Hummingbird 700 series vs. Lowrance HD5

[BuschPilot]

Hi there, I've in the need of some input on a new depth finder/gps. What to look for and what would be my best choice. I only want to spend 650 because my boat isn't used all that much, but would like to see whats out there. Right now i have a H20c and it is just too hard to see when scooting around the lake. I also have a Pinpoint 7520 on the dash as well, but color would be nice and i like to see my LOW map on the screen. Suggestions would be super, I want one ASAP. HELP

[PerchJerker]

At the $650 price range you will not be able to get into side imaging at this time. Regarding side imaging, if you want it with HB you need to buy a unit that has it built in (ie. the 798C) -- if you want it with a Lowrance HDS you can add it later (it's a separate add-on, plug-in module).

Mapping used to be a significant difference for some guys, as Low takes LakeMaster or Navionics, and HB takes Nav only. But LM just announced that their product will work in HB next year, so that is not really a difference anymore. Just a note, if you're using a LM card in your H2Oc it won't work in HB units, you'd need a HB card.

The HB 700-series has a longer track record than Low HDS, and a good track record. Lots of guys are happy with their HBs. I think they're excellent units.

The Low HDS series is new this year so not much of a track record yet. There were some problems with some of the first units shipped but Lowrance has replaced those units and I'm not hearing of recurring problems. I've had an HDS on my boat all year and it's been great since Day #1. I really like the built-in broadband sounder, and I like that I can add side-imaging to it later. I like it so much that I'll probably add another one to my boat before too much longer.

We have several combo units on sale right now at Pro Fishing Supply. You can check them out HERE. Hope that helps.

[Jacob]

I would like to hear someone chime in on customer service between the two because to me this is very important. I have a Lowrance unit that the GPS modular stopped working and have been dealing with customer service and it makes me want to purchase HB! I remember going through the same thing 5 years ago with another unit.

[PerchJerker]

Much easier to get ahold of HB customer service.

Once you are talking to a living being at either HB or Lowrance, both are good at taking care of what you need.

[jigginjim]

Have not checked yet, but can you still use the hs units for ice fishing?

[PerchJerker]

Have not checked yet, but can you still use the hs units for ice fishing?

They haven't come out with an HDS model in an ice pack, but the ice conversion kit that worked with the LMS522 should work with the HDS-5

[markkstanley]

Tried it out on my HDS 5 and worked. Ice ducer and power cords can be used for either a HDS5 or 522. Nice to have GPS on same unit -time to sell the H2Oc.

[bassNspear]

hummer all the way. way better product IMO

[MuskieJunkie]

-time to sell the H2Oc.

Before or after you delete all the waypoints off of it Mr. Stanley?