HB 597ci HD DI or Lowrance Elite-5 DSI

[CWB]

Alright, I know everyone has their favorite brand, but these 2 units are priced the same and look to have very similar features and capabilities. Not sure if Lowrance comes with transducer. Not asking which you prefer but honest review if you have either one.

Thanks.

[Wayne P.]

I don't have either but I do use the technology.

Both have the same size color displays (the Humminbird has a higher pixel count display) 640X640 vs. 480X480

Both are GPS with mapping and both can read third party mapping software. The Lowrance has more choices for added mapping.

Both have an internal GPS antenna--The Humminbird has 50 channel -- Lowrance has 16 channel

Both have two down imaging/down scan frequencies.

The Humminbird has two regular cone shaped sonar frequencies ( 2D )

The Lowrance does not have 2D frequencies, it is Down Scan only.

Both have the same power.

Lowrance has TrackBack, Humminbird does not have a similar feature.

Both come with all the parts to function as designed.

The Lowrance will be a great companion with a regular 2D sonar unit.

The Humminbird doesn't need a companion since it does both.

Either one will help with your fishing experience.

[jeremyt]

I was looking at these at bps before I decided to go with a 798. The guy at bps said they didn't have fish id, which to me I guess could be a good thing.

[CWB]

Thanks Wayne-

Great info.

I was leaning toward the Bird.

Love to hear from anyone who has used either. Both are pretty new.

jeremyt-

Did you get the HD unit with Side Imaging?

Not sure you'll be using fish I.D. much.

Wish I could afford that unit.

[Wayne P.]

CWB, the 798 is a Side Imaging unit and it does Down Imaging plus 2D.

I have one of those too.

[jeremyt]

Yeah I got the HD unit, I had some reward points to spend and I got the 10% military discount at bps.  The fish ID thing was just funny to me with how the salesman was trying to get me to upgrade to a more expensive unit.  The HD unit was more expensive, but I thought that if I got one of the forementioned units that I would want to upgrade so I just went ahead and spend the extra.

[CWB]

Now I'm just plain jealous!

[Diablos]

I received  a few hundred dollars in bass pro gc's so i can pick one of these up in march when i get the boat ready.

still 50/50 right now on which one to get

[Tin]

I have used both and personally I just find the HB easier to use and does everything you need. I learned on it though so I'm probably a little biased.

[Bass_Fanatic]

Although I have not used these two specific units, I have used both brands with DS and SI and I personally prefer the Lowrance.  To me, the Lowrance is just easier to operate.

[Wayne P.]

The preceeding comments are an example of why you should visit a retailer that has them on display so you can check out the menu systems to see which one you are comfortable with.