Lowrance HDS7 vs Hummingbird 958c

[kudu63]

I've been in the market for a new gps/sonar unit and narrowing my choices to either the HDS7 or the 958c. Does anyone have any Pro/Con's between these two units. I think they both read the Navionics/Lakemaster chip's.

[Riich]

I've got the HDS7 and think it is incredible. One thing I wish it had was the touch screen. I'm not familiar with the Garmin you are looking at, but if it had the touch screen I would look at it harder. I went with a touch screen handheld and wish I had done the same in the boat. But the 7 is very nice too.

[uzbucket]

I just went all Humminbird. 958 and 998. The screens on the birds are much easier to read in the sun as well as the interface is much more intuitive. Humminbird has made huge advances in the last few years and if I were you, I would seriously take a look before deciding.

Also - make sure to look on amazon for pricing as they are cheaper than anywhere else...

Ted

[PerchJerker]

The screens on the birds are much easier to read in the sun as well as the interface is much more intuitive.

I disagree with both of those statements ---- but they are both about personal preference so you may or may not agree.

In my opinion, the display on the HDS is better than the HB display, and I think the menu system on either unit is easy to learn and will quickly become 2nd nature to you whichever way you go. Both are good units and I don't think you're going to notice a performance difference between them.

It's hard to compare the 2 units you're looking at because they have different size screens and different prices. I think screen size is one of the most important factors, so if you can swing the extra $220 then I'd suggest you go for the larger screen with the HB unit.

Both units will take Navionics cards or LakeMaster cards, but with LM cards you need to have a Lowrance card for Lowrance units and a HB card for HB units. For Nav it doesn't matter, the same Nav card will work in either Low or HB units.

Lowrance gives you better networking capabilities and options, so if might want to expand later then you might want to consider Lowrance --- but if you don't see yourself adding more later then this isn't a factor.

We carry both of these units and have low prices and free shipping - you can check us out at the link below. Hope that helps answer your questions and good luck with your decision.

[JohnMickish]

K63, I am in the same as you and have done some research in the same area. I currently am a HB owner and also have spent a great amount of time behind the HDS units over the last two years. Here is what I have compiled.

HDS Pros

Screen, great colors, easily read strait on and at night.

Classic fish archs, what we are used to seeing

Side imaging is an add on

HDS cons

Screen, with polarized glasses very hard to see at an angle

Lots of menu choices, can take some time to get used to

Customer service nightmares, software issues in the past.

Humminbird Pros

Screen, is eaier to see with polarized glasses at angles

Menu shortcuts, very easy to navigate

Lakemaster color highlights, you can color various depths you want.

Great customer service

Humminbird Cons

Screen, not quite as sharp as the Lowrance

Real image returns, not arches-your call if this is a con or not

No Side image add on

I will be adding two units to my boat soon and right now I am leading toward the 958 and 858 units. Possibly the 898 if I can find the right deal. I have found the 898 for $1000 but missed it.

Pro Fishing Suppy has an awsome price on their HDS7s right now, if that's the direction you go make sure to check them out.

[Outfitter17]

After 15 years of lowrance, I switched last year to a HB 997c. I think it is incredible as long as you keep up with the updates you will be fine. I had alot of problems the last two years will lowrances and took the plung over to a completley different system. No complaints yet.

Good luck on your search.

[harvey lee]

My biggest concern with a Lowrance product is the issue of warranty and customer service.

I will never again purchase a Lowrance due to their terrible CS.

I also believe my HB screen is much clearer than my Lowrance.

Foe me, the menu and set up is easier with the Bird over the Lowrance.

I use to be all Lowrance but the quality of their products and their poor or next to no customer service switched me over to HB.

I have not looked back once since.

[kudu63]

Thanks for all your responses. I have talked to a fair amount of people the past couple days and they all said basically the same thing with regards to Lowrance's CS. With that in mind I think I will be going with the HB 958c.

[bassNspear]

i am a huge fan of the birds, there company is on the ball when things dont work right, and you are able to get ahold of someone fast. Just seems like there units are solid and work awesome!