humminbird vs. Lowrance

[Larson15]

HB is going to be releasing a new software update that will feature some interesting things. They are pretty tight lipped about what all it will include but I'm looking forward to it. One of the cool features that will take place with the update is being able to hide the readouts that are on the screen which will provide more viewing area. A few other features coming for Humminbird are: Ethernet hub which will allow for up to 5 units to connect via ethernet with eachother. Also a NMEA 2000 port which can connect to your outboard and show fuel amount, RPMS, engine temp, gallons per hour used, oil psi, engine hrs and a few others. These will all show as readouts on the HB unit.

[adamr]

Does the side imaging actually hejp if your in 25ft max fishing most of the time 10ft. Im wondering if I should just get down imaging, but on either can you split the screen into 3rds to have map, down imaging and graph. Does either provide better pictures

[Nick Kuhn]

Side imaging will see all the way up to shore (anything beyond the shoreline will be black, and I haven't found a lake deep enough for it not to work in yet.

[reddog]

Does the side imaging actually hejp if your in 25ft max fishing most of the time 10ft. Im wondering if I should just get down imaging, but on either can you split the screen into 3rds to have map, down imaging and graph. Does either provide better pictures

If youre asking if it (SI)will work in shallow water. yes it does, actually it excels in shallow water.

Can it see thru weeds or other obstructions? no, it cannot.

heres a shot in 2.9 fow.

[JohnMickish]

It won't shoot thru the weeds but it is a great tool to show you the weed patches that are still coming up in the spring time. Oops, I think I've said to much now......

[TruthWalleyes]

Does the side imaging actually hejp if your in 25ft max fishing most of the time 10ft. Im wondering if I should just get down imaging, but on either can you split the screen into 3rds to have map, down imaging and graph. Does either provide better pictures

Side Imaging excels in shallow water where typical sonar isn't worth a dime in shallow. It also works great in deep water as well, but it is MUCH more useful in shallow lakes where your sonar is worthless...

[adamr]

If i have a seperate screen for my map is the 7 big enough for si di and graph on a bird

[harvey lee]

I switched to Humminbird a couple years ago and have a 1198csi and I believe the other on the trolling motor is a 998csi. very happy with both units. I love all the mapping options on these units. The SI is also very nice but it took me a bit to get it set up so that I can read my picture on the screen. With the split screens, I love the larger screens as the smaller ones are very full. of course, the larger units are a bit pricy with either company.

I also have heard very good things about the Lowrance units.

I also believe from what I have been told that Lowrance has make great strides forward since thier days of questionable CS.

Either unit I am sure you would be happy with.

[TruthWalleyes]

If i have a seperate screen for my map is the 7 big enough for si di and graph on a bird

Here is what the size is like on an 898.

I rarely, if ever, run all 3 of the above.

Typically i run the map and SI, or map and Sonar depending on the senario.

What you will see on the 798 will be a little more condensed.

For best images you'll be switching between screens, and this is where the hot buttons come into play. Easy to change between screens in an instant.

[reddog]

The newest software coming down the pipe for Humminbird, will take the viewable screen on an 898, past the viewable size of a 998, without the software upgrade.

Current screen size without the newest software upgrade:

798c = 12.234 Square Inches

898c = 16.031 Square Inches

998c = 21.312 Square Inches

1198c = 48.156 Square Inches

With the upgrade:

798c: 12.234 Square Inches

898c: 22.203 Square Inches - Upgrade Increases 6.172 Square Inches

998c: 29.218 Square Inches - Upgrade Increases 7.906 Square Inches

1198c: 48.15 Square Inches

798 wont see any improvement. 1198 wont either, because the data boxes are already on the bottom of the screen.

This is a big deal for those of you that already have a 898 or a 998. Even better that it is going to be free.

[fishwater]

Reddog, are updates going to be made for the older 997's to allow the same data box adjustments? Pretty sweet!

[TruthWalleyes]

I can't wait for those updates.

I'd also wish they would make an "Auto" screen speed setting to be automatically adjusted to your GPS speed, with the screen speed still having a max of 10. I've given HBird that suggestion already. Hopefully it comes down the pipeline sooner than later.

[reddog]

Reddog, are updates going to be made for the older 997's to allow the same data box adjustments? Pretty sweet!

I am almost positive it has to be an ethernet capable unit, so no, 997s are not able to recieve this update.