Steve Posted March 13, 2016 Report Posted March 13, 2016 From my experience, even the new HDS models still only gets two to three years on them before the sensitivity starts decreasing. The biggest cause is the towing/trailering....If you don't cover up the bottom of the transducer (ie, with a sock, or similar) the gravel and dirt/dust will start to scratch the base.
grimsbylander Posted March 13, 2016 Report Posted March 13, 2016 Go to a shop(s) and play with multiple units of both brands on demo mode. This will not replicate on the water performance but it'll give you an idea of which layout you prefer. Your personal satisfaction of the performance difference between the units will depend more on you than the units. I know fellows with $2500 units that never take time to learn them (either brand) and then blame the graph. It's a very competitive market with no secrets between HB and Lowrance. Try to look past some of the myths you'll read posted and just buy one you feel comfortable with. That way you'll invest the time up front to understand it and maximize its usefulness for your style of fishing.
Old Ironmaker Posted March 13, 2016 Report Posted March 13, 2016 It's like asking which is better Chevy or Ford? For what you describe to need I believe Hummingbird of which I have for my main GPS/Sonar. I also have Lowrance on the front and a second screen at the helm which is an old Garmin. I like the Hummingbird for it's simplicity and value for the dollar. Yes get the largest screen in your budget.
Tomcat Posted March 13, 2016 Report Posted March 13, 2016 A fishing buddy purchased a Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar + GPS last year. For a little less than $400, I think it's a great unit. My own sonar is an older Lowrance HDS7 that I purchased in 2009. It's still working well.
Shloim Posted March 14, 2016 Author Report Posted March 14, 2016 I'm definetily a shallow water guy , boat is a 16' that's only 5' wide w/40hp so I'm really not doing any great lakes. Cooks bay is the biggest I do with any kind of regularity. However , I have the good fortune of being friends with Joselyn at Angling Outfitters and he's got both, so I'm gonna go see him. He already mentioned the HB may be a better value this season, I will let ya all know what I come back with. I just wanted to use the boards trusted knowledge to get the straight goods! So once again, thanks folks for all your help. Sheldon
Sinker Posted March 14, 2016 Report Posted March 14, 2016 Lowrance. Hands down. No question. I have both and cannot stand the birds. I will take an older lowrance over a new bird any day. I just can't get a bird to do what my lowrance units do. Sure you pay more, but you get what you pay for. I also know a few people with broken down humminbirds. I still have the first lowrance I ever bought, and it works just as good as it did when I bought it. I use it for ice fishing. S.
misfish Posted March 14, 2016 Report Posted March 14, 2016 (edited) I was lucky enough to get a great deal on the Lowrance elite 5 X. Like I said before, the elite 4 X is an awesome machine for my needs. The 5 has a few more options, but the same functions and the larger screen, which, was my main reasoning for looking for another finder. I also really like the dual ducer. It,s amazing to watch full zoom, and also see whats going on above the bottom. Edited March 14, 2016 by Brian B
Lunkerhunter Posted March 14, 2016 Report Posted March 14, 2016 i have used lowrance since the HDS units first came out. I have also tried to do the switch to humminbird and went back to lowrance in a hurry I prefer lowrance.
Sinker Posted March 14, 2016 Report Posted March 14, 2016 I was lucky enough to get a great deal on the Lowrance elite 5 X. Like I said before, the elite 4 X is an awesome machine for my needs. The 5 has a few more options, but the same functions and the larger screen, which, was my main reasoning for looking for another finder. I also really like the dual ducer. It,s amazing to watch full zoom, and also see whats going on above the bottom. Not only can you split the screen like that, but you can also set the exact depth you want to see on your graph to enhance your picture. You can't do that on a bird, you just get an option to pick from a menu. Sometimes changing your upper and lower limits by a foot or two either way really improves the way you see your jig and mark fish. S.
misfish Posted March 14, 2016 Report Posted March 14, 2016 Not only can you split the screen like that, but you can also set the exact depth you want to see on your graph to enhance your picture. You can't do that on a bird, you just get an option to pick from a menu. Sometimes changing your upper and lower limits by a foot or two either way really improves the way you see your jig and mark fish. S. Yup Just picked it up and popped the ice ducer on it. Works fine. I see the BIG picture now. LOL
davey buoy Posted March 14, 2016 Report Posted March 14, 2016 Yup Just picked it up and popped the ice ducer on it. Works fine. I see the BIG picture now. LOL 5x.jpg Nice unit Brian ,let's get on the ice this Sat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shloim Posted March 15, 2016 Author Report Posted March 15, 2016 Ok so since the last 5 posts I'm now confused as ever again. I guess its true too much info is also possible!
Terry Posted March 15, 2016 Report Posted March 15, 2016 They both make fine units They both have pros and cons It really is the Ford Chevy argument Everyone should know it's dodge. Lol. Some found humnbirds to be easiest to learn. But I used my HDS right out of the box and never read a manual. But had to for the bird. So go to a store that lets you play with the display units and play. If it feels right buy it.
landry Posted March 15, 2016 Report Posted March 15, 2016 They r both good. Buy the biggest screen for your budget that u can.
Mister G Posted March 15, 2016 Report Posted March 15, 2016 They both make fine units They both have pros and cons It really is the Ford Chevy argument Everyone should know it's dodge. Lol. Some found humnbirds to be easiest to learn. But I used my HDS right out of the box and never read a manual. But had to for the bird. So go to a store that lets you play with the display units and play. If it feels right buy it. The "Dodge" fish finder is a string with a used spark plug tied to it to check the bottom.
Dutch01 Posted March 15, 2016 Report Posted March 15, 2016 The "Dodge" fish finder is a string with a used spark plug tied to it to check the bottom. Lol from a Chevy guy!
grimsbylander Posted March 15, 2016 Report Posted March 15, 2016 The "Dodge" fish finder is a string with a used spark plug tied to it to check the bottom. Hahaha good one.
Shloim Posted March 17, 2016 Author Report Posted March 17, 2016 I just saw an episode of someone fishing the amazon and the local guides had boxes with glass bottoms that they shoved in the water and looked through to find fish.... I may have just saved a bundle....
Mister G Posted March 17, 2016 Report Posted March 17, 2016 I just saw an episode of someone fishing the amazon and the local guides had boxes with glass bottoms that they shoved in the water and looked through to find fish.... I may have just saved a bundle.... Another example of the Dodge fish finder.......
Mister G Posted March 17, 2016 Report Posted March 17, 2016 Yep, Found On River Dead..........LOL........
adempsey Posted March 18, 2016 Report Posted March 18, 2016 (edited) Raymarine! Edited March 18, 2016 by adempsey
grimsbylander Posted March 18, 2016 Report Posted March 18, 2016 Yep, Found On River Dead..........LOL........ Dead On Dock Guts Everywhere ?
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