Humminbird Helix Mega SI+ or Lowrance Ti2 with 3 in 1 transducer

Assuming same price and same size unit, which would you recommend?
I hear Humminbird has the best images but Lowrance looks pretty equal to my untrained eye.
The Lowrance appears to be a bit easier to use and I like the reveal feature.
Humminbird is real clear and maybe has a bit more side imaging range?
I read some pretty negative reviews on Lowrance customer service.
Mostly to be used to crappie, sometimes for bass. My home lake is not a real deep lake (80 feet at it's deepest) but it's real big.
Side scan, finding structure and seeing fish on it is important to me, as well as how fast you can go while side scanning. And that info is kinda hard to find!

Speed for side scanning should be fairly equal between the different models because it has more to do with size and location of the transducer and aerated water. The published speed for HB is up to 10mph but can vary from boat to boat. The transducer has to be submerged in little or no aerated water for best performance. I generally don't get good images above 6-7mph with the transducer mounted on jackplate. I have only used HB, but most reviews lean towards HB for the better performance in imaging and 2D performance reviews usually lean towards models other than HB. The current HB Helix models are fairly easy to operate but would depend on whether you prefer touch screen operations or a cursor type operation. HB currently only offers the Solix models with touch screen. You might also want to take a looking at the mapping capabilities for the areas you routinely fish. Finally, if you're looking to network with other accessories like a TM or NMEA, there are differences between brands.

A wise man once said
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder "
I would suggest going to a major sporting goods store that has both and seeing what catches your eye.

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Originally Posted by Roy

A wise man once said
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder "
I would suggest going to a major sporting goods store that has both and seeing what catches your eye.

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This will happen next week probably. I've checked out the HB but locally only find the Regular Hook 2 Lowrance.
I enjoy the "hunt" but this can be maddening with all the different transducers and minor differences in the HB such as + and what NAV or GPS really means on the description. HB seems to make it a bit more complicated but the SI and DI appear to be top notch.
Thank you EZ on the speed info. Lowrance says about 10 mph max on SI as well according to a well written page I found. I was surprised to see Lowrance SI say 300' on each side while HB says 125'.

I wouldn't put a whole little faith into that 300' statement for anybody's side imanging unless your looking for some really big stuff!

Really depends on ow you fish as I use SI more then anything Bird`s are what is on my boat Helix 12 Gen 3. Friend has Lowrance he admits Hbirds SI is way above Lowrances when searching with SI, we have both fished in each others boat and we both miss Hbirds SI when using his boat. Just my 2 cents.

My TI2 show side imaging @40mph

all how you mount 3n1

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Originally Posted by ecoast

My TI2 show side imaging @40mph

all how you mount 3n1

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I'd love to see a video of that. I know my 2d works when I'm running in the 30's but 40 mph using SI is impressive.

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Originally Posted by Roy

I'd love to see a video of that. I know my 2d works when I'm running in the 30's but 40 mph using SI is impressive.

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tbh, just cause it 'works' at high speed, doesn't mean you will 'see' like at 3-5 mph...but I do have si/di at speed.

So, no video?

Thanks for the input folks. I bought a Helix 7 Mega SI from BBG Marine. I'm sure I'll be back with questions before I learn it all.