Is Side Scan Worth It?

[tkissinger]

I'm looking to upgrade the unit at my console, and I have been looking at the Lowrance Elite 7 HDI, but Humminbird has a side scan unit in the same price range.  Is it worth giving up the screen size for side scan, and is side scan even useful with a smaller screen?

[Wayne P.]

Any SIde Imaging is better than no Side Imaging regardless of the display size.

[tkissinger]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.  It's so hard to turn down those big displays, though!

[wnybassman]

I have the HB 798 SI unit with a 5" screen.   Even though it is a smaller screen, you can still see a lot of stuff.  I certainly would not give it up for a larger screen without SI.  

[Traveler2586]

I just upgraded from a 2003 Lowrance LMS-320 to a HDS-7 gen 2 with structure scan.  So far so good, but I'm still going through the learning curve.

 

If I had the money I would have gone with a larger screen; but my plan is to start with the 7 on the console and then move it forward when I can afford a larger unit for the console which will integrate with everything I have in place now.  I thought the combo price for the 7 and SS was good and in my budget so I went that route, but beware, the add-ons mount up quickly.

 

As to your question - Yes it is worth it, you'll find bottom structure you never knew was there, you can split screens or go full screen quickly. A larger screen would make it easer to see the small details.

 

Like I said, I'm still learning how to use the unit, but so far, I'm glad I made the jump.

 

Get the best unit you can afford.

[tkissinger]

Traveler, I'm definitely trying to get the best I can afford.  I'm just having a hard time figuring out what is better!  I am leaning toward the HB 598 or 698 with Side imaging.  I am pretty happy with the 570 that I had on my jon boat, which is now on the bow of my PT175.  I think any side imaging would help a ton.

[slonezp]

I just upgraded from a 2003 Lowrance LMS-320 to a HDS-7 gen 2 with structure scan.  So far so good, but I'm still going through the learning curve.

 

If I had the money I would have gone with a larger screen; but my plan is to start with the 7 on the console and then move it forward when I can afford a larger unit for the console which will integrate with everything I have in place now.  I thought the combo price for the 7 and SS was good and in my budget so I went that route, but beware, the add-ons mount up quickly.

 

As to your question - Yes it is worth it, you'll find bottom structure you never knew was there, you can split screens or go full screen quickly. A larger screen would make it easer to see the small details.

 

Like I said, I'm still learning how to use the unit, but so far, I'm glad I made the jump.

 

Get the best unit you can afford.

To expand on what you said. This past weekend I was running a section of the Wisconsin River looking for ledges and looking for walleye on those ledges. While searching with the side imaging, I also located numerous trees in the middle of the river that, without side imaging, I NEVER would have found. 

[slonezp]

Traveler, I'm definitely trying to get the best I can afford.  I'm just having a hard time figuring out what is better!  I am leaning toward the HB 598 or 698 with Side imaging.  I am pretty happy with the 570 that I had on my jon boat, which is now on the bow of my PT175.  I think any side imaging would help a ton.

I had a 798 on my old boat and now a 998 on my new boat. When I can get the funds, an 1198 will be next. It might just be my eyes. My son could see the 798 just fine, but I always found myself struggling, as do I with the 998. As WayneP said anything is better than nothing.  

[Brian Needham]

shop around........ I don't know your top budget, but many internet marine electronic dealers have many humminbirds  on clearance making room for the new models.

 

if you shop around you maybe able to get a bigger unit than you thought.

always get the biggest you can currently afford.

[Wayne P.]

One thing about the Hummibird 5" models with the 640 x 640 pixel dislays, they have the highest resolution in the industry. 31,170.5 pixels per square inch.

 

You will get the sharpest images with those, smaller than a larger display unit with the same settings,,but sharper.

This is a creek channel screen shot with my 798ci SI with a trolling motor mounted transducer.

The lines on the right side are vehicle tracks made during lake construction.

 

[Traveler2586]

To expand on what you said. This past weekend I was running a section of the Wisconsin River looking for ledges and looking for walleye on those ledges. While searching with the side imaging, I also located numerous trees in the middle of the river that, without side imaging, I NEVER would have found. 

Also, you'll eliminate a lot of areas that offer no fish holding structure at all, just flat mud bottom.

 

Go with whatever system you feel most comfortable with.  I went with Lowrance because I knew the keys and menus.  HB makes a good product also.

[Jrob78]

I was in the exact same position, I was originally going to buy the Elite 7 HDI but decided on the 798 instead.  I've been using the 798 for about 6 months now and haven't regretted my decision once.  The 5" screen does have some limitations that the bigger screens don't have but side imaging beats no side imaging every time.  I would look hard for an 898 or 998 on sale.  

[Loop_Dad]

I'm looking to upgrade the unit at my console, and I have been looking at the Lowrance Elite 7 HDI, but Humminbird has a side scan unit in the same price range.  Is it worth giving up the screen size for side scan, and is side scan even useful with a smaller screen?

 

Totally!

 

I just got 998 and today was the test drive. I went to this lake I fished 4 times in the past. While I thought I had a good understanding about the lake with a map and sonar before, I found much more about the lake in short amount of time today.

 

I'm still learning. Next outing my goal is to spy at least one fish on SI image (it wasn't able to today).

[Sam]

First time I went fishing with a friend who had the Lowrance side scan.

 

He got mad at me because all I wanted to do was to sit in the seat and watch the scree and tell him what I was seeing.

 

It is amazing to see what is under the water and what you are missing.

 

I suggest you purchase one and enjoy it.

[Lewi]

I think the side scan is a dang nice feature but for whatever reason I cannot get my mind to see it correct.  I seem to always want to turn my head left and right so that I can understand the image if you know what i'm trying to say. I decided to stick with the Di and really like it. 

[flyfisher]

I have never heard of anyone who bought SI say they wish they hadn't....