Going Lowrance Hds - What Do You Think?

[BassnChris]

I am thinking about going with a Lowrance Hds7 Gen2 Touch Insight 83/200 And Ss Xducer Lowrance 000-10778-001

and

either a HDS5 gen2 w/insight or HDS5M gen 2 or HDS5X gen2.

Anyone had any issues or thoughts on how good/bad these will perform networked together?

As I understand it, the HDS5M is a plotter only but will perform as a 2D Sonar with SS and DI once it is connected to a network with another HDS unit that has the functions and transducer for the SS..........sound right or wrong?

I have not been able to determine how the HDS5x is different or what the 'x' means. Any ideas?

I was going to network some humminbirds, but I think I prefer the Lowrance route.

Please feel free to give me your opinions and thoughts on my decision.....if you have the time that is ;-)

Thanks

Chris

[KevO]

The HDS 5x is sonar only. It does not have GPS capabilities. It is structure scan and downscan capable with an LSS box as far as I know. I have 2 HDS 5's and I love them. Honestly I dont think you could go wrong with either brand though.

[3dees]

I just can't see paying that much for the touch units. I mean, you still have to raise your arm, you still have to point your finger and press. so it's the screen instead of a button. you can get the non touch HDS7 and LSS2 for hundreds less. I see the 12" touch is like 3500.00. getting a little silly if you ask me. not knocking anyone for buying these. it's just out of reach for this retired guy. for the lakes I fish I don't really need ss. I'm thinking of replacing my Elite 5 with the new Elite 7 which has built in gps, di, and 2d sonar. at 700.00 I think Lowrance will sell a lot of these units.

[Sam]

3dees, the new units are James Bond touch screens.

If it played the James Bond theme song it would be even better!!!!

[BassnChris]

I hear you regarding the cost. I am a tight wad........and these units are generally out of reach for me as well.....I have just managed to scrape together some little windfalls that have fallen into my lap the last month or so.

The HDS-7 Gen2 Touch with 2 transducers (one for the SS).......cheapest I can find is around $1650.

HDS-7 Gen2 is also around $1650...........So I figure to go with the touch screen.

My biggest problem is convincing myself to pull the trigger on the purchase.........I do know that if I do not buy it now....chances are I may not get the chance again..........at least for a very long time.

Have to train myself to not feel guilty for getting new toys

I know if I could afford the HDS-9 Gen2 Touch......it does play tunes...including the James Bond THeme......and video too.

[Shewillbemine]

I have the HDS-5 Gen 2 on my boat. I like it so far although I'm still messing with the settings. It's console mounted right now and I'd like to purchase one for the bow at some point.

[BassnChris]

BANG!.......................OUCH!

I pulled the trigger on the Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 Touch.

I will eventually pick up another HDS unit......5 or 7 Gen 2.

Now the road to learning. I just need to find out which cable (ethernet) that I need to get so I can network the 2 units.

[Shewillbemine]

When you got the itch, ain't it a _itch!

Have fun tinkering with your new toy! Some helpful Lowrance HDS links I found:

http://bassfisher1.zoomshare.com/

http://getalimitoutdoors.com/2012-07-25-19-53-43/tech-tip-videos/31-tips-on-lowrance-hds-2d-sonar-and-structure-scan-settings

And of course, YouTube is very helpful.

[BassnChris]

Yes it is!

Thank you for the links.

[BassnChris]

Scored a HDS-10 Gen1 Insight with transducer for $999.99 @ my local Bass Pro.

I kinda thought it was a bit of a steal.

Guess that will do it for me for a while at Bass Pro.

Shhhhhhhh.....wife doesn't need to know anything, eh?