Are the Gen2's worth it?

[Stick in Mud]

Hello all,

We currently have an HDS 5 on our boat, but we have the opportunity to upgrade to a HDS 7 Gen2 (not the Touch model) for about $150 more. I've never used a Gen2 before...Are they worth the extra money?

[Crappyfisherman]

It depends on how you look at it. I just got a HDS 8 Gen2 non touch from Cabelas for $800.00. It listed for $1700.00 . The reason I bought it was because it will work with my Gen 1 HDS and will also work with the Gen 3 so I'm using it as a bridge between the old and the new asmyGen 1 locators are 6 years old. I also found out after I bought the Gen 2 that my Lakemaster version 7.0 chip will not work with it so I ended up buying a new chip. It's way faster than the Gen 1 and has more features so it was worth it to me. Hope this helps

[Stick in Mud]

Thanks for the reply. The increased processor speed was noticeable for you?

[Crappyfisherman]

Yes,it's 3 times faster.

[delcecchi]

Yes,it's 3 times faster.

Does that make any practical difference? Does Gen 1 have problems keeping maps current at high speed or when zoomed in? Redrawing when zoomed?

[ClownColor]

It depends on how you look at it. I just got a HDS 8 Gen2 non touch from Cabelas for $800.00. It listed for $1700.00 . The reason I bought it was because it will work with my Gen 1 HDS and will also work with the Gen 3 so I'm using it as a bridge between the old and the new asmyGen 1 locators are 6 years old. I also found out after I bought the Gen 2 that my Lakemaster version 7.0 chip will not work with it so I ended up buying a new chip. It's way faster than the Gen 1 and has more features so it was worth it to me. Hope this helps

i got the same deal! If you can get a deal on them, well worth it. "Thought" i saw the 7's for $499 once at cabelas. I imagine they'll be a lot of them on clearance near opener to push the remaining stock out as the gen3's will ge taking over the shelves. I love my gen2 and its many featuers. I beleive the gen2's work with ALL lowrance/motorguide accessories? Not sure if gen1's do...

[MattL]

The newer units are obviously better, but the older units work just fine. I bought an HDS 10 Gen 1 on clearance when the 2's came out. Worked fine for a couple years then right before the 2 year warranty expired I had an issue and was given the option to replace with a remanufactured unit at no charge or pay and upgrade for a gen 2 unit. I think it was about $900 to upgrade to a 12 touch or cheaper for other units. In the end I got a 12 touch for a steal of a deal on the warranty upgrade when you factor in what I paid originally plus the upgrade cost.

[CaptainMusky]

This is the second time I've heard someone say the lakemaster chips dont work with gen2 units where did you see this? I'm surprised they wouldn't still work. Nit a big deal if true because I still have 2 gen 1 units and one gen2 but curious.

[Stick in Mud]

Well, I ended up getting the Gen 2 HDS7. Final purchase price was $435, so that doesn't seem too bad. Also sold my HDS5 off craigs site for $350, so the $85 difference seems like a reasonable price to pay for the upgrade.

I hope it works out.

[Tom Sawyer]

Well, I ended up getting the Gen 2 HDS7. Final purchase price was $435, so that doesn't seem too bad. Also sold my HDS5 off craigs site for $350, so the $85 difference seems like a reasonable price to pay for the upgrade.

I hope it works out.

You'll like it. For that price I'm considering running two side by side, or throwing one up on the bow, for a cheap replacement. I have been using my old X17 for a plotter, next to the HDS.

[Ebiz]

Where did you wind up buying it?

[CaptainMusky]

Im running an HDS 7 Touch and HDS 7 Gen 1 side by side at the console, then keeping my HDS5 up front. The HDS 7 Touch will be used for controlling my xi5 trolling motor when needed and all the side/down imaging while the 7 Gen 1 will be dedicated to mapping. At least that is my initial plan.

That's a sweet price on the HDS 7 Gen 2 you got. Mind sharing where you were able to track that down? I would consider getting one and then selling my 5.