Lowrance HDS-5

[BIGSHOW]

I just got the lowrance hds-5 with lake insight.Does this come with structure-scan or is that only on the higher end models? Or is it a add-on or is it hidden on here somewhere? It is a replacement for a discontinued model so I did'nt really research it much. Anyone have this model? like/dislike?

[t-bone]

It doesn't come with structurescan - you have to purchase the structurescan box and special transducer. I have two HDS5s and StructureScan - I love the model and haven't had any issues.

[bigjc]

T-bone,

How would you compare sturcture scan to the Hummingbird product?  Have you figured out how to use all of the features?

[t-bone]

Having never owned a hummingbird side imager - I can't really compare. I'm still learning all the features and learning to use being the first season with it. I will say that nothing beats getting on the water with someone familiar with the unit or the technology. In 30 minutes, you can absorb so much more from having someone to point things out or ask questions to.
I am able to say that my electronics is helping me catch more fish and do better in tournaments. Is structurescan enabling that - not yet but I think it might next year.

[Anthony Adams]

I am running an HDS5 and HDS7 on my boat. They are networked via the LSS1 structure scan.

I have a few buddys who have the hummingbirds and I believe the Lowrance is a better unit. I think the humming bird unit is more durable but it's GPS, mapping and side imaging is not a good.

If you have questions on set-up, usage or just need some help feel free to give me a call.

I can tell you if you do not have the unit set-up correctly you will find that it won't show a fish arch very well. properly set-up and you would be surprised at how well it will pick-up a fish.

[Waterfoul]

Lest anyone forget.... Humminbird filed suit against Lowrance for stealing the side imaging/structure scan technology... it was well known at the time that Lowrance pretty much "reverse engineered" the Humminbird technology.

I have had both units on display in my store... in the "simulator" mode they seem to operate exactly the same... show the same details, etc....  If you need the LSS1 box for your HDS I can get one for you.

One other detail is that you get all the SI/DI in a Humminbird unit for less money than buying a HDS unit and the LSS1 to go with it.  But both units seem to do what they advertise... help you find that "stuff" in the lake that will help you catch more fish.


By the way... since I sell both units I had my choice of which to buy.  All 'Birds on my boat based mostly on price, and the fact that at the time Lowrance did not even have a structure scan unit available (late 2009/early 2010) to the public... though I did have a chance to get a pre-production model.

[bigjc]

By the way... since I sell both units I had my choice of which to buy. 

What store???

[Anthony Adams]

Lest anyone forget.... Humminbird filed suit against Lowrance for stealing the side imaging/structure scan technology... it was well known at the time that Lowrance pretty much "reverse engineered" the Humminbird technology.

The story I heard - someone correct me if I am incorrect.

A Lowrance Engineer first came up with the technology, but they were unable make it viable for public use. That engineer took his idea to Hummingbird who then brought it to the public. That same engineer went back to Lowrance with an updated version of his original idea based on findings he had developed with Hummingbird and made the new HD untis.

Hummingbird filed for a patent on the side imaging technology.  Shortly after getting approval on the patent, Hummingbird sued Lowrance for patent infringement holding up production of the HD units. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed Lowrance issued a statement that thier product would continue to be sold and supported.

Interesting thing to note. Lowrance announced it's side imaging unit and had shown it approximatley one year before Hummingbird was granted a patent on thier side imaging. Yet lowrance had yet to release it to the retail customer.

It was Lowrance who first introduced the down scan to the public that you now see on the Hummingbirds as well.

Lowrance claims that the side imaging technology is based on Lowrances known and relaible sonar technology that they developed.

That was the last anyone had heard of the lawsuit. I do not think anything ever came of it.

So what does all this mean to the fishermen? Nothing ---

I like the Lowrance I think it is a better unit in terms of technology.
My only concern with Lowrance lately is the durability of thier units. So far I have not had a problem with my HD's but I have friends that are not as lucky.

[djkimmel]

If you fish the Great Lakes at all, durability seems like a significant factor. Customer service is right up there for me too.

As far as I understand, the law suit is ongoing and not settled. The last new unit I bought is a Humminbird. Not sure when I'll be able to swing side imaging, but I expect it to also be Humminbird.

[bigjc]

The last HB that I owned was crap, but that was 15 years ago and it was a low end unit. 
On the other had, ever lowrance I have owned has been everything it was supposed to be. 

That being said, I am really leaning towards the Hummingbird.  Hoping to make it happen next year.  My old garmin junk was outdated when I bought it, but it has been pretty reliable.

[Anthony Adams]

If you fish the Great Lakes at all, durability seems like a significant factor. Customer service is right up there for me too.

Well I do fish the Great Lakes a lot and I have never had any problems with my HD's.

Has anyone had any problems with the newer Humming birds? Just curious?

[djkimmel]

No problems with my 767 Humminbird unit up front.

[GPaquette]

I've had both Lowrance and Humminbird SideScan. They both are great but I'd give the advantage to HumminBird. The picture seems to be a little clearer than Lowrance's. Even more important that the brand is I think is the size of the unit, go as big as  possible, this allows for you to see every detail.

[Big dreams]

I have to agree with the screen size making a difference.  Big isn't always better...But in this case it is.

I have been researching both HB and Lowrance for the past few months now.  Between reading the reviews as BassPro and Cabela's, online forums, and my experience with both of the brands, I had to go with Lowrance.  I have read more horror stories about HB and faulty transducers and issues with "noise" in the past few months that I could not take the chance.  HB customer service is great but the prices they charge to fix a broken unit is ridiculous.  Lowrance might charge an arm and leg as well but I wouldn't know as I have never had a Lowrance brake.  I am also unsure how the customer service of Lowrance is but then again, I have never had to call.  I owned an HDS-5 a few years ago and it was great.  Easy to install and never had any problems. 

I am sure these two companies relate the same as Ford and Chevy.  To each their own.