Sonar/gps Combo

[8pounder]

I'm thinking it's time to upgrade the electronics that I ordered with my 2007 model year boat. At the present time I'm running Lowrance X-125's on both the console and bow. I'd like to do the sonar/gps combo but aren't sure whether it's worth the $s for the down/side scan models. I like the Lowrance gps/sonar products on my buddy's boats and they both have 3 year old units.

I searched the forum for this topic and the most current one I found was 2009 and it wasn't real flattering for Lowrance. Just wondering if anyone has any information to offer...Lowrance or Hummingbird.

Thanks.

[Feathers and Fins]

I run the Lorance HDS-5 on my bow and HDS-7 on the console. No way would I ever think of using another system! The up and down is fantastic and easy to use the side scan is very affective and finding structure and bait and after a little time you can start picking up on fish on it in the side scan mode. Yes its a very expensive sytem but well worth it. The lake insight and gps are valuable safety features.

[Dutch]

I took a year looking reading and asking questions. I went out with 2 different guys who have birds. There are features about them that I liked and featured I did not. I especially don't like their 2d sonar.

I spent quite a bit of time at Bass Pro asking questions and getting demonstrations. I settled in on the Lowrance products. I suggest that you spend some time looking and talking before you make the plunge because we are talking a lot of bucks here.

BTW: There are lots of places on the net that sell way cheaper than local. Many have free shipping.

[jeb]

I'm thinking it's time to upgrade the electronics that I ordered with my 2007 model year boat. At the present time I'm running Lowrance X-125's on both the console and bow. I'd like to do the sonar/gps combo but aren't sure whether it's worth the $s for the down/side scan models. I like the Lowrance gps/sonar products on my buddy's boats and they both have 3 year old units.

I searched the forum for this topic and the most current one I found was 2009 and it wasn't real flattering for Lowrance. Just wondering if anyone has any information to offer...Lowrance or Hummingbird.

Thanks.

It's kind of a ford vs chevy discussion as to brand. I was all set on Low when I went to get "modern" electronics a couple of years ago. But I got talked out of it by the sales folks at several stores as the initial HDS units had horrible, horrible reliability reps. And Low itself had an equally horrible rep at customer service. So I started researching HB and found out all about the SI world, which Low did not even have at that time. I now own two HB SI/DI units and they've been bulletproof. HB's customer service is also very, very responsive and top notch. Tons of software upgrades that brought me things like Down Imaging for FREE.

I understand Low has improved on both the hardware and customer service issues. But do the math part of it, too. To get SI/DI on a Low unit, it's like an extra $600-$700 investment. And you need to mount a 2nd transducer to do it. It's all included on the HB's, and you only need one transducer. Makes it much eaier for mounting on a trolling motor.

GPS and SI are huge gains in fishing tools. You can go right back to the same spot, every time. And you can see off to the side and not have to run over and spook fish to find them. I would not consider a unit that did not have those features anymore.

[Dutch]

If you decide to go with Low you have plug and play. Your X125 power cord and transducer will hook right up so you can install in a matter of minutes.

It takes a while longer to install the lss1 and its transducer but that is not rocket science as it goes in a safe place like under the dash or in a rod locker and the transducer fits on a holeshot plate or jack plate. If you go this way send me a pm and I can put you on a bunch of installation pics.

[8pounder]

thanks for the comments. Looks like there's some pretty good sales now on the HDS7. I also like the idea of utilizing my existing Lowrance hookups. I need to get some hands on time with it at the store and sports show before I commit.