Lowrance HDS 7 vs. Humminbird 9 Series SI

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on January 23, 2010 at 11:07am

Since Linda Colt quit Lowrance, I would lean towards the Hummingbird going on customer service alone. If the HDS-7 was a full 7" screen, it would be more appealing.

Permalink Reply by Russ Baker on January 23, 2010 at 11:41am

John, we will be able to experiment with the 998 SI Humminbird on my new 721 in about 4 weeks

John G said:

Its all about networking I for one think Lowrance has a better network set up But I have not played with the HB enough to say for sure. From what I have reviewed I think the Lowrance has a better display The HB is little better on the pocket book.

Permalink Reply by Russ Baker on January 23, 2010 at 11:42am

Nick,

I'm getting the 998SI due to the other brand having major issues.

Permalink Reply by Mike Bess on January 23, 2010 at 4:41pm

I do know that the HDS is very expensive. Is the cost worth it for the average fisherman?

Permalink Reply by Russ Baker on January 23, 2010 at 4:46pm

Ron,

I'm not stating that one is better than the other, just doing something different. I have had so many issues with my Lowrance that I thought it was time to make a change.

Permalink Reply by NickBarrFishing.com on January 23, 2010 at 4:49pm

The one thing that Lowrance has is the TRUE downscan, I just learned this.

The transducer is 3 pieces, so it has a direct down 3d imaging part of the transducer, so downscan is right below the boat.
HB has downscan, but due to their transducer right now, the HB downscan is actually a little off to the sides, not direct down.

Somebody correct me if I am wrong.

Permalink Reply by Shawn O'Connell on January 23, 2010 at 5:04pm

I wasn't impressed with my side imaging at all. I'm super impressed with the Lowrance HDS and am having two put on my boat as we speak. Also my previous units the LCX 28 and 520 blew away my Humminbird in straight out performance ignoring the side imaging. I know there are others on this board that have installed the side imaging and have not been happy. Hopefully they chime in. I do wish Lowrance had more bang for the buck for screen size.

Permalink Reply by Rodney Heupel on January 23, 2010 at 5:23pm

I had the good fortune to spend a day on Lake Washinton with Marc, the Lowrance Structure images where so much more in quality then those I have seen posted on other web sites from the Humminbirds. I feel the HDS, side image, and structure scan are still new technologies. I'm sure its a race from both companies to be first to get it out to the public. They all will get better and more economical in time. Ford or Chevy, Lowrance or Humminbird? I'll stay with my Ford and Lowrance.

Permalink Reply by troy kelly on January 23, 2010 at 6:08pm

from what i've heard is that lowrance has higher quality sideimaging pictures.

can you use the lgc3000 antenna with the hds units? thinking of finding a head unit to save some coin.

troy

Permalink Reply by Rodney Heupel on January 23, 2010 at 6:24pm

Troy, Here is the link to your answer. It will work but the new LGC4000 will up date much faster. http://primus.lowrance.com/support/resultDisplay.do?gotoLink=38&...

troy kelly said:

from what i've heard is that lowrance has higher quality sideimaging pictures.

can you use the lgc3000 antenna with the hds units? thinking of finding a head unit to save some coin.

troy

Permalink Reply by Russ Baker on January 23, 2010 at 6:27pm

I have seen side imaging pictures from both brands and can honestly say I cant tell the difference. A lot of factors to consider - puck locations, thickness of hulls, etc.

Permalink Reply by Bruce Beatty on January 23, 2010 at 6:31pm

Nick, I have an HDS-5 and HDS-7 on my boat and they are awesome! If you are going with a Structure scan module I would recommend getting an HDS-8 or HDS-10 to go with it. The 8 & 10 are much easier to operate with structure scan due to the additional softkeys and the ability to have 3 or 4 panels open at once is very helpful. The screen detail is incredible and I have never needed any service on my Lowrance products. Hope this helps!

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