Humminbird 360 degree Imaging

[Fishmael]

So when the Humminbird 360 degree imaging comes out and someone wants to upgrade from their current side imaging unit, let me know.  The new units look pretty sweet, but will probably be pricey, as the SI units are now.  I am hoping though that the SI units will come down considerably now.  What do you think?  How much will they drop?  Think there will be any chance of them coming down to the $400 or $500 price range?

[Manxfishing]

i SAW IT WAS A 2,000 ADD ON TO THE si UNIT

[Waterfoul]

Don't count on the prices on SI units falling at all.  If the new 360 units are priced enough above the current SI units they won't change the price because they will still sell every unit they can make, just like they do now.  Ever wonder why Humminbird hasn't offered big rebates on their products like Lowrance has been for the last 4 months?

[thedude]

the 360 alone is going to cost around 1500 bucks, plus a 1000$+ graph with ethernet to use it. I think its a good idea, but the execution looks terrible. another giant gizmo strapped in the back of the boat to get in the way of fishing.

seriously - SI is badass and all, but the price of all this crap is getting out of hand.  I paid less money for my first boat and out board (which i still have and use on occasion) than it would cost me for an 1197 and 360.

[Genie]

The truth dawg!

[Fishmael]

Yeah, the prices are kind of ridiculous and out of the range of the normal fisherman.  Out of my range for sure!  But I guess there will always be those with the $'s to pony up for these kind of units...So I saw the demo and although they look nice, will it really provide much more benefit than the SI, since you could place waypoints on the stuff you see on the SI screen?

[Mike S.]

Those units aren't out of people's range.  It's all a matter of how bad you want one.  I saw my first one almost 3 years ago on Cy's boat, and started saving immediately.  2 years later, 1197csi on the boat.  I am really curious about this 360 deal.

[Big dreams]

I think the biggest advantage that I can see is you can view accurate 360 maps while moving or sitting still.  That to me is remarkable since most, if not all, units right now have to be moving to see the maps.  I would consider getting one.

[huston]

Turn your boat  in a circle while idling with a SI unit and you will  and you will see somewhat the same.

[bigjc]

Those units aren't out of people's range.  It's all a matter of how bad you want one.  I saw my first one almost 3 years ago on Cy's boat, and started saving immediately.  2 years later, 1197csi on the boat.  I am really curious about this 360 deal.

Not sure who you fish with, but most guys I fish with don't have an extra $5,000 layin' around to dump into electronics.  I have been wanting them for a couple years now, but it is a huge investment, into boats (which are a losing proposition anyway).

[Fishmael]

Yeah, I don't know many with cash like that to spend either.  I know for myself, with 3 kids under 5, it doesn't matter how much I want one, saving up the $ for SI is not realistic.  Many others are in the same boat, so to speak...Anyway, maybe when technology increases or the patents run out, they may become affordable.  That is what I am hoping the 360 degree thing will help to do.  Kinda like big screen tvs.  They used to be very expensive.  Now you can get a pretty big tv for around $300.

[1javelin]

It's all in the eye of the beholder.  I couldn't afford to put SI on my boat so I skimped in a lot of areas so that I could, and I did.  It's not whether you have the finances when you're a tournament fisherman, it's whether you will get a distinct advantage by having it.  I went with yes.  Still waiting to fish the first tournament with it, but that's one of the areas I skimped on.  I always want the best products, and I'll continue to do what I have to do to get them.  Don't eat that lunch with the guys every week, that's $20 a week you can put back for SI.  Don't take those crazy trips to Kentucky or Guntersville or Burt/Mullet and put those couple 100$ towards SI.  It's prioritizing.  SI was a priority for me.  If the screen I could project this 360 on was bigger than my 898, I probably would be fighting for one right now.  But, I'm not buying one until I can project it on an 1198 or larger monitor.  Any one on here figured out how to project it on a computer screen yet?  I'd be willing to put a computer monitor into a water tight box and mount it on my boat for that larger view!

1jav

[Mike S.]

I don't fish with anyone rich. I'm a foundry worker with a wife, 3 young kids, and bills out the wazoo. I agree, it is all about prioritizing. I have always been the type of person to find a way to get what I want, in an honest way mind you. I'm not a big tournament fisherman. I have done what I can. But, the si is awesome, and when I saw Cy's, I vowed to have one. It took 2 years, but I got it. Stupid little things add up fast, and if you are willing to work for something more important to you, it will come to you.

For instance, I quit driving my truck to work. I drive a beater Lumina back and forth to work. Saves me about $40 or more per week. Already had the car and insurance, so the truck is the 3rd vehicle/tow vehicle. Then, I started packing a lunch for work instead of eating from the vending machines. Not trying to preach, just backing up my statement.

[1javelin]

I don't fish with anyone rich. I'm a foundry worker with a wife, 3 young kids, and bills out the wazoo. I agree, it is all about prioritizing. I have always been the type of person to find a way to get what I want, in an honest way mind you. I'm not a big tournament fisherman. I have done what I can. But, the si is awesome, and when I saw Cy's, I vowed to have one. It took 2 years, but I got it. Stupid little things add up fast, and if you are willing to work for something more important to you, it will come to you.

For instance, I quit driving my truck to work. I drive a beater Lumina back and forth to work. Saves me about $40 or more per week. Already had the car and insurance, so the truck is the 3rd vehicle/tow vehicle. Then, I started packing a lunch for work instead of eating from the vending machines. Not trying to preach, just backing up my statement.

Well said sir.  I still have a few areas to cut some money out at...

1jav