Hummingbird side VS down imaging

[eyes1]

I am looking at purchasing a new hummingbird but I am not sure if spending extra money for the side imaging or saving a few bucks and going with the down imaging one. Does any one who has used these have and opinion or info on these products?

These units cost a bit of money so I want to end up with the unit that will keep me happy for a while. Thanks for any info. I have been using a lowrance LMS334C IGPS since I bought the boat and that unit hasn't worked that well.

[TruthWalleyes]

I too am looking at purchasing a SI this week. I have been told by many people, and found searching this HSOforum that you get more with the Side imaging vs the down imaging...I'm going with the 898C SI.

[PerchJerker]

I've got Side Scan and Down Scan on my boat.

I find myself using Side Scan more than Down Scan --- but I am using Side Scan anytime I'm trolling, and when I'm trying to learn the structure or find a place to fish.

I'm using Down Scan more and more all the time, including lots of times when I'm fishing. The more I use it the more confidence I have in it.

Down Scan is great but doesn't give you that much more than you're already getting with conventional sonar. Side Scan opens up a whole new set of options for you.

Hope that helps!

[eyebjim]

I have had mine(797si) for 2 full seasons now and I can tell you I would not buy another locator without side imaging. I don't use the down imaging that much as the side imaging shows what is below you too to some degree. I usually use side and 2d down sonar at the same time. It is really amazing what you didn't know about every body of water you have fished before. They work well in deep or shallow water. Really shine in 2-5 feet where usually a locator is 0 help.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

2-5 feet is weed choked unless you're fishing rocks. What can you see?

[Nick Kuhn]

2-5 feet is weed choked unless you're fishing rocks. What can you see?

If it's a sandy clean area things like fish beds, downed wood. If it's rocks you can pick out boulders, holes and pockets to target. Sometimes you'll see the fish themselves. For weeds you can use it to track the weedline, and find little holes and pockets to pitch into.

[eyebjim]

yep, what he said. That is why I say it shines in shallow water. You can even make out each individual propwash troughs from boats that have sped by in very shallow water.

[reddog]

Its nice that Humminbird gave me/us down imaging at no charge (as a free software update) on my 997s and 1197, but side imaging is where it's at for me. There is nothing that down imaging or 2d sonar shows me that I cannot see in SI.

If it was me, I would save up for SI, even if its a 798.

[eyes1]

Thanks for the info and opinions I went with the side imaging looking forward to using it on opener weekend.

[HJ12]

Will NOT be disappointed I recently picked up a 898SI and fell in love.

[MN Mike]

You made the right choice eyes1! You're going to LOVE it!

Mike

[Ed Carlson]

The Humminbird 597ci HD DI Combo on the bow, and the 798CI HD SI Combo on the dash is likely the most versatile bang for the buck network on the market today.

I think this network sonar/Gps configuration will be the GO-2-Network on many new rigs.

For a bow to stern package this combination of integration, function, and utility is tough to beat right now. Cost is comparable or less than that of a HDS 8 but with the whole boat well serviced.

[Wayne Ek]

The only problem I've had with my "Bird" SI is I spend more time looking than fishing. It is truly unbelievable technology.

[eyebjim]

Thanks for the info and opinions I went with the side imaging looking forward to using it on opener weekend.

Before going out with it connect it to a battery in your mancave/garage and study it for a while to get a good feel for reading it in demo mode. This will save you some time on the water.

[TruthWalleyes]

Just put my 898cSI on order today! <2 weeks away.

[ssaamm]

First time out with my 798ci SI today. Spent about 3hrs on the water and fished about 5 minutes. Drove by a dock that was about 100ft long. The SI made it look like there was about 10 sets of goal posts. The DI wasn't as impressive as the SI. The 2D sonar seemed just fine. Found downed trees, rock piles, and lines in the sand that looked like prop wash lines. Must admit my Lakemaster chip was slower here than my old Lowrance unit. It will take a little time to figure out the new toy. Looking forward to it. Sam

[yaggie]

Until this past week I recommended Humminbird Completely. Now I am scrapping the Humminbird Select decals off my boat after receiving the latest email from them. My 898ci cannot read lake chips and shutsdown in rough water. Was unable to contact them by phone the last two days and the last email would imply I eat my cost of my two hbs and switch companies. Hopefully this can be resolved and if it is I will let all know but We are putting other units on for this weekend.

[PerchJerker]

shutsdown in rough water

Shutting down in rough water could be a power supply issue. I've run into this a few times and it can be a real PITA to resolve, but bad connections, bad fuse holders, bad master power switches, etc. can all interrupt the power when you're bouncing around. I even worked on 1 boat where we finally realized that in rough water, the oil resevoir tank was bumping up against the main power breaker and causing the electronics to shut off ---- it wasn't stopping the engine or anything like that. We simply moved the oil resv and problem solved. So ..... you might need to look at those kinds of things as a possibility for your rough-water problems.

Another good place to check is the cables / cable keeper on the back or your 898. I've seen problems with those things breaking connections also.

Good luck.

[Ed Carlson]

I concur. The issue sounds like a voltage drop or a short in a power supply to the unit at some point, or possibly a weak battery issue.

I would watch closely the voltage readings while in use and see if your battery is also draining and a low power spike is shutting down the system.

[TruthWalleyes]

Last year my depth finder would shut down in rough water as well. Found loose or bad connections, replaced wiring, and it stays on till i push OFF...This was a lowrance Cheepo unit.

[yaggie]

HB just responded that they will full warranty my unit. Hopefully I just have to use the borrowed Low. unit for this week end. This was good to hear.

Thanks Humminbird!!

[mabr]

The Humminbird 597ci HD DI Combo on the bow, and the 798CI HD SI Combo on the dash is likely the most versatile bang for the buck network on the market today.

I think this network sonar/Gps configuration will be the GO-2-Network on many new rigs.

Ed, Question for you? Is the 587 able to talk with a 898? I was told the unit had to be at least a 700 series to interlink.

[jigginjerk]

Picked up a 998si this year and the more I use it the more I like it. Takes some time to learn what you are seeing. I'm still learning, but it is amazing what you can see once you learn the proper settings. Check out some of the videos on utube on huminbird si. They really helped me with the settings to start out. It's not the settings you would think to use. At least it wasn't the ones I was using.

[Ed Carlson]

Quote:

Ed, Question for you? Is the 587 able to talk with a 898? I was told the unit had to be at least a 700 series to interlink.

That was a poor choice of words on my part, I do not think so? To be truly networked, one would need to go with the 788ci HD DI Combo. I should have said as a system they would cover all bases. If you wanted to link then you would need to start with the 788 or above is the way it looks to me.

Humminbird® high-speed Ethernet lets you share sonar, GPS, waypoints, and more between compatible units.* Ethernet networking instantly puts critical information at your command, anywhere on the boat. Compatible with new Humminbird® 700 HD, 800, 900, and 1100 Series™ models, plus Ethernet-equipped legacy models *Interlink™ Network Connections required to create networking using non-Ethernet-capable Humminbird® models. Sonar not supported.

**Ethernet-equipped models include Humminbird® 858c, 898c SI, 998c SI, 958c, and all 1100 Series™ units.

[Whisker Warrior]

where did you order from?

[PerchJerker]

Humminbird 898c SI at Pro Fishing Supply

You can see our sale price after you click the Add To Cart button!