Elite 5 HDI or 698 HD SI for kayak?

[KayakFish107]

I'm looking into these two units for my kayak, and I'm not sure where to go. If you had to choose between them, which would you pick and why? I'm new to open water electronics, and can get a decent deal on either of these, just not sure which one to go with.

[CenCal fisher]

I take it you are looking at the fish finders on gander mountain? I had the same dilemma and went with the lowrance. It was cheaper and my kayak is lowrance ready. I thought side imaging would be nice, but the more I looked into it the 698 screen size isn't the greatest for side imaging. 

 

I've only taken it out twice and haven't figured out all the settings yet but so far I like it. I was going fishing again today, maybe I'll take a look at the manual this time 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

Unfortunately I am stuck with a plain and simple

Garmin unit. I don't even use it much. But I've eyed

those HDI and side imaging units with envy.

 

I suppose if I had the opportunity I'd pick the Lowrance

since I prefer a larger screen though the side imaging

is a nice feature in the Humminbird.

[WRB]

The more watts of peak power the sonar unit has the more power it takes to operate it. If your kayak has a battery with enough amp hours to operate all your electrical equipment, no problem.

Tom