Lowrance Vs Hummingbird

[bassmaster8100]

Just doing some research right now but plan to get a new depth finder/GPS unit later this year. Just wanted some opinions from those of you who have them which you would prefer and why? I'm looking for something with lake mapping and side/down imaging.

[Sam]

Don't forget Raymarine has entered the marketplace so you have three options.

[Mr_Scrogg]

Chevy vs Ford vs Dodge

I can see this getting heated.

I have HB. I chose HB cause I wanted both DI and 2D. And when I purchased, they were the only one that offered. Since then, I bought my boat that had a 937c on the bow and I moved my 346c DI to the console ftom my kayak mount. Not top of the line graphs, but for my level of knowledge, Im comfortable using them.

[Comfortably Numb]

I had a HB 898c si for 2 years and 1000 hours. Never had a problem.

Buddy got a HDS8 and I saw a noticable improvement in the imaging So I sold the HB and got an HDS8.

Di on HDS is much better than HB
Si on HDS shows fish to the side much better than the HB.
Both Si show structure well
2d on HB I liked better than HDS
Preset radio buttons on HB was nice to switch screens (although buttons on the HDS8 and 10 help)
Being able to go back on screen history is nice on HDS
I like the two transducers on HDS so 2d can be on TM for seeing dropshotting.
My HB was non HD model and very difficult to see in sun
I like that the HDS you can move the display readouts where you want
HB screenshot make a waypoint every time. This is a negative.

Single plug on HB was nice
Would like to be able to adjust sensitivity on HDS imaging screens

Those are the main features that are most important to ME

 

[slonezp]

The HB units are a little more user friendly in my opinion, but the extent of my Lowrance experience is playing with the units at Cabelas. Had a 798c SI on the last boat and have a 998 SI and 858 HD on the new one. I looked at the Lowrance Touch 12" this past Saturday at BPS and spoke with a Lowrance rep who was completely worthless. He was pushing the "everything's connected" technology, but when I asked him why his product is superior to HB he really didn't have an answer. It appears that Lowrance has more product line options than HB but how many are really needed on a bass boat is up for discussion. I could see Lowrance as a more viable option for offshore applications, for bass fishing I'm not sure there's much difference. 

[Skeeter Driver]

Let me break the trend here. I've been with Lowrance for about 15 years now. That is not a reflection on HB at all, just the brand I started with and other than some challenges getting connected to customer service on two occasions, I really like the brand.

I have HDS 12 at the console and an HDS 10 in the front. System includes side scan and down scanning as well as the sonic hub and the Sirius weather module. I love the new touch screens but as someone already mentioned, you need to spend the time to learn the user interface. While I'm not familiar with the interface on the HB systems, I would wager it is easier than the Lowrance models.

Good luck as you do the research and make your choice.

[Skeeter Driver]

Let me second what Sam offered on Raymarine .... I have a buddy with a full setup and it is really nice. Really fast screen refresh rates and nice resolution and detail. I all saw that Garmin is offering a sonar setup now. I have no info on it, but recall seeing a both at a fishing show.