The new HDS from Lowarance

[Pro V's R Us]

Has anyone been around these new units.

I am in the market to buy two new 10" units and want to make sure that I am doing the right thing. I was going to go and pick up two 112's, but now I am wondering about these HDS 10's

Thanks,

Brent

[PerchJerker]

I've only seen them in demos, have not had a chance to use them on the water. I think the broadband sounder and high def display is awesome. I like the Insight maps too, although for many of our lakes around here I think LakeMaster and Nav will be better contour maps.

However, there are some really sweet prices on the 112s right now ....

Lowrance HDS-10s and LCX-112s at Pro Fishing Supply

[Matt C]

I have seen them at my local Marina. They are very nice. Dual card slots, very crisp and clear screen.

If your in the market...I'd pull the trigger on one vs 2 - 112's

I will be bringing one up to the Sturgeon Excursion to try it out on the river.

[Northlander]

I never buy anything the 1st year. The picture is cool but I would get 2 units verses 1 unit. Especially with the prices they are offereing on the 112's now.

[Pro V's R Us]

You guys are reading my mind. I really am not that scared of the cost of the unit itself, I am worried about the first year gremlins that might be associated with it. The reason for two 112's is, use one for sonar and the other for gps. That way when the sonar one dies (and it will) I can switch the two back and forth.

[MinnesotaMongo]

You guys are reading my mind. I really am not that scared of the cost of the unit itself, I am worried about the first year gremlins that might be associated with it. The reason for two 112's is, use one for sonar and the other for gps. That way when the sonar one dies (and it will) I can switch the two back and forth.

If you're made of money.

Me - it's recession time...

[Pro V's R Us]

I hear you MNMongo. I bought a new boat and I am rigging it right now. Someone has to have faith that the economy is going to come back. It will, none us know how long that might be. I am just trying to do my part to stimulate it.

[bmc2b]

Do the HDS units use the same plug-ins for transducer/gps that the last generation uses? So if I upgraded I could use my current wiring?

[PerchJerker]

Do the HDS units use the same plug-ins for transducer/gps that the last generation uses? So if I upgraded I could use my current wiring?

I think you can swap out the head units and use all the existing wiring for power, network, transducers, etc. Haven't done it yet but was told you can do it.

[Pro V's R Us]

Well.....after some serious thoughts, I went with the 112's.

I am just nervous about the HDS. I talked with several pro's at the sportshow who steered me away from them.

Thanks for everyones input!

Brent

[SimilarIsland]

I talked with several pro's at the sportshow who steered me away from them.

I'm curious - what did they say?

[FishGUY]

I have looked at them a few place and everyone has had nothing but good things to say about the HDS, even places that sell them and the birds. I would be interest to hear what they said as well.

[Pro V's R Us]

They have the "fast wheel" on the arrow knob. They have had problems with that. One pro told me his software kept crashing or erasing while on the water. I guess that was the biggest thing I heard about. They were not really unhappy with the product. It is just the first year things. I was torn on which way to go. Then I made an offer on two of the 112's and the guy took it. I really could not pass it up. I am sure I will kick myself in a year for not doing it, but I will have fun until then.

[S.D. Ice Angular]

I heard a few weeks back that Lowrance will introduce their own version of a sideview type sonar in July.

Anyone know about this??

I think I had better hold off this year to upgrade my electroniocs.

[FishGUY]

From what I have heard and seen, it sounds like they are coming out with a side-imaging transducer that can be used with the HDSs. There will probable be a software update also, I have not talked to anyone that knows what the new transducer will cost. The bird's SI transducer is around $200 and that is what I have heard it will cost.

I really like the HDSs and am thinking about getting one. The sonar looks better than the birds, but will the SI be as good?

[SimilarIsland]

My dealer told me that the Humminbird rep said their attorneys would be all over Lowrance when the sideview is released.

[PerchJerker]

My dealer told me that the Humminbird rep said their attorneys would be all over Lowrance when the sideview is released.

That's a discussion (ie. internet argument) that's been going on ever since HB came out with their SI units. I have no idea if it's true or not, or if there are patents that would stop one or the other company's SI product.

Lowrance issued an official press release in Feb saying that they were coming out with SI and that details would be released at the ICAST show in July, so I would think they're 100% sure they'll be able to release it.

Furuno (or Sitek or RayMarine or some other company but I think it's Furuno) also has SI units, they're popular with saltwater guys.

[PerchJerker]

Lowrance just came out with a rebate program on their HDS units, they call it the Ultimate Upgrade Sales Event .

[fishwater]

Hopefully this is accurate. I spoke with someone at Navico last week and was told they would offer the rebate on units purchased before 3/20 with a UPC code and receipt.