I Am So Lost - I Know Nothing About Graphs

[nocellcontracts]

I'd like to stick with Lowrance as they seem to be the dominant leader in the market today. I don't understand the huge list of features, and whether they are worth an extra $400! For example: the HDS 7 comes in $899 and $1299.

So, are the features worth an extra $400 for the same size screen? If not, I'll get the stripped down version.

Also, there are two options at $1299: A full featured "7" or a stripped down "8". See photo. Thanks.

 

[J Francho]

The more expensive model includes the Structure Scan unit, which adds side scan, as well as a map chip for detailed GPS maps.  Purchased separately, this would be much more.

[WIGuide]

I think you need to take a trip to your nearest marine dealer, or sporting goods store and have a look at them. Don't go there planning on buying it that day, but rather just look. Ask someone in the fishing department to show them too you and explain the features. They'll show you a demo and explain what everything does. After, think about the kind of fishing you do, or want to do and decide then if the feature is necessary to your fishing style, or if you could see yourself using it to enhance your fishing. Personally, I think side scan is an amazing technology that I put to work just about every time I'm on the water, but to some they might find it as overkill, or may not understand it enough to use it. There's no sense to pay a large amount of money to get something you won't use, but only you can determine what you need.

[FD.]

I would go with the full featured 7.

 

Luckily for you, WayneP will be along shortly to explain why.  He's our resident electronics expert.

[Wayne P.]

The best deal is all the technologies at one time.

 

If you got the HDS-8, you would have no usable mapping or the Structure Scan accessory.

It would cost you about $700 more to get the same functions that the HDS-7 bundle has.

 

The advantage of the HDS-8 over the HDS-7 is the larger display which is desirable for multi-views, and for the Structure Scan view--BIGGER is better with that technology. Plus it has more operating options.

 

If your interest is lower cost and max technology, the HDS-7 bundle would be the choice. 

 

I always say that any imaging technology is better than no imaging technology.

[NorthIDBasser]

The previous posts have been very helpful. I have the old lowrance 480 and I am in dire need of upgrading. I have been leaning towards the HDS-7 but I keep seeing newer models come out with all sorts of new features with pricing all over the board. Im a little hesitant to spend over a grand on a graph if it will be obsolete in a few years. Are lowrance that much better than humminbird?

I know that graphs are starting to be one of the most important aspects of bass fishing. I was at a seminar a few weeks ago with an Elite series pro who said some days in practice, he won't even wet a line- he just drives around looking for fish on his graph all day long and then marks them so he can come back in the tournament.

Anyway, I'm a little overwhelmed by the choices and cost. Any advice is appreciated.

[slonezp]

. Are lowrance that much better than humminbird?

 

It's personal preference. I run birds. Just because technology becomes obsolete, doesn't mean the graph you've already purchased is no good. I don't know what kind of great leaps in fishfinder technology are left to be made. HB is selling their "obsolete" graphs at big discounts right now. Figure out a budget and what technology you need. Go to the big box stores and play around with the units. See which feature(s) you like and dislike, and make a decision. When you're ready to purchase, there are better deals to be found online than in the big box stores.

[NorthIDBasser]

Thank you for the advice!

[Sam]

Get everything on the unit when you buy it.

 

You may or may not use it but you have it.

 

As time goes by you will learn how to use your electronics and the added features.

 

In the long run you will save money and be a happy camper.