New Graph?

[mjk86]

So my 1998 humminbird crapped out finally....gotta get a new finder...bummer Dont have much money to spend, prolly max out around 6-700$. Looks like my options are gps/2d sonar, or DI/2d Sonar. Im on TR and Stockton 90% of the time. I troll alot so the gps would be nice for speed I suppose. The question I have is...does the down imaging help much more than the reg 2d? What advantage does it have, if any? The side imaging models that I have seen are a bit pricey for me, even though they seem super cool. I have been looking at the Lowrance Elite 7x and the Humminbird 597 models. Just not sure if the down imaging is really worth it. Any advice or info from you pros would be great! Thanks!

[flyman]

I just got a Humminbird 597ci with down scan. The down scan is nice to see structure on the bottom. Extremely clear picture of trees, humps, etc. It doesn't do a very good job at showing arches. I like the standard sonar for that. Much clearer to see fish. I love the GPS feature. Not only speed but you can mark a quick way point for later. You can also load all the MDC fish attractors for the lake if that's your thing. I got mine on Amazon for about 50 dollars cheaper than Bass Pro. I chose it over the elite 7 because reviews mentioned better resolution with Humminbird and you could use both types (sonar, DI) simultaneously. I love it!

[ges]

This spring I bought a Humminbird 596c HD the down scan is great But I use the split screen sonar and down scan most of the time anyway , When I upgrade GPS is a must also wider screen , Most of us are not reading this forum on a old 12'' computor screen No the bigger the better , I think same on the water , You should have some options out there for that kind of money , I really like mine , Just a few improvements I will get next time

[Champ188]

mjk86, I believe there's more value in the GPS/2d sonar package. I have 998 Humminbirds on either end of my boat and the downscan is a nice toy that I'm still learning how to use. But all of your really good dropshot/spoon guides on TR will tell you they use 2D sonar as their primary view. I just believe the GPS would be far more useful to you than downscan.

[flyman]

You said you were looking at the 597ci HD Di, right? Like I said,this is what I have and it has GPS, 2d sonar and Down Scan. I dont think you are sacrificing any of the features you want with that model. It came way down on price too:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0042T4T84/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

[mjk86]

Thanks for all of your great info and help guys!! This forum truly is wonderful, and to all the people willing to share your hard earned knowledge...thanks!!! It seems like people prefer the humminbird to the lowrance, also I have seen several complaints regarding lowrance customer service. Hopefully I wont need to use customer service, but I havent seen any of those complaints with the humminbird products. I like the 597ci HD DI...seems like it has all 3 options, and the price is right! Like Champ said, ill most likely just play with the downscan until I understand what Im doing with it, ive only seen demo shots with it. Thanks for all of your help guys!

[Feathers and Fins]

MJK, I had a huge learning curve with Lowrance side/downscan; however after I learned how to use the unit and maximize its power the difference between it and other forms of sonar technology was night and day. Everyone has preferences toward sonar companies and units. I myself was a HB fan for years but side by side comparison ( if that's actually possible ) to Lowrance went to Lowrance.

Again its a huge learning curve but the power in the HD systems to traditional sonar is a eye opener. The price is definitely higher for the HDS units, but if you are on the water a lot it is well worth it. I do suggest to people to go out with people who have the units you are thinking about the Demo modes really do not do any unit justice in my opinion. It is only after seeing the practical real life use the true power of or lack there of a unit comes out.

Something to think about is the HDS units have ( Flasher (( old school but great)) Standard Sonar view and HD SCAN ) Combined with split screens its a great unit but it has draw backs you would need at least a HDS7 for screen size to use the split screen the 5'' unit just is to hard to read in multiple screens. Also you have to be sure to get the start-up settings right its not hard but a common mistake.

[champ198]

www.universalmania.com has the humminbird unit you are looking at for 439.99. I've purchased two units from them in the recent past and received very good service. Check the humminbird forum on bassboatcentral.com ( universal mania often posts coupon codes there for special pricing). Good luck.

[flyman]

That's a bargain! I'll have to see about getting my bow mount from there. I want something larger for the front. Thanks, Champ!

[Champ188]

I shopped and thought long and hard before choosing Humminbird over Lowrance. Both have their advantages but it was the customer-service issue that swung me.

When Lowrance first introduced the HDS series, they had big problems with the units leaking. One local guide who I won't identify told me he went thru SEVEN units in less than a year. And instead of things improving with their customer service, the horror stories only grew with all of these bad units coming back for replacement.

That was several years ago and I believe they have the leakage issues fixed now. Not so much with the customer service, or so I hear.