Garmin or Humminbird/Minn Kota?

[The Baron]

I’m really struggling to decide between Garmin or Humminbird for our brand new 19ft. Lowe boat setup.  I want to start with a 9” flush mount in the dash (Echomap UHD2 or an Xplore 9) then will get the compatible trolling motor (Force or probably an Ultrex).  No screen at the front for now but saving for a 10-12” there next year, possibly with FFS.

 

I’m really torn which fork in the road to take.  We have a local Minn Kota sales/service shop that’s great to deal with, but I’ve got a Garmin UHD on our current boat now and really like it so hesitant to switch to Humminbird.  That said, the Humminbird side imaging looks nicer than my Garmin.  GPS lock, waypoints and auto pilot routes are big features for me and both seem to have their own very functional versions.

 

Any suggestions one way or the other?

[Reel]

You can't go wrong with either.  I have a Hummingbird/Minnkota set-up that I really like.  I have a boat similar to yours and I use a Solix 12 in front for the FFS and the 2D,.  I have a Helix 12 G4 that near the console that I use for GPS, DI and SI  and a Helix 7 in dash for hight speed reading.  I have 2 transducers at the back, one small one for high speed and a large one for DI and SI. This works very well for me along with a Minnkota 36 V Ultrex Quest.  All of these products have been flawless.

[casts_by_fly]

I also prefer humminbird side imaging to the point that I deal with ml1 and keep the better side imaging and familiarity. Mega live 2 looks like it closes most of the gap to garmin so if the explore units are as good as they look that’s a no brainer for me. 

[gim]

If you already have a Garmin graph that you are familiar with I’d stick with that and go with a Force bow mount.

[12poundbass]

Like previously stated above, you really can’t go wrong with either. I’ve used both and for me personally, Garmin is more user friendly.

[Junk Fisherman]

Garmin for me.  I've had issues with 2 of my last 3 Humminbirds.  We pay too much and use our electronics very little in comparison to other electronics for them to have issues.  My 859 Hbird was completely fried when I tried to update it.  I went step-by-step by the procedure and I had a frozen, distorted screen.  Hbird wouldn't even look at it without a minimum charge of $100+ or so.  My current Helix will not take a mapping card in the right slot and occassionally freezes.  I have to unplug it and plug it back in.  My Garmin 106 has been flawless as were my Lowrance units on my last boats.  No more Humminbirds for me! 

[Junger]

I think it comes down the the trolling motor. If you want responsive, cable steer feel, the Ultrex Quest is what you want. Garmin Force has some cool features too, such as remote point and steer, but from what I've heard, it does have a very slight delay, since the foot pedeal is fully wireless.

 

I think once you decide which TM you want, then you follow up with Xplore or Echomaps.

[Born 2 fish]

I have both I have a complete one boat network with Humminbirds I run 3 Helix 10s 2 at the console one on the front deck. A Minnkota Ultrex and two Raptors. But I also run a Garmin 1222 for my FFS. I’m extremely happy with this set up. 
Im extremely happy with Humminbird Side images and lake master mapping. And I’m extremely happy with my Garmin LVS 34 Livescope.

[Functional]

On 2/8/2025 at 11:56 PM, Junger said:

I think it comes down the the trolling motor. If you want responsive, cable steer feel, the Ultrex Quest is what you want. Garmin Force has some cool features too, such as remote point and steer, but from what I've heard, it does have a very slight delay, since the foot pedeal is fully wireless.

 

I think once you decide which TM you want, then you follow up with Xplore or Echomaps.

I like the tension of cable steer but went with a Force a few years back mainly because it had a brushless motor vs MK who didnt at the time. Setting the tension in the Force foot pedal to match a cable steer I have noticed no lag. Only when you loosen it up a lot and start mashing it like a wild bore willl you notice a smidge of lag. Under normal use I've not experienced any lag.

 

I will say (may be me) you cant coast up to a spot and instantly hit spot lock, it will backtrack you. You need to sit in the position for about 5-10 seconds before you hit the button for it to keep you where you are. Seems to be a bit of lag in the GPS tracking. I dont know if this is normal, first time I have spot lock.

[DaubsNU1]

I had a Garmin Echomap on my old boat, and was fully ready to pull the trigger on a full Garmin networked set up on the new boat back in August of 2023.

 

However...

 

Had spent a few years fishing in my Brothers boat with Minn Kota Ulterra | Humminbird Helix 9's.

 

The down and side imaging on the Helix was, in my opinion, much better than my Garmin unit.

 

I have not been disappointed. I don't have FFS in my future plans.

 

The touch-screen on the Echomap was pretty cool. But after initial set up, I never really used the touch screen all that much. I suppose it's easier to mark waypoints with touch screen...but I have adapted well to using the Helix.

 

I really loved the cable steer trolling motor on my old boat. Took a little while to get used to the Ulterra and electric steer.