanted to do. Had it about 8 months and it was 2 years old when I bought it.
Have you updated the software?
It's free. Sonar units are processors, and need updates just like your phone, tablet and computer.
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My Lowrance started showing weird temps last spring. I did a soft reset and it cleared up. Slowhand is exactly right. These are basically computers and sometimes need a reboot.
That's a quick fix. Updates take a bit more time. I'd sure try the soft reset first. It doesn't affect any info you may have saved to it.
HB for me. Based on good prior knowledge with Garmin I bought a 93sv, a piece of junk.
Had the Helix 9s and 7s and the Low. Hook 9. Went back to the Helix after the hook 9. For me, the helix was just easier to use and adjust. Probably because I have a lot more time with the helix.
I’ve got 2 Helix units. A 9 and a 10. I also have a Garmin. I’ve got buddies with Lowrance. They all work. They can all have issues. Best advice I can give you is to get the biggest one you can afford. Resolution of the screen makes more difference than name brand does
Totally agree with biggest screen in your budget! A big fish is a small dot when you are scanning 80-100 ft each side of the boat. I’m a Lowrance HDS fan, just because that’s what I’ve used over the years. If getting a side imaging unit, minimum screen width I’d recommend is 10”. Use the full width when you can. The sonar quizzes on the CDC electronics page can really help you get up to speed on interpreting your unit. Most of those guys use HB units. Best of luck!
I was ready to switch to Himminturd by instead i signed a big sponsorship with Lowrance.
Free clothing, electronics, food, chicks.
I'm signed up till 2024
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Ok , heading to bass pro shop this morning to do some homework ....so let me get this right ...
1- biggest screen I can squeeze in budget
2- best waypoint/route charts
3- SI /DI ?
4 - must mount to trolling motor
5- easy to use
6- touch screen ????
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I'd give a hard look at the Lowrance Hook7 and the HB Helix 7. SI has a pretty good learning curve so if budget is a consideration I'd go with 2D/DI and GPS.
Folks love Garmin also, I just don't know anything about them. I'm sure they are good too, so most bang for your buck is what I'd go for.
Important note. HB will exchange your transducer at no cost IF it has not been opened. So if you buy a HB with transom mount and you want a TM mount they'll swap out for you, just don't open the packaging on the transducer.
There are times I like touch screen, and times I don’t (hands slimy). Having option of both is best when possible. Saw your preference list...and no I have no affiliation or sponsors other than myself. Tough decision sometimes.
Love touch screen
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Really liking the Lowrance elite Ti and Garmin echomap ... both 9”
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Lowrance and HB are all I have. HDS's are nice. I have a Helix 7 / HB 998c and would rather have a Helix 10 or 12 in mega image SI/ DI combo. My HDS7 is old but really shows a good picture of what's there with the structure scan. If I could, I would go with HB Mega image in 10 or 12" But I been holding out for a HDS12 and talking my self out of it every time. :dono I just need to upgrade and be happy with bigger screens. Good luck on what ever you choose! :highfive
Thanks for all the advise and opinions guys ! I will let y’all know which way I go .... wish me luck ! Lol
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I had a lowrance and it started only charting when it wanted to, was just over a year old. Called them to try to find out what was wrong and when I finally got to speak to a human, I was told to send it in and a payment of $120. I replaced it with a HB and haven't had any problems. Just my personal experience
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If you want to fish structure get a Side Image unit. I won’t own one that isn’t an SI.
I have a HB Helix 9, I have compared it to CountryBoy’s Lowrance 12, so screen size does matter. With any unit I just discovered stay up to date on Updates! Just went from version 1.5 to 2.1 so I’ve missed a few. Also whatever you have you must mash a lot of buttons to get good at using it!! Practice!! With the HB I have hide about 60% of the available screens that I don’t use to keep it simple. I prefer to fish rather than play with the finder so occasionally I force myself to just scan, about 30 minutes is all I can stand.
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