Why Choose Humminbird? Your Answer Here.

[TruthWalleyes]

I purchased my 898si 10 days before opener this year. When the unit came to me, i had problems with the gps maps. I spent a few days figuring out what was wrong, and then called Hbird. Turns out that Humminbird forgot to install the mapping software. So 36hrs before fishing opener, they offered to air mail me the SD card with the update, and i asked them instead to email me the software via a file share program...Humminbird doesn't usually do this, but they did for me, and within an hour i had my Hbird working as intended! Limits were caught on opener!!

Fast forward to last week. Out on the MN river, i decided to install the latest update while i was waiting for a flathead to chomp on a bullhead. Once i plugged in my settings and switched spots i noticed the chart speed wasn't working correctly. Typically you match the chart speed to the boat speed, but i had to have the chart speed at 6 for a boat speed of 4 to get the chart to look right.

I restarted the unit, reset defaults, and the chart speed was working again. But only temporarily. At times, the chart speed would get slow again. This sunday i was going to check out a new lake. Prior to leaving the driveway, i turn on my Hbird to scan the map of the lake to develop a rough gameplan. My unit shut off and restarted.

I get to the lake, and the unit keeps shutting off and restarting when zoomed at the 1000ft level. So i zoom in to the 500ft level and it works good for about an hour. Then it would restart on the 500ft level. So i zoom into the 200ft level, but when i scroll the maps won't load...Frusterated, i have a beer, and load the boat - headed for home.

Today i called HBird. 10m on hold, no big deal I called at noon. I explain the problem. They tell me that this is most likely something gone wrong in the unit. They say send it in and we'll fix it up for you. I ask how long will the repair be, they say 5-8 days. I suggest that they send me a brand new unit and when i receive that unit, I will test it out, and then send back my unit.

The CS rep was more than willing to accomodate my fishing habits, and immediately put in an order for them to build me a unit this afternoon. A free shipping label will be sent to my house so i can ship my unit back to them. Tracking info for the new unit that they're sending me.

Moral of the story:

I've had two problems with my depthfinder since i've had it. One right out of the box, and the other 4 months later. Neither of them bother me as Humminbird has resolved both of them at no cost to me and in a speedy fashion.

To anyone deciding which depth finder to purchase. You can't beat the customer service of Humminbird!!

[pooly_31]

that's all well and fine but what struck me is that when you HB shut down on you, you quit fishing for the day?? HaHa

[BartmanMN]

I'd prefer a product that works right and doesn't require me to call customer service, however with that said, I am pleased to hear your positive experience from Hummingbird. Thanks for the report as these do help to sway ones decision.

[Stringerless!]

Thanks. These kind of stories mean more to me than some advertisement. Will keep that in mind.

[RebelSS]

Gotta love Hbird!!!! This happened to me some years back with my Humminbird....unit was about 3 years old, sitting in the sun, the screen cover goes CRACK! all the way across the screen.... I mail it to Hbird requesting they fix the screen and bill me, as it was way off warranty. 5 days later, unit is BACK...with a note saying they also installed updated software along with the new screen..no charge! About 3 months later, I fell against it in some really choppy conditions, and broke part of the mount base. Also needed two new mount screws. Called Hbird CS to order parts, she tells me "That little piece and 2 screws isn't worth billing you for"...no charge. I'm stayin' with Hbird.

[dairyman]

I'm with the bird also-----I have the 788ci and kept getting false bottom readings. Did a system re-set and all is well now. I really like the gps feature..............sooner or later I'm going to spring for a new lake chip. I was on a lake earlier this spring-------really shouldn't have been. Decided I best leave the lake as the wind and rain was starting to come down. OK---where the heck is the access---------followed out on my gps. My son-in-law has the other brand and every time I see him he still doesn't like it. His unit shows him boating across dry land---go figure........

[Gordie]

I have a older lowrance lms350A and the transducer bit it and they stopped making them. I heard that lowrance's customer service went down hill from quite alot of people so I thought I would try a Bird I bought the B/W model w/O gps and love the way it works but I think I will move that one to the front of the boat next season and get the side imaging unit next year .

Been a lowrance guy since 89 time to change..change is good they tell me

[Moose-Hunter]

I've heard the GPS/Mapping "bug" is fairly common. In fact, bit my HB's (858c and 958c) both had the issue. HB customer service also shared both patches with me via their file sharing site. Fixed them right up!!

I have both of those files saved so if anyone has this problem, drop me a PM and I'll see if I can send these to you via email. I'm not sure it will work as these files are large. I'll give it a shot if ya need it...

[Northlander]

Birds customer service was awesome the 1 time I needed it. Thats way more than I can say for Lowrance when I called them, e-mailed them and never got a answer. I will be a Bird man until something better comes along. My Lowrance is now on the front of the boat where it never gets used.

[mainbutter]

I'd prefer a product that works right and doesn't require me to call customer service

Electronics used on the water are notorious (at least to me) for having issues. I haven't known a single person who owns fish finders/gps that hasn't had issues, regardless of the brand.

While I agree with your sentiment, I think the nature of the beast is that water and electronics just don't go well together.. and that means any company in that business needs to have the best customer service around

So far I'm more than happy with my one and only HBird fish finder.

[TruthWalleyes]

I'm not going to pick on you bartman, but just point out some things about new technology.

Fact: New Technology has : BUGS

It's how well a company can resolve those bugs that defines the product and consumers satisfaction. I generally stay completely clear of any new technology, we all know there are going to be problems out of the gate. If the company isn't going to stand behind their product (Apple, Dell, etc) then you are taking a risk at owning the newest technology.

It's a company like Humminbird that i would purchase any new technology from though, because i know that whatever problem i may encounter, they will be there to make it trouble free for me.

Pooly_31 I wanted to get home and call Hbird...only to find out they're a monday-friday company. I got a laugh out of your comment though!

[FearNoFish]

I purchased a 570 portable unit this spring had it up on the rainy for sturgeon fishing and things did not seem right but I thought maybe the cold and or low battery, not the case was on a candain fishing trip a week or so ago and the thing would not read the bottom only flash the depth in ft for me thank goodness because I could still catch fish (they were very depth orrianted) I called them as soon as I got back to make arrangments to send it back and they stated it was most likely the transducer and sent out a new one it arrived in 3 days like they stated and included the suction cup and all mounting hardware. I have been a Hbird fan for years and plan on staying with them for years to come.

[jwmiller33]

What it comes down to is the products offered by Lowrance and Humminbird have very few differences. I'd rather go with the company that stands behind their product.

[walleye365]

Hbird is the way i will be goin when i buy new. i have a x102 low it fairly old now but i had it for 10 months and it started flashing and the shallow alarm would come on if i left it hooked up to power it would power on by itself its been like this for 4years still reads depth and bottom fine. When i finally got ahold of lowrance CS they said for $212.45 i could send it in and they would fix it or send me new i said it should be under warranty nope they said warranty was done 4days ago i said that was [PoorWordUsage] so id have over $800 in to it and it wasnt even a year old never again will i buy a lowcrap. I know of alot of people that have great luck with them not me and i know alot who switched or have Hbirds and love them.

[marshmallow]

I Still Like To Glance At Lake Maps .. On Some Of The Lakes I Fish With Pronounced Structure ..And The G.P.S. Locator ..

[Chode2235]

my dad runs a humminbird, and I have a lowrance HDS. The humminbirds are great units, and are intuitive, easy to use and have a great picture.

I will say that I like the screen sharpness and the overall configurability of my HDS better than his hummingbird. They're all great units these days (which they better be for the price).

[RumRiverRat]

Impossible I though Birds never broke?!?!?!

I am confused!