Lowrance VS. Humminbird ??? The SI debate?

[bigjc]

All right lets have it out, has anyone had the opportunity to use one or the other or both?  I am leaning toward Lowrance as my preference.

[REEL_MAN]

I was a died in the wool Lowrance user. The main thing they have going for them is Linda Colt in service, but Hummingbird has stepped up to the plate and now their service is equal or better than Lowrance.
I've had the opportunity to see both the side imaging units. I now have the 998si on order. Can't wait till the water is soft!!!!

Reelman
<))))>{

[champion_206]

I have had my HDS-8 since August, awesome unit, the 8 is on the console and putting a HDS-7 up at the bow, I have had my LSS since Nov and will be installing it within the next month, seen lots of pics of both units and they both look awesome, can't wait to use it this spring

[thedude]

have had great experience with customer service at humminbird. What i like most about humminbird is that they tend to support older models. Last year i got an upgrade patch to my 5 year old matrix that made it work with the interlink. That was awesome.  This year, they came up with down imaging for the 797 i have as well and i can upgrade it for free. I like the direction lowrance is going with the HDS and integrating satellite radio etc, however it feels like they are going to nickel and dime you to death on the features. if you spend 1-2k on a graph, you shouldn't have to spend another 500 + bucks to add the down/side imaging.

[McCarter]

yeah, what "the dude" said

McCarter himself

[TritonTR20]

Can anyone comment on the 798c SI Combo?

[bigjc]

if you spend 1-2k on a graph, you shouldn't have to spend another 500 + bucks to add the down/side imaging.

although, you can link up to 3 systems up to one imageing unit, so you spread that cost and it is just about equal

[Waterfoul]

if you spend 1-2k on a graph, you shouldn't have to spend another 500 + bucks to add the down/side imaging.

although, you can link up to 3 systems up to one imageing unit, so you spread that cost and it is just about equal

But as was said earlier... with the Humminbird units it's free... no cost to spread around.

I've owned several Lorwrance units and I now have a boat full of Humminbirds.  I'll be running Humminbirds from now on.

[jgip087]

I have an HDS-7 and a side imaging and the Lowrance has taken over now with the technology. Problem is though with Lowrance is the HDS units have been getting water logged and failing to work. It will go off on you and never come back, had it happen to us the day of the FLW college regional so we were without a unit on the bow fishing on ledges on kentucky lake on very very specific spots. It was the worst time of my fishing career, knowing giants were down there and not being able to see where we were. Second day they gave us a new unit and the lowrance guy told us about all the problems the HDS was facing, 5 other units had to be replaced as well. Bottom line - don't mount them in the dash, take them off or cover them with a see through plastic bag in the rain. Oh, 2nd day we did have that unit and caught 2 big ones off our deep stuff, if only we had it on day one because we missed the cut and trip to the national championship by 2 or 3 pounds, 1 fish.

[thedude]

whats the max distance on the lowrance? i think its 250' per side?

[Waterfoul]

You should also know that Linda Colt quit Lowrance about 2 weeks ago.

[jgip087]

Also, to add humminbird just sued lowrance over patent infringement for the side imaging technology you can read about it at bassfan.com. The humminbird units are also a little cheaper once you add the side imaging attachment lowrance uses

[Got Fish??]

 I run Humminbird. My father used Lowrance for years on his charter. I guess it depends on how much your ready to spend. I think Lowrance is much more superior

[gr@ssmonkey]

have had great experience with customer service at humminbird. What i like most about humminbird is that they tend to support older models. Last year i got an upgrade patch to my 5 year old matrix that made it work with the interlink. That was awesome.  This year, they came up with down imaging for the 797 i have as well and i can upgrade it for free. I like the direction lowrance is going with the HDS and integrating satellite radio etc, however it feels like they are going to nickel and dime you to death on the features. if you spend 1-2k on a graph, you shouldn't have to spend another 500 + bucks to add the down/side imaging.

hey dude when u going to run for president,you got my vote....i agree with you all the way on the above post and your post on tournament expense's is my mind thought exactly

the fact that hummingbird is going to upgrade my 5 year old side finder for FREE that say's it all for me

see u on the water

[Duke]

HDS units look real good. But I just purchased 2 new units: SI 998 & 898. Humminbird has had some time to work out kinks and for the money, I wanted something I can count on. Hopefully come July, I'm still happy with my decision.

[SethV]

Hopefully come July, I'm still happy with my decision.

You will love them!!  How does that 898 look?  I have a 997 now, thinking about another (998si) for the bow - 800 series is a bit cheaper, but not too sure about the smaller screen.

[Duke]

Its on order now, so I can't say what it looks like yet! They're not scheduled to be shipped until late February. So I need an extra dose of patience. 

[BryanP]

The 800 series is the same size as the old 917c and the original 987cSI.  It's the same housing and screen resolution as the 997, but has a 7" diagonal screen instead vs the 8" in the 997.  And it's $500 less.

[Erie660]

Here our some great comparison pics of down imaging for both units. I'm still trying to decide on which unit to get.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread/483630-downscan-vs-downimaging-by-fishton