Gen 2- Hds 7 Vs Hds 8

[dag623]

Besides screen size and soft keys, is there a major difference between the 2 to warrant the price difference?

[J Francho]

The Gen2 units are a TON faster. Plus the Structure scan overlay is pretty cool. It didn't seem like there was a price difference, though. Just that the earlier units are now discounted.

[dag623]

The Gen2 units are a TON faster. Plus the Structure scan overlay is pretty cool. It didn't seem like there was a price difference, though. Just that the earlier units are now discounted.

Oh I hear ya there... Everything I've read and heard says that same thing about the processor speeds. My dilemma is the difference between the hds 7 and hds 8, both being gen 2. I am wondering if there is anything that makes the hds 8 worth 650-800 more than the 7...

Oh and yeah, the structuremap looks sweet!

[J Francho]

The 8 is quite bigger. I have a pair of 7s on the way. The 7 seemed to have all the features of the bigger units, but were still reasonable.

[Jig Man]

Besides the screen size, the 8 has a 4 screen option that the 7 doesn't. I use it a lot when viewing recordings to see what I have missed and mark wpts (sonar, down, side, chart). The 8 also has the soft keys which allows 1 button control instead of menus. The soft keys also allow programing of quick ways to get from one page to another without going around the world with the pages and mouse.

[dag623]

I noticed that as well jf, they do have over an inch and a half more screen size, as the 7 is actually only 6.4". Jm, the soft keys would be nice as well, especially considering I have never owned a lowrance, and the 4 screens would come in quite handy I'm sure. I am actually leaning toward the 7, as it seems to have the key features, and is quite a bit easier on the wallet! Thanks for the feedback guys, it is huge to have knowledgeable input from the guys who know the product!

[Todd Driscoll]

The 8 also has the soft keys which allows 1 button control instead of menus. The soft keys also allow programing of quick ways to get from one page to another without going around the world with the pages and mouse.

I find that a fair number of folks that have either 5s or 7s do wish that they had spent the extra money for the 8. Screen size is certainly a factor, but the quick key features are the primary reason. These quick keys greatly increase the efficiency of unit operation.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I bought the 7. Should have it tomorrow from what they are telling me. Anyway, I wanted the 8 but can not afford it. So next year I'll buy the 8 and move them around.

[sconyas]

I've been debating which HDS-2 to get. I want and probably will end up getting the HDS-10. But It erks me beyond belief that the cost would sky rocket by simply going to a bigger screen. Hopefully They have a $1000 rebate coming out soon!!! But I think we know thats not going to happen.

[TommyBass]

I had the 7 before the 8 for around a year. It works fine, but leaves alot to be desired. The 8 is much easier to read and see, details stick out better. I moved the 7 to the bow when I got the 8. Now that I am used to the 8 I hardly ever view side scan on the 7, its plain annoying to me now.

The quick keys are a huge time saver in tournaments as well.

You won't be disappointed with the 7, but its definately harder to visualize than the 8 when you are trying to cover water quickly. As far as downscan, its basically the same.