Humminbird Vs Lowrance

[TNBronzeback]

Im going to be in the market for some high quality electronics for my bow mount. Ive done some research online between Lowrance Down-SCAN and Humminbird's Down-IMAGING. based soley off of what i seen, i would choose the lowrance for clarity, but, i dont care for the clarity of lowrances basic 2D "fishfinder" screen. I have a Humminbird 2D fishfinder i got earlier in the year mounted in the back of the boat and its great, crystal clear, but looking on-line at the down-imaging, it didnt seem as sharp as lowrances.
What have you guys seen/played with or what do you have. its a good chunk of money for one of these units and even though it comes down to personal preference, some outside info is always helpfull before busting out the check-book! Oh if it makes any difference for conversation, the particular lowrance unit im eye-balling is the Elite 7-HDI.

http://www.fishtec.co.za/downimaging%20and%20downscan.htm
That link takes ya to a site showing the exact same screenshot by a lowrance and a humminbird unit mounted on the same boat.

[Pookie]

I have the HDS-8 Lowrance mounted at the helm. I am currently in the market for another 8, or even a 10, The beauty of the Lowrance units is the fact that they can be networked together.

I have had a small problem with the previous unit. I sent it back under warranty and they sent me another (factory reconditioned) unit. I was down for 2+ weeks.

If you already have Hummingbird, you probably ought to stick with Hummingbird. Having the 2 networked is a plus for me though.

[XxthejuicexX]

I recommend the elite 7, I have a DI unit and do not use the down imaging ever. You are right about the clarity of it. I think the lowrance is clearer in both sonar and DI. If you are not in a hurry tacklewarehouse will usually put the lowrance units on sale for there 25 days of christmas sale. Hodgesmarine.com has them for 678.00 thats GPS, DI AND sonar.

[Travis C.]

Go in and actually look at the units for comparison.

The HB images look like pre-updated and not new software from 2010. Since they were the first to market it (as we know it) then followed by Lei it was quickly apparent HB had to catch back up.

Both have really good images for the most part it's $$ vs. Preference. HB does have far better customer service.

[sbrison]

I have had the Elite-7 since March mounted at my console, and for the price I think it's the best unit out right now. I have fished in boats with every kind of unit and I believe the graphics are as good as both the Lowrance and H-Bird HD units at a fraction of the cost. Only thing you don't get is the sidescan, but if you are bow-mounting it that is not a factor.

[creekcrappie]

I have the humminbird 587 and I love it.

[Adrian]

How are the built in Maps for the Elite 7. And are you talking about the Elite 7 HDI?

[XxthejuicexX]

How are the built in Maps for the Elite 7. And are you talking about the Elite 7 HDI?


The elite 7 base map is alright but it jumps at 10' increments. So with out the chips it is not super detailed. You can get the Non DI one right now for 543.16 from hodgesmarine.com

[nomad60]

The HDI transducer for the Elite 7, is that a transom mount? Right now I have the Lowrance HDS-9 Touch at the console and the Gen 2 HDS 5 at the bow but I sure would love one of those Elite 7's at the bow for the down imaging function. Not sure If I want to add yet another transducer to the transom though...

[Pinwheeled]

I've got a humminbird 596cDI at the moment but Ive used both quite a bit. I really don't think you can go wrong with with either one. I find Lowrance stuff easier to navigate but both are very clear once properly adjusted.

Like another poster said, I find myself rarely using down imaging. Mine stays on sonar probably 90% of the time.

[gboyce]

It is honestly a matter of preference. I have the HB 997 and love it. I feel my down imaging is clear than the Lowrance my buddy has. Also I can set quick buttons to jumo instantly to the pages I use the most where Lowrance to me is bulky to navigate thru. However with the Lowrance unit I really like the option to over lay the down and 2D sonar. Again its just really a personal choice. Best bet is go to bass pro and spend an hour or so playing with the units and make your choice that way.

[tkwalker]

Kinda like a Ford or Chevy, Motor Guide or Minn Kota .... I have owned both equally through the Decades ... The first one was a Flasher by HB made in Eufaula, Alabama, Which was close to my home at the time .. I have owned numerous other HB's as well ... ... I have owned Numerous Lowrance units including paper chart graphs which helped me learn the Cumberland river bottom before I started guiding ... ( I still have these by the way) ...

So After I have pretty much completed my Walleye boat project and the wife and I started trolling ... I found I was in need of a good Sonar/GPS Combo.

I have done my research on all brands and found pros and cons for about all of them ... I narrowed it down between Lowrance and Humminbird again ... I read a lot of reviews on Bass Pro shops site as well as Cabala's . I just recently rigged out a new boat for one of my good customers which included two Lowrance Elite 5's ... I found the Lowrance was not really user friendly for me ... (NOW REMEMBER I HAVE TROUBLE NAVIGATING MY OWN WEB SITE LOL !!)

I didn't find the user manual was in depth enough as far as basic terminology. I think Lowrance assumes you know things that you may not have any idea about . Sure they would send me an After Mkt. DVD on "How toooooo" Book ... At an extra $$ ... Another thing I determined after reading reviews was That it seems there is a lot less hassle when dealing with HB's Customer Service Dept...

So with this said ... We will see ... Friday I ordered a HB 998c HD/SI ... I'll keep you updated ... Like I said ... Ford or Chevy? ... Personal preference ... Both are excellent products ... <'TK>< :)

[TNBronzeback]

Thanks guys!
I have heard that quite abit about Lowrance's Customer Service.
I currently have a Humminbird 570 ( if i remember right) and the unit is crystal clear so i will probably stick with humminbird when i make my next sonar addition. I know with the fishing i plan on doing, i will be using the Down Imaging the bulk of the time so i will make a trip to Bass Pro and fiddle with thiers if they have one on display and kick the tires on it for while. I really have no preference myself aside from i want a clear, no questions asked/second guessing whats on the screen when using the down imaging once i get it all tweaked and dialed in.
We shall see,
Thanks again for the input everybody!

[mr eye]

I have a Humminbird 898 c si Which has the down & side imaging . I love the unit . I am not sure that everything you need is in the lowrance right out of the box like the Humminbird . I think you need to buy additional items for the down imaging on lowrance units . correct me if I am wrong guys .

[nailman_83]

I went with Humminbird so I could link them with my Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor. I have the 998c SI combo on the center console and the 788 ci HD combo on the bow using the transducer built into the trolling motor. They are all linked with Ethernet cables so all 3 talk to each other.

This is the set up I wanted and did not have a choice between the two. The only change I would have made is get 2 of the 998c and split the transducer. Still might do that....