Ash1983 Posted March 12, 2014 Posted March 12, 2014 My budget is around $1,000 but I would prefer less than that, what unit do you suggest for side imaging.My practice has been to troll the bank and hit up fallen trees, but I am thinking a side imaging unit will let me see structures and venture into new areas. I have been reading how people like the older generation of Humminbird side imaging units more than the new ones that just came out, any thoughts? Lowrance Vs. Humminbird? Quote
Super User Hi Salenity Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 I love my 898 & 998! The newer ones have a built in GPS and I'm not sure they will accept the Navionics Platinum? Maps but don't quote me on that. A smarter person will be along shortly. Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 I love my 898 & 998! The newer ones have a built in GPS and I'm not sure they will accept the Navionics Platinum? Maps but don't quote me on that. A smarter person will be along shortly. That was funny! Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 Personally I think it's a toss up between the two when it comes to side imaging. With $1000 you will be able to get one of the best either has to offer. Have you checked each out at a shop which sells them?? FWIW - I have been exploring both for a purchase. To me the clarity of the image at the upper levels are the same. Next for me is usability/ease of use. Lowrance is winning that battle with me. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 Both Humminbird Side Imaging and Lowrance Structure Scan do very well as a search tool. Humminbird Side Imaging does side imaging the best especially in shallow water and is very adjustable which makes it a good fishing tool also. It depends on what your use is which is the best for you. I choose fishing over searching. Quote
Ash1983 Posted March 12, 2014 Author Posted March 12, 2014 I have gone to BassPro and looked at the different units, but the displays might be different in actual use than what they show in the store, so, I thought people with first hand experience with the different models would be my best resource. The deepest I will be using it, on an annual basis, will be around 20-30 feet. I have an old humminbird that is just the graph, but I want something more detailed so I can better tell what is around me and adjust my fishing accordingly. Quote
Super User Hi Salenity Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 Both Humminbird Side Imaging and Lowrance Structure Scan do very well as a search tool. Humminbird Side Imaging does side imaging the best especially in shallow water and is very adjustable which makes it a good fishing tool also. It depends on what your use is which is the best for you. I choose fishing over searching. Felix, he showed up 2 Quote
5dollarsplash Posted March 12, 2014 Posted March 12, 2014 Felix, he showed up "If you talk sonar, he will come" Lake of Dreams starring Wayne P Back on topic, I picked up a 798 combo about a week or so ago. After a lot of reading I couldn't pass it up for 630 or so. Still waiting on spring, but theres lots of learning and video watching to do in the meantime. Its quite a learning experience but I can tell already it'll be a gamechanger. Quote
Ash1983 Posted March 12, 2014 Author Posted March 12, 2014 I was looking at a 798 earlier in the week at GanderMountain, it was on sale and had a rebate. I went to bed on it and when I work up and decided to order it, it was no longer listed. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 Felix, he showed up I have been using my fishing tools for the past two days. Got a new toy to help me pick on the fish a little better. Doesn't make the bite though Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 I was looking at a 798 earlier in the week at GanderMountain, it was on sale and had a rebate. I went to bed on it and when I work up and decided to order it, it was no longer listed. Gander Mt. is pathetic with their electronics selection. Check with a marine electronics dealer. Quote
Ash1983 Posted March 12, 2014 Author Posted March 12, 2014 Huh, I just checked Gander Mountain again and it was up this time. I must have been groggy when I woke yesterday and put in the wrong information for the search. Thanks for the affirmation 5dollarsplash, I am now a new owner of a Humminbird 798. Now I need to find where I can get that rebate. It says it ends on the 19th, does it come with the order and I send it in or do I have to print it off somewhere and mail it before the 19th. I am looking over gander mt. and cannot find the information. Quote
Ash1983 Posted March 12, 2014 Author Posted March 12, 2014 Thanks for the info Wayne but I read your pm after I had already made the purchase. Quote
5dollarsplash Posted March 12, 2014 Posted March 12, 2014 Hmmm, I'd almost call them directly on the rebate question(Humminbird). I'm having a heck of a go around on the website trying to find anything on the rebate, might just be easier to cut out the middle man. When I had ordered it rang up for less in the basket so I'm not sure whats up with it. I'll dig through my order when I'm done with work and let you know what I find out. Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted March 12, 2014 Super User Posted March 12, 2014 Congrats on your purchases guys! I've used both Humminbird and Lowrance and there is no doubt, they're both great units. Both are easy to run and they definitely help you break down water quickly! Quote
Meatco1 Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 In case anyone else is looking, Overton's has the 798 CI HD SI GPS/Fishfinder Combo on sale for $649.00 with a $50.00 rebate right now. Respects, Richard Quote
5dollarsplash Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 Apologies to the OP for not posting sooner. I looked through the box myself last night and didn't find any sort of rebate. Quote
camovan Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 I remember seeing the rebate on Gander when I bought mine because I opened it and looked at the details but it is gone now. You can click the rebate center button at the bottom of the home page and search for humminbird and it does give the details and says must be purchased by 3-19 but doesn't have to actually be postmarked until 4-16. I emailed their customer service and asked them to email me the form or put the link back on the site and I will share it with anyone who needs it when I get an update. Quote
camovan Posted March 13, 2014 Posted March 13, 2014 I love chrome history search here ya go guys http://www.gandermountain.com/assets/rebatepdfs/HB_RebateForm_Gander_798_2014.pdf Quote
ClackerBuzz Posted March 25, 2014 Posted March 25, 2014 I have a 598 and wish i had bought lowrance b/c there are no maps of my home waters. lowrance has the option to create contour maps of ur home lakes with Insight Genesis Quote
Super User slonezp Posted March 25, 2014 Super User Posted March 25, 2014 I have a 598 and wish i had bought lowrance b/c there are no maps of my home waters. lowrance has the option to create contour maps of ur home lakes with Insight Genesis You can create maps for the bird with Lakemaster Auto Chart Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 25, 2014 Super User Posted March 25, 2014 You can also let Navionics do it for you if you have a Humminbird or Garmin unit. That is what I am doing by using their Sonar Charts program. This lake went from this: To this: This lake didn't have any maps from any source, not even an outline, and Navionics used my data to do this. Quote
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