What electronics do you guys use up front. I currently have an lowrance 522 that I broke transducer on and can't decide to upgrade to something little bigger/better or just replace ducer. I have an humminbird 998 at console. Can't afford the ones I really want.
I have an HDS7 up front and HDS12 at the console. If I were in your shoes, I would do what I could to grab a used Helix. The detail in the downscan is second to none...
Helix 9 Mega SI at the bow and Helix 7 SI and Lowrance 5"DI unit at console. I upgraded to the Helix units from two H'Bird 788 Qudrabeam units and the difference is quite frankly unbelievable. Look for clearance deals as year models are phased out. Last year when the Helix Gen 1's were on clearance there were some real blow out deals at places like BBGMarine.com.
I have a HDS-9 Gen 3 at the console and a HDS-7 Gen 2 touch at the bow. I have them networked together so I can share transducers and waypoints. I have an HDI (downscan) transducer on the trolling motor and the downscan and side scan transducer on the back of the boat.
Since you already have a hummingbird, I would just stay with hummingbird. Can you network the 998?
I have a Humminbird 688ciHD KVD
Down Imaging purchased Jan 2015 Has new tranducer and new cables
Has the lake map chip ($100 value)
Let this go for $160
I have all manuals
HDI 5x at Bow Im old and want a Helix 10 there and Helix 9 mega at Console.
A couple things about these new units.
1: It needs a heavy gauge wire to handle the amps and
2: It gives false depth readings under 6-7 ft because it's so powerful the pics are fine just the depth reading.
The mega when zoomed in on schools will show the shape of the fish you're seeing. I have even seen the shape (shadow) of a paddlefish below me.
Trolling motor electronics
