898CSI or 958C

[Dr Thunder]

So far I have decided on the Humminbird brand. I just don't know if the side imaging is worth $400-500 dollars more. I feel stuck between the smaller screen 898csi. Or going to the bigger screen 958c. Does the extra inch bigger screen make that much difference??

Also, how important is the side imaging? To be honest, I cannot determine what the pictures are showing on the ads they have out. OK, I can see something as big as a bridge. But not the smaller things.

What has been your experience??

[Deitz Dittrich]

If you do a search for this we have had some discussion on this issue.. I have had SI for a couple years now. BLOWS my mind how much I use it and enjoy it. We cant make the decision for you. I can only tell you, I will never own a dephfinder without SI now, until they come up with something better that is..

as for screen size.. get what you can afford. the bigger the better.

[reddog]

If you go with the 958, yes you will get a 1 inch larger screen, but you will never be able to get side imaging.

What will side imaging show you that 2D sonar wont?

Heres some examples from yesterday.

2D sonar, 2 fish, side imaging? too many to count

Note the "attitude" of the fish in this capture. They are heading away from the boat as I go over them.

2D 4 fish, side imaging?

Like DD said, we cannot tell you what to buy. Only you can make that financial decision.

If you can afford a 958, Id buy the 898. no questions, no rerets.

If you can afford a 798, then buy a 898. If you can afford a 898, then buy a 998. If you can afford a 998, then buy an 1197. Buy the next screen above what you can afford. Its got to hurt. If you dont, you will always regret not buying the larger screen when you had the chance.

The only time you will regret making it hurt a little is at the time of payment. You will never regret it again.

I love my 997!

[Deitz Dittrich]

I like Reddog have the 997.. love the thing. Little story about myself.. I have a BassCat Puma W/ 250 XS Merc.. Its a 2007, and got it used. it had about 120hours on the motor.. drove to Ohio to pick it up. I honestly almost did not get the boat because it had the Humminbirds on it. I was a die hard Lowrance fan. But got a good enough deal on the boat that I thought I could replace all the electronics and still come out good. Now keep in mind, I love this boat more than just about anything else I own. Honestly.. I would maybe trade in my boat before I trade in my SI..

While I have a lot of connections in the Fishing Industry.. I am in no way connected to Humminbird. So this is not a commercial.

[Black_Bay]

My advise would be to go to a sporting goods store, Cabelas, Gander, Scheels, whatever, look at both units and play around with them. Test out the features you currently use and compare the units, then decide whether side scan is worth the investment. The Northwest sportshow is coming up. Maybe take a day to ask the pro's about the units too.

[Dr Thunder]

OK, I am up to the 898csi then. I will work on the possibility of going to the 998csi. But dang that is a lot of $ for 1" bigger!!

If anyone has more good pictures like that I would love to see them. First one's I have seen that I can actually identify something on.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Bummer. I see these pics and feel like if I don't get the biggest screen with SI, I might just as well stay home, or fish of the dock with a can pole! Drool, baby drool

[reddog]

OK, I am up to the 898csi then. I will work on the possibility of going to the 998csi. But dang that is a lot of $ for 1" bigger!!

If anyone has more good pictures like that I would love to see them. First one's I have seen that I can actually identify something on.

Dr Thunder: I cannot post a link because of the rules here, but if you right click over one of my photos, and follow the "properties" it will lead you to my picture hosting site where I have many screencaptures online to look thru and ask questions about.

[slurpie]

I think for the 400 bones i would stick with the 898. Your going to see the same. I have the 997 si and si is awesome for finding structure and good for suspended fish.

[harvey lee]

I have both the 798 and 998 in SI for this season. I heave not used them on the water but I have played with one hooked up now.

They look to be simply AWESOME.

[Dr Thunder]

Originally Posted By: Dr Thunder

OK, I am up to the 898csi then. I will work on the possibility of going to the 998csi. But dang that is a lot of $ for 1" bigger!!

If anyone has more good pictures like that I would love to see them. First one's I have seen that I can actually identify something on.

Dr Thunder: I cannot post a link because of the rules here, but if you right click over one of my photos, and follow the "properties" it will lead you to my picture hosting site where I have many screencaptures online to look thru and ask questions about.

I cannot find it on the link. Bummer.

[Hubcat]

Do a search on you tube, they have videos of SI in use and describe what you are looking at.

[Dr Thunder]

Do a search on you tube, they have videos of SI in use and describe what you are looking at.

Hubcat,

That is what I have been doing tonight. Found many on both the Lakemaster and Humminbird sights too. Very helpful stuff.

Thanks for the tip though.

[PierBridge]

OK, I am up to the 898csi then. I will work on the possibility of going to the 998csi. But dang that is a lot of $ for 1" bigger!!

If anyone has more good pictures like that I would love to see them. First one's I have seen that I can actually identify something on.

998...One inch is HUGE! Go with the biggest screen you can afford! An inch is a lot when you are splitting screens or viewing the unit from a distance.

[Dr Thunder]

Thanks for all of the comments. I ordered the 998cSi today. I saved $278.00 on the 998 and Lakemaster chip by ordering it from Pro Fishing Supply compared to the store I was looking at!!! That made it a bit easier to spend the extra for the 998.

Dave is very helpful in promptly answering your questions and getting you what you need. I would highly recommend him.

[reddog]

.

Congrats on the 998. You wont regret it!

I had an 1197 out for a test spin for the last 3 days. Oh boy, I got a bad case of screen envy going on.

Dont know what part of southern mn your from, but if you ever get to the IGL, and want some help setting your unit up, Id be glad to help.

[PerchJerker]

Thanks Terry, we appreciate your business and referral! Have fun out there with your new 998c SI this spring!

[Dr Thunder]

IGL?? I am from Waseca.

[reddog]

IGL= Okoboji area.