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The question was should i get a 598 or wait,and so we was giving him our opinion that we had rather wait and get a bigger unit ,however one can find a use one reasonable,if he have to have one now than 598 is not a bad unit, bottom line can he wait or got to have one now.
There are things that can be done to allow easier deciphering of the SI images on the 5" display...
Set the SI Range to a shorter distance...(I rarely scan past 65ft even on my 10.4" screen)...
Set the SI image to 1 side only...(this is almost like a zoom function of the entire half of the SI image)...
And, of course...a zoom box can be opened on interesting items in the SI image...
Remember the 5" HB screens actually have higher resolution than any of the larger screens...(and this feature really shines when a zoom box is opened)...
Rickie
RNVINC, thanks for your input...I will try to swing by Academy tomorrow and see if they have one set up that I can play with a little and make sure it has the capability to just look at 1 side and open a zoom box. Based on this info I would think it would work fine for me...however I would like to have the capability of using memory cards and recording to take a look later at home on the lap top, but I am not sure it is worth the price difference to me. :fish
The 598 does have 1 card slot...
A little inconvenient for using a mapping card and then wanting to take a snapshot or recording...
But that's 1 of the biggest production cost savings HB used to make this unit more affordable for users to get started in SI...
Rickie
I did make it over to Gander Mountain today. They had the 698 and 899 on display....I did get to compare them some....but no salesman to help or ask any questions. The 899 did seem to show much more detail. I did not figure out how to in the simulation mode to zoom or just SI out one side. I am still looking and trying to make up my mind. Thanks for all the info.
I have the 598..and I LOVE it..yes it's smaller than the others..but the price was great..and the great resolution is really nice...and there are sooooo many features..views..it fits well in my boat..seeing stuff below that did'nt know was there..lol..got it last fall...took it out before it got cold here in Pa..went to local lake..was playing with it...came across new structure, pile..I didn't know was there.. before I got my actual brush pile I had located yrs before with DI , and caught lots of slabs...lol..again ...I really love it..still learning ...but...that's what makes it fun..lol...
I think the 598 is a really good unit for entry level SI and GPS. It does have the readouts at the bottom to help increase the screen realestate.
The 899 would be better since it has 2 card slots.......recording and viewing in the house is very helpful, especially with the smaller screen size units.
Call the board sponsors to get a better price and great customer service.
I have had my 598 for a year now and in all am happy with it. I still fish from a 14' Jon so it's about all I could justify for my boat. I usually scan 30 to 40 feet either side to get more detail. I'm still not the best with it but I know I get on fish way faster than just with 2d sonar. You do have to look closer since with the small screen some stuff doesn't just jump out at you. I'll post some more screenshots later from my trip yesterday, found a couple good piles.
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JKD thanks for the pictures....I am still shopping around but the 598 is high on my list...I am fishing out of a 15.6' Bass America Crappie Special...so not a big or high dollar boat at all. I feel that a upgrade on electronics would improve my fishing more than a nicer boat.
It gets the job done for sure.