Anglers Choice Marine

I currently own a 997, I haven't had any problems or complaints with it. Sonar is always easy to read, its user freindly, and doesn't need much adjusting on sensativity or anything like that. I've got the Humminbird PC program, its simple too. Also something to think about is that Humminbird is about to release a downscan upgrade for FREE.

The haven't got to play with the side-scan on lowrance yet, they say that it isn't as detailed.

I do know a guy who put a HDS 10 on his boat, and wasn't at all impressed with it. He is not a amatuer by no means at electronics and could not get the sonar to look anythings like it shows on simulation/advertisements.

I have also talked to two dealers about the HDS because I thought I might be interested in one if it was better than my Humminbird. One dealer had sold 8, and 4 had to be sent back because they leaked and filled with water. The other dealer had sold 5 and 3 had to be sent back for leaking and one just plain didn't work. I DO think Lowrance has better mapping though.

I'm not saying Lowrance doesn't make quality units and never have, I like their stuff, but I would hold off on the new units for a year or two to let them get the bugs worked out.

Also heres something to think about..... KVD just signed with Humminbird!

Those who don't learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.

1. Lowrance HD units are new and anything new that's electronic will have issues for the first few years. Look at the leaking issues although some to most are not having these issues it's still a gamble and hassle to deal with and happens more than it should.

2. The lowrance technology has just been released, waiting lists for the accessories to use the SI and downscan are long and will last until January as well, as all units and accessories are new you will expect to pay premier prices, no used units being sold regularly yet and the hype hasn't gone down off of the price. Not too mention the extra $$$$ to purchase the extra hardware to get the SI/downscan to work.

3. The cost, Hummingbird is cheaper having been out a little longer they have come down on their prices. The hype is off of it and reasonable prices for new units are being found everywhere. Plus you don't have to worry about all of the extra hardware to use SI on a HB as it is all internal within the unit as opposed to having to get the network booster/buss (whatever it is forgive me) which is extra $$$$ to use the lowrance SI technology.

4. The HB downscan upgrade is being offered as well and is free which although they do have their small differences, will basically be on the same playing field as far as features.

HB is proven having been out there and been used for the last few years. You can find great pricing on used units to get through until Lowrance has figured out all of their issues.

TO be honest, I like my lowrance units however the BS I've endured out of fairly new units that have been treated great with no abuse, only being used in the normal fishing elements, is not worth it. If not for Linda Colt I would swear off Lowrance. Having a two month old unit used 4 times go bad is BS. We pay TOO much for BS like that to happen and put us out when it happens in the middle of tournament season. And the CS from lowrance IMO is not that great as everyone found out when Linda had to take a leave of absence and everyone was being quoted prices to have near new units repaired instead of replaced for free.

Lowrance has some good technology things going on but their CS team (other than Linda who is the ONLY reason why I stick with Lowrance until I can upgrade) and quality control needs to step it up for what we pay. Sorry to rant but if I were you I'd go HB. Let everyone else figure out the new Lowrance issues and in a few years it may be safe to go back to them.

Michael Batts
Friends University Fishing Team President

Quote, originally posted by mark and ray feltner »

Hey guys before i spend over $2000.00 for a side imaging unit. I would liker to get everyones opinion on which is the better unit! Humminbird or Lowrance. Thanks if you reply, and let me know all the con's and pro's of both!!!!

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zeroforum?id=13

Modified by ReelDoc at 7:25 AM 11/24/2009

The interlink device that connects your console si unit with a humminbird unit at the bow is amazing. You save the waypoint on the si screen at the console. When you get to the bow you go the navigation screen on that unit and your waypoint is there on that unit. It really makes fishing your marked waypoints easier. After some practice you don't have to drop marker buoys are anything similar. It is a great feature.

The other reason I prefer humminbird is the lack of surface clutter on the 2d sonar. For some reason, every lowrance unit i have had has surface clutter on the screen that takes up the first 3-5 foot of the readout. My humminbirds have never had this, and it makes reading the unit in shallow water alot easier. I would like to hear someone who has extensive knowledge with lowrance explain to me why that always appears. (the surface clutter function removes some of it, but it also removes the information i want).

I do think the actual display of the 2d lowrance provides a little bit better detail, I just can't get past the surface clutter.

As for the surface clutter, i have no idea. I have seen a HB in action and the screen was "cleaner".