Thread: Battle of the HF Down Sonars

Lowrance StructureScan LSS-1 / HDS9 LSS-2 /Garmin GCV10 / Humminbird ONIX


We often embellish memories of past technology when new and better equipment gets released to the public. For this reason I decided to put the old original Lowrance LSS-1 (StructureScan) up against the latest gear Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance have in the mid-range sonar market just to see how we have advanced.


I have followed the exact course and speed for each unit to keep it fair.


Here is the original StructureScan LSS-1 - DownScan





StructureScanHD LSS-2 (HDS9T)





Garmin 721xs / GCV10 DownVu





Humminbird ONIX8 SI








We look forward to testing the Raymarine DownVision soon ...

Fishton ...can you explain a little about what factors are creating the difference in the horizontal resolution scroll history of equal and identical boat tracks with the different units...??

Rickie

Hey, Mate ....

Couple of observations :

When scanning depths ... 800 kHz definitely rocks when it comes to image clarity, regardless of unit mfg. I like it so much, I tend to use it all the time ... even in depths of 10-20'.

Based on size of each image ... LSS-1 would be my choice. Given equal size to all images, I would likely choose the same. I definitely prefer the blue/night palette over the red, and use it almost exclusively on my Lowrance Elite 5 DSI ... even during the day.

All things considered, and if pricing were equal among all four units ... and considering image detail ... I don't see a whole lot of difference in the quality of information being shown.

I do find the Garmin image a little hard to look at for any length of time. And the Onix images look a little dull/washed out, colorwise. May be the palette color presentations of these two units, or it may be that I'm more used to the Lowrance blue.

... cp

Where the fish? It's a trick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent
The Garmin s strength is in its amazing side scan clarity and range, and detailed 2d.
No HB 998? in the contest? It claims to have good down scan.

Originally Posted by brettw

No HB 998? in the contest? It claims to have good down scan.

HB core SI units do not have a dedicated "Down pointing" piezo....

Different technology altogether ...

Rickie

What unit is the LSS1 on? 9 touch

Originally Posted by larryb227

What unit is the LSS1 on? 9 touch

Larry ...is your question for Fishton and his OP (Original Post)...??

I kinda got the thread off topic ...

Rickie

Originally Posted by rnvinc

Larry ...is your question for Fishton and his OP (Original Post)...??

I kinda got the thread off topic ...

Rickie

I guess it would be for Fishton but really anyone who can answer.

I remember something about the scroll speed on a Lowrance increasing and decreasing due to the depth either the DS or SS is set at. For instance if you are viewing 30 on down scan but have the SS (even though you are not viewing it) set on 120 a side the scroll speed with be slower. In this case it is best to set the DS and SS to the same depths.

Fishton, could you post a picture of all three brands transducers,side by side? Also, does the Garmin have a separate 2nd transducer, like the lowrance?