Hummingbird vs Lowrance Sidescan?

[BassChaser57]

I am wanting a sidescan for my boat but am unsure which would be the best product. Does anyone have any input to help make my purchase?

[Chris at Tech]

This summer, I had the same decision to make for my jonboat rig.

At the end of the day, I went with a HB 898 for a few reasons:

1) only 1 transducer for normal sonar, SI and DI (Lowrance requires 2 separate transducers)

2) some of the horror stories I'd heard about Lowrance service.  Mind you, I never experienced any such issues myself, but I felt there were enough reports out there to warrant concern.  In fairness, I had heard that Lowrance has improved lately

3) my personal preference of the HB controls and layout

4) a few hundred $$ cheaper

Bottom line is that both products will be great additions.  What I will recommend, regardless of brand, is to purchase the largest screen size you can.  You may THINK the normal 5 inch screen will be sufficient, but I'd wager you'll be wanting to upgrade soon after the purchase.

[Wayne P.]

I agree with Chris about the screen size.

I have the Humminbird 798 and will have the 1198 as soon as they are shipped.

The latest issue with the Lowrance HDS units is bubbles on the screen, I just read another new complaint about that about an hour ago from a guy that has two 5 month old HDS-8 units with the bubbles.

The most frequent negative for the Humminbird 898 and 998/997 is the data boxes on the left side of the screen taking up too much space.

[R520dvx]

I sell and install electronics. First, part of the reason you hear more problems with Lowrance is the fact that the shear numbers of them out there.

We, nor a big dealership that I work with have experienced any major problems. Nor have we experienced any real customer service issues.

That being said, I sell and install both brands.

The screen size coment is spot on. Most people are happier with SI units with screens 7 in and larger.

As far as compairing the units, the menu is easier to learn on the Bird, however, the images are better on the Lowrance. Both are good.

The Bird appears cheaper until you decide to add a second unit ..... then the Lowrance becomes cheaper.

Buy your equipment from a dealer who cares so that they can help you if you have any problems. Contrary to what you might believe, sometimes the dealer is less expensive than the big box stores and has better support.

Where are you in SE Mo?

[jdw174]

I'm with Chris on everything he said.  I used nothing but Lowrance/Eagle for years....never had a real problem other than they just got old and quit working.  My last Lowrance was a 334CI.  Had it mounted at the console and added a Navionics chip.  It worked fine with no trouble.  When sidescan showed up the pricing scared the crap out of me.  Lowrance came out with their's and it seems that that's when the complaints began turning up even more.

I sold my motorcycle and used the money to get a new sidescan and TM.  I'd read so much good about HB and their customer service I decided to make the switch.  Bought a new 898si at a very good price and absolutely love it.   The 334 made the move from console to front deck.  It's no sidescan, but a super leap ahead of the 11 yr old piece of junk that came in the boat.  The 898 is at the console on a RAM mount. 

Wayne is right in getting the biggest screen you can afford.  While an 1197 would have been nice, the one on the 898 works just fine for me.  I'm not bothered by the size of the data screens on the left.  You can customize your unit to limit what data is shown.  The controls on the sidescan are much more user friendly than the ones that are on the 334ci it replaced.  Add a Navionics chip and you're ready to rock.

[BassChaser57]

I have been running a Lowrance color sonar with gps and a navionics chip. I have had great support from Lowrance and I understand how to operate the unit so Lowrance has the edge just because it is the old dog new trick thing.

Will my navionics chips I have in my Lowrance work in a Hummingbird also or will I need new chips for the Hbird?

Thanks for all the input. It is lots of $$$ so I just want to be careful.

[Wayne P.]

BassChaser57, the Navionics software is compatable with the Humminbird units.

From what I have seen and been told by users, the Lowrance HDS units have a different menu system than the older units and it takes some getting used to.

This is a screen shot from a Humminbird 998c SI with split screen regular sonar and Down Imaging:

[Carrington]

Each unit has there positives and negatives but at the end of the day its pretty much a draw and a shimano vs diawa type argument.  I personaly went with the 5inch humminbird though.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I was in the same boat.  I had the guy at Cabelas sway me to Lowrance which was how I was leaning.  There is no doubt when you see the units side by side that the Lowrances have a crisper display.  Second reason was cost once you added an additional unit.  That being said I would not kick a HB off my boat.

[Wayne P.]

R520dvx, for a fully functional two unit system, the total cost of two units with imaging transducers for both locations is less with Humminbird since each comes with the imaging transducer. With Lowrance, an additional purchase of the LSS-1 is required to have an imaging transducer at both locations.

Just like with 2D, I prefer to have the transducer at the boat operation position and most others will have the same opinion when they learn about the capabilites of that technology.

[acar555]

I have both units, HDS 8 and 997c, and like the Humminbird better.  I don't feel that the Lowrance has a better image than the Humminbird.  The Structure scan seems to be more downward focused and misses things higher in the water column over 60' away from the boat the Humminbird has no problem picking up.

[Crankhead]

I also had the 334 but unlike others, I kept having problems with the unit. So when it came to totally upgrading my boat...I went with a 798 in front & a 997 at the console. They are both fantastic units. I did have one reoccurring problem with the 798. I sent it in to Humminbird for service. Once they received it, they made some adjustments & got it back to me 5 days later. Man was I surprised.

[R520dvx]

R520dvx, for a fully functional two unit system, the total cost of two units with imaging transducers for both locations is less with Humminbird since each comes with the imaging transducer. With Lowrance, an additional purchase of the LSS-1 is required to have an imaging transducer at both locations.

Just like with 2D, I prefer to have the transducer at the boat operation position and most others will have the same opinion when they learn about the capabilites of that technology.

Don't forget to add the interlink module to the Hbird .....

Really, this is a Chevy - Ford comparison .....

[Wayne P.]

520, No interlink is NEEDED wth the Humminbird Side Imaging units as each is shipped with all it needs to perform 2D sonar, Side Imaging, and Down Imaging individually. No accessories required.

Interlink or ethernet is only needed if waypoint sharing is desired and that goes for Lowrance units also with either the Network or ethernet. With the Lowrance HDS units no imaging function is contained. The accessory LSS-1 has to be added to get that function and it takes two of those to have an imaging transducer on the transom and trolling motor.

As far a total function, yes it is basically a Ford/Chevy deal. But with the Lowrance system, you have to purchase the wheels, and bumpers additionally to have a whole vehicle.

Thanks for your contribution on this topic.

[R520dvx]

Wayne .... through hundreds of installs and working with numerous guides and tour pros, we have yet to find anyone who cares about 2 imaging transducers 20 feet apart. Everyone wants to share waypoints between units ($30 cable for Lowrance vs. $130 Interlink for Hbird).

Anyway, we sell and install both brands. Both companies make fine units. A person just needs to look at images, features, etc. and decide what's best for themselves.

As for the price debate .... whatever the setup, in a typical $3000 to $6000 multiple unit install there isn't enough difference to base a decision solely on price.

As far as quality .... yep .... Lowrance has had some issues. Hummingbird has had their times as well. Like I said in my intial response, pick a dealer who will help you if you have issues and don't worry about it.

[CWB]

Wish I could afford either right now. :-[

[Wayne P.]

520, I know lots of anglers (professional and non-professional) that prefer to have that technology on the transom when running the outboard and one on the trolling motor when running the trolling motor. Its no different that having a 2D transducer and display unit at both locations to help the angler be more efficient.

I agree about the waypoint, route, track sharing connections. Humminbird will have the ethernet connections for their 2011 models and some older models so for those units, the Interlink won't be needed.

Are you aware of the trolling motor brackets for the LSS-1 and the various mounting systems for a Side Imaging transducer on a trolling motor?

Are you aware of the Humminbird XTM 9 SI 180 T Side Imaging trolling motor puck transducer?

Hank Parker has two Humminbird Side Imaging setups on his boat, one for the console and one for the bow/trolling motor.

An angler doesn't have to settle for a single imaging transducer on their rig so the 20' example you stated does not apply even if they have Lowrance products.

Do you know how to daisy chain two LSS-1 systems mounted in two different locations so the angler can choose which to use depending on which position in the boat he is?

[R520dvx]

520, I know lots of anglers (professional and non-professional) that prefer to have that technology on the transom when running the outboard and one on the trolling motor when running the trolling motor. Its no different that having a 2D transducer and display unit at both locations to help the angler be more efficient.

I agree about the waypoint, route, track sharing connections. Humminbird will have the ethernet connections for their 2011 models and some older models so for those units, the Interlink won't be needed.

Are you aware of the trolling motor brackets for the LSS-1 and the various mounting systems for a Side Imaging transducer on a trolling motor?

Are you aware of the Humminbird XTM 9 SI 180 T Side Imaging trolling motor puck transducer?

Hank Parker has two Humminbird Side Imaging setups on his boat, one for the console and one for the bow/trolling motor.

An angler doesn't have to settle for a single imaging transducer on their rig so the 20' example you stated does not apply even if they have Lowrance products.

Do you know how to daisy chain two LSS-1 systems mounted in two different locations so the angler can choose which to use depending on which position in the boat he is?

Yes, I am "aware" of these things.  And I am so glad you "thanked" me earlier for my participation in this thread.  I will sleep better tonight knowing I have your blessing and now possess a small bit of your wisdom.  I can hardly wait for your next utterance.  Before speaking, try parking the condescencion in another time zone first, how 'bout it?

[Wayne P.]

I certainly will, thanks. Hopefully everyone learned a little more about that technology.

[booyahfish]

Hello i'm looking for and hds 8 if you would like to sell it? i'm going to buy one within the week. let me know what you think.

email me at johnson63430@yahoo.com

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

520, I know lots of anglers (professional and non-professional) that prefer to have that technology on the transom when running the outboard and one on the trolling motor when running the trolling motor. Its no different that having a 2D transducer and display unit at both locations to help the angler be more efficient.

I agree about the waypoint, route, track sharing connections. Humminbird will have the ethernet connections for their 2011 models and some older models so for those units, the Interlink won't be needed.

Are you aware of the trolling motor brackets for the LSS-1 and the various mounting systems for a Side Imaging transducer on a trolling motor?

Are you aware of the Humminbird XTM 9 SI 180 T Side Imaging trolling motor puck transducer?

Hank Parker has two Humminbird Side Imaging setups on his boat, one for the console and one for the bow/trolling motor.

An angler doesn't have to settle for a single imaging transducer on their rig so the 20' example you stated does not apply even if they have Lowrance products.

Do you know how to daisy chain two LSS-1 systems mounted in two different locations so the angler can choose which to use depending on which position in the boat he is?

Yes, I am "aware" of these things. And I am so glad you "thanked" me earlier for my participation in this thread. I will sleep better tonight knowing I have your blessing and now possess a small bit of your wisdom. I can hardly wait for your next utterance. Before speaking, try parking the condescencion in another time zone first, how 'bout it?

Hahaha you get pretty aggressive in these arguements

[TommyBass]

520, No interlink is NEEDED wth the Humminbird Side Imaging units as each is shipped with all it needs to perform 2D sonar, Side Imaging, and Down Imaging individually. No accessories required.

Interlink or ethernet is only needed if waypoint sharing is desired and that goes for Lowrance units also with either the Network or ethernet. With the Lowrance HDS units no imaging function is contained. The accessory LSS-1 has to be added to get that function and it takes two of those to have an imaging transducer on the transom and trolling motor.

As far a total function, yes it is basically a Ford/Chevy deal. But with the Lowrance system, you have to purchase the wheels, and bumpers additionally to have a whole vehicle.

Thanks for your contribution on this topic.

If you are serious enough about fishing to think you need side scan on your trolling motor then you'd best have units that share waypoints.  It dosn't do you any good to discover hidden secrets with ss on your trolling motor and not be able to see the coordinates at the console. (what Im saying is interlink is basically required for humminbird if your already in that deep tech wise)

That being said,  I opted for two HDS's linked together with 1 LSS module.   On a normal sized boat, the difference in what your reading directly under your boat in any decent depth water really isnt that different from bow to stern.  Certain cones overlap at those depths anyway so your technically looking at the same thing regardless.

I have found in my experience that using ANY sidescan transducer on the trolling motor is awkward, time consuming, and most of all distracting.  To get a crisp picture you need your motor to run EXACTLY strait, otherwise images blur significantly.   DI is nice to have up there but not that nice.  I acutally use a MinnKota with a US2 for normal HDS sonar up front, then I have the capabilty to switch to my stern mounted side image / down image LSS-1 if necessary.  All waypoints made are saved to both front and console units, making it very easy to find your spots. 

Both units will do very good.   I've seen great images from both companies.   The Lowrance is a little easier to use, with alot less tweaking, but the humminbirds that get it right seem to do equally as good.  Either way your talking big money to have the capability. 

[SeanW]

I have both. The HDS in my opinion has a better picture. The Humminbird is much more user friendly. I wasnt to keen on the idea of an extra $600 for the side imaging for the HDS. Matter of fact I paid that for the 798 for my console. I love the bird, after having problems with other Lowrance products and being shunned by customer service I went to Humminbird, and will be getting a bigger unit for the front.