StructureScan, SideImaging, or Neither?

[FisH_SLaYer24]

I have been looking at upgrading my lowrance lms-332c for my boat this upcomming season and I have been debating whether to go with Humminbird or Lowrance. I'm not trying to start an argument here, just trying to get some honest feedback on the best route, or even what your opinion is. I'm not yet fully decided on which route I want to go because both units have their pros and cons in my opinion, but what I'm really looking for is screen size and whether to purchase the StructureScan or SideImaging.

I know that many of you will say that bigger is better for screen size, and I will absolutely agree with you on that. However, I'm on somewhat of a budget (roughly $1300). My question is: if I purchase the HDS 5 Gen 2 w/ structure scan, is it going to be worth it? Or should I ditch the StructureScan and opt for the bigger screen with the HDS 7 Gen 2 and purchase the StructureScan later?

My dad and grandpa own Humminbird 1197si and I really like those systems as well. For my price point I can purchase the 8 inch 958c, but I don't have the option of adding side imaging to it at a later date unless I purchase an entirely new unit.

Any help is greatly appreciated because I am still kind of 'up-in-the-air' about a) which route to go between Humminbird and Lowrance, and if I should take the bigger screen size over the underwater imaging.

Thanks,

Chris

[JohnMickish]

If it where me, with that budget I would either go with a used 11" HDS gen1 or try and find an 1197. Others will disagree with me, but if you are going to be using SI, DI, sonar and mapping at the same time the screen gets pretty darn small in a hurry.

If you have to buy new, you can get some super deals on the HDS7 gen 1 units that are left and have enough money left over for the LSS module, or ideally, the HDS8 this year and get the LSS next year.

I think you already know your options. I prefer Humminbirds but all of my friends are using the HDS units. Just go with the one you are comfortable with. Make sure you check out the prices here before you pull the trigger.http://www.profishingsupply.com/combos/index.htm

Don't forget that there is also the Humminbird 898c SI that will fit within your budget. I used one for two years and it is the unit that got me hooked on both Humminbird and the SI/DI technology.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

Thanks for the info mnfishinguy. I was also thinking about purchasing a used unit as well, but I am very entriqued by the new HDS Gen 2 models. Is it true that the HDS 8 and HDS 10 are almost identical? I heard that the 8 inch is much better bang for the buck...

I will have to look into the 898si as well. I have played around with the units and they all seem to be very user friendly. I have heard nothing but good things regarding the Humminbird units and I am also a huge fan of the Lakemaster chip which is now only available for the Humminbird units. I really have a lot of info and routes to take into consideration here. Thanks for the input.

Thanks,

Chris

[frogtosser]

I am in the same boat except I was looking to spend a little more. My question is do I go with the gen 2 lowrance HD8 with structure scan or do I go with the humminbird 998si and next year get the new 360 imaging to go with it? How far out is lowrance with that technology?

[Slob_Samurai]

With your budget I think your best bet is a hds 8 gen1, and lss-1.

You could go all new and be kinda close to your budget of $1,300. The lss-1

can be had for $515-$150(rebate) and the hds 8 gen1 $1429-$200 (rebate)

or lss-1 $515 and hds-8 gen2 $1524 -$300(rebate when bought together)

I was also told by a local retailer that they were gonna sell their last few hds-8 gen1 for $1,100-$200 rebate (your best bet)...

I have been keeping an eye on all this stuff for the last few months and I'm about to pull the trigger myself Personally I think the major upgrade in processing speed of the gen2 units and the structure map option

is whats gonna force me to spend more money on the gen2. Overlaying your saved side imaging onto your maps seems like the best feature provided by either company.

PM me if you want the exact retailers (not the auction sites)...

[FisH_SLaYer24]

How do the HDS 7 Gen. 2 and the HDS 8 Gen. 2 match up against each other? I realize that the 8 obviously has a bigger screen, but I'm guessing there is a better pixel count? more features?

Thanks for all of your input so far,

Chris

[Slob_Samurai]

resolution:

HDS7 = 480 x 640

HDS8 = 600 x 800

size

hds5 12.5 sq inches

hds7 19.66

hds8 33.87 (significantly larger)

hds8 has 6 hot buttons you can set for commonly used pages, large scroll

wheel instead of using arrow buttons.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

Thanks again SS, as of right now I am leaning towards picking up a Gen1 HDS8 or even an HDS10 if I can find the right price. I like the preset buttons, soft keys, as well as the scroll wheel. This way I can get a bigger screen size unit at a lesser expense. Especially with Lowrance running rebates on the Gen1's as well, it's almost a steal.

Thanks,

Chris

[PerchJerker]

Another option that no one has mentioned is keeping your 332 and networking it with an HDS unit, either Gen1 or Gen2. Having 2 screens helps you get around the issue of screen size. I'd use the 332 for GPS only, and I'd use the HDS for sonar and structurescan.

I use both Lowrance and HB and I like them both, but I really like the "plug and play" modular abilities you get with Lowrance ..... ie. being able to network your 332 with a newer unit, and being able to add StructureScan at a later time if it's not in the budget for you now.

I know there are some good deals on Gen1 units now and maybe that's the best way for you to go. Personally, I am intrigued by the faster processors in the Gen2 and the structuremap capabilities. I would strongly consider that before spending the money on a 1st generation unit.

There's a much bigger difference between the HDS-7 and -8 than there is between the HDS-8 and -10. Preset buttons, flywheel, split screen options.

BTW, if you already have a LakeMaster card for your 332, it will work in the HDS units.

[JohnMickish]

There you go. It sounds like PJ probably has the best advice for you. If your going to purchase new, make sure you check out www.profishingsupply.com for all of your needs. Not only are they a site sponsor, they have some of (if not THE best) pricing out there.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

Thanks PerchJerker, this information really helped a lot. I wasn't aware that the 332 and the new HDS units were networkable between the two. I will really have to play with the units in store because now I am leaning more towards the Gen2 HDS's. Now just to decide between the HDS 5 with StructureScan, the HDS 7 or save a little more for the HDS 8 and then just purchase the StructureScan later. I am leaning more towards the bigger screens.

Thank you for all the input guys. It has been very helpful.

Thanks,

Chris

[Kyhl]

Can the 332 network to the HDS without the LSS-1?

[PerchJerker]

Can the 332 network to the HDS without the LSS-1?

The 332 would network with any HDS units via the nmea network. The LSS-1 networks via the Ethernet connections. So it doesn't matter if there is an LSS-1 there or not if you want to network a 332 (or similar unit) with an HDS.

[fishhuntwork]

I'm pretty sure if you just ordered a Lss-1, it wasn't $100 in tax. I think you may have entered something in wrong such as quanity. I bought lots of stuff from profishingsuplly.com, always more than happy with there service. Give them a call if all else falls.

[Slob_Samurai]

My tax estimate was assuming he was buying a bigger unit and lss-1, or spending close to his budget. Regardless, my post got deleted. I guess I ruffled some feathers by giving a tax estimation. I didn't step on any board sponsor vendor's toes, I just provided price information.

[Fishaholic2011]

I have a hum 997 and an hds 8 both on my boat. I'm happy with both units, the biggest difference between the 2 is that in bright sunlight the hds 8 is much easier to see. I'm not sure if its the screen or the different color options that make it easier.