lowrance sidescan?????

[Ridgerunnr]

Anyone have any reviews of the side/ down imaging? Im upgrading units and am considering this option

[Slob_Samurai]

It's a game changer, once you have it you will feel bad for the ones that don't... Get the biggest screen you can afford and I would recommend the gen2 for its major increase in processing speed. Pair it up with a Hds-8 gen 2 and you will be a happy man.

[Ridgerunnr]

Budget allows for an HD7 gen 2 w scan if scan is worth it...

[smokingun]

You will not be disappointed with the structure scan I have the HDS 7 first Gen I don't have a problem with it. I agree it would be better with the larger screen HDS 8 or 10. But with the HDS 7 you will still enjoy it. I also have the HB up front with there SI and I thing the lowrance is just a little sharper.

[Ridgerunnr]

Well as a 70% musky and the other 30% is walleye or bass.. its hard to justify the extra 500 bucks as a "need"..is it that much needed or just a cool toy?

[Ridgerunnr]

Well after checking its either HDS7 w side scan or a HD8 with no scan..about the same prices...thoughts??????

[Esox_Magnum]

Get the 8 you can always add the LSS at a later date or look around and find a used or discounted combo, with my 5 and 7 and if I add LSS I'll still only have less than $1500 in the whole setup tops....With the 5 and 7 alone I have about what a 7 is new, deals are out there if a guy looks...

[Ridgerunnr]

I always worry about buying used electronics... but good suggestion..maybe an 8 now and LSS Later

[ClownColor]

Well after checking its either HDS7 w side scan or a HD8 with no scan..about the same prices...thoughts??????

I'd still get the hds 7 Gen2...actually this is what I'm doing: Bought the HDS 5 gen2 with structure scan package (huge sale this spring which put it around $800) and then I'm going to buy a seperate HDS 5 Gen2 when funds come in(one ONLY needs to buy the base unit after you already own the Structure scan package). One will be dedicated towards structure scan and the other for the other screens. Even if I didn't buy it on sale, one can get two HDS 5 gen2's (one structure scan package and one base unit) for around $2000 (and thats with NONE of the discounts or sales going on or $1630 with the sale prices). THe HDS 8 Gen2 is around $2300-$2500...

Two units for "almost" $1000 less (sale price) with more viewable screen?

8's and above have hot keys though... nice but I can whip through my screen pretty quick.

[Ridgerunnr]

Now THATS an idea...two dedicated screens..one for sonar/gps and one for side scan

Interesting!

[Slob_Samurai]

Hds-8 gen2 + structure scan = $1949

Hds-7 gen2 + ss = $1,338

hds-5 gen2 + ss = $1,121

If you get two 5" screens or maybe even the 7" screen, you will end up upgrading in the future. I have the 8" and 5", the 5" is too small for side imaging. The 8" screen is almost 3 times the size as the 5" screen in terms of square inches.

There is good pricing out there from reputable online retailers that will save you alot of extra $ on their price and as well as no tax. Sadly the $300 rebate ended a few months ago. Message me and I can show you where the best prices are (forum doesnt let you post places).. I researched all of this in the spring.

[Kyhl]

Even if I didn't buy it on sale, one can get two HDS 5 gen2's (one structure scan package and one base unit) for around $2000 (and thats with NONE of the discounts or sales going on or $1630 with the sale prices). THe HDS 8 Gen2 is around $2300-$2500...

Two units for "almost" $1000 less (sale price) with more viewable screen?

That is incorrect.

A 5" 4:3 screen has 12 sq inches of viewing area.

An 8" 4:3 screen has 30.7 sq inches of viewing area.

Two X 5" = 24 square inches of viewing area is < one 8"

I'd opt for the HDS 8 then add the LSS later.

[Ridgerunnr]

slob

PM sent

[Ridgerunnr]

Well.. had a knowledgeable guy at store show me how side scan n down scan work...man that's some useful tool!.. budget wasnt enough to get it on the HD8..so settled for HD7 loaded. If the SS proves itself then will add another unit...now to hook it all up. .hoping the learning curve isnt too bad

[CaptainMusky]

Well.. had a knowledgeable guy at store show me how side scan n down scan work...man that's some useful tool!.. budget wasnt enough to get it on the HD8..so settled for HD7 loaded. If the SS proves itself then will add another unit...now to hook it all up. .hoping the learning curve isnt too bad

Hooking it up isnt really that tough. When the time comes that you can add another unit you should only need the one network cable to connect the new unit to the LSS unit and be on your way.

[ClownColor]

Quote:

That is incorrect.

A 5" 4:3 screen has 12 sq inches of viewing area.

An 8" 4:3 screen has 30.7 sq inches of viewing area.

Two X 5" = 24 square inches of viewing area is < one 8"

I'd opt for the HDS 8 then add the LSS later.

Yes-I'd guess in that sense you are right...however, maybe it's just me but I'm running at least two screens at once espicaially if running down/side scan I'm looking at my lake map chart as well. You'll get more veiwable area running two different screens on two 5's then one eight (Maybe?) Either way it's still cheaper and you can move one to the front or back...and you have abck-up as well...all for a lesser price! But to each their own!

[ClownColor]

Quote:

]Hooking it up isnt really that tough. When the time comes that you can add another unit you should only need the one network cable to connect the new unit to the LSS unit and be on your way.

Captian rights...it's pretty easy. THe hardest part for me was running wires. If pulling an old transduce out, tie a string (or 5) up to it while you are pulling them out so you can feed the others back through easily. I said five cause it's nice to have some spares in there incase you add an extra unit later...then just tie the power or ducer to the strings and pull them through.

I'm no electrician but I found that soddering worked better. Had a few wires come lose but then again, probably because I'm no electrician.

I also installed a seperate toggle switch for my SS/DS so I can power it on / off seperatly...Just saves on some wear and tear and slight battery use cause I don't always use it.

AND ALWAYS install those fuses they give you...it'll save you thousands if you had an electrical problem or hooked that battery up wrong!

GOOD LUCK!