AustinBassFishing.com - New Electronics

Ranger_R77

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New Electronics
Feb 17^th, 2010, 3:52pm

Looking for pros/cons to spending the big buck for one or both of these units below..

Lowrance HDS-10
http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Marine/HDS-High-Definition-System/HDS-10-Fishfi...

or

Humminbird 1197 Side Imaging...
http://store.humminbird.com/products/271398/1197c_SI_Combo

So, for nearly $3K, I can sure buy a lot of gear....So what is your honest opinions here on these units. Worth it?

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lostone

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Re: New Electronics
Reply #1 - Feb 17^th, 2010, 4:48pm

On the Lowrance unit you will need to buy the LSS-1 StructureScan Module System to upgrade to get side scan and down scan. Its very expensive and some what difficult to find locally. $549 to $649 on ebay new.

I am currently in the same upgrade research process as you.

I have an older 10" Lowrance unit on the bow and a LCX 25 at the console. Wanting to upgrade and net the new units together.

I really like the 10" one at the bow. Maybe two HDS-8 would work best for me. I am a Lowrance guy but sure like the way the bird SI units work.

I have seen them all and they all have good and bad features. Just get the one you can afford and like the best and go fishing.

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Dez

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Re: New Electronics
Reply #2 - Feb 19^th, 2010, 8:09am

From all I've read both are great units. I have a 788 hb and will be getting a 898 this summer. I almost went with a HD 7 until I heard from the guys at Cabelas how many have been returned to the store for problems with a leaky case and software issues. I returned a 797 because the Side imaging was almost useless with a 5" screen. They said that mine was the only the second SI HB they had seen come back and neither were for failures with the device. HBs customer service is awesome and at the $3000 dollar mark that is paramount to me. The 1198 is out now with a faster processor and video output so you can get a waterproof monitor for around $150 and eliminate a second unit.

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swimbait

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Re: New Electronics
Reply #3 - Feb 19^th, 2010, 11:35am

Robert- take time out and go see Jacky at his shop.

The V&V distributor provides Jacky with up the minute details on recent electronics and from listening to the distributor, it sounds like Lowrance is definately not the way to go unless u wish to fork out quite a bit more $$ than u expect.

Im an Lowrance fan however with recent units and issues with lowrance, HB will be the way to go - especially if u prefer the imaging.

kp

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SkeeterDon Senior Member Offline Posts: 282 TX Gender:	Re: New Electronics Reply #4 - Feb 19^th, 2010, 9:45pm I bought a used 997si 18 months ago. Loved it so much that I sold it and upgraded to an 1197. I only have one complaint. Wish I would have done it sooner.
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pafoster Junior Member Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 73 Gender:	Re: New Electronics Reply #5 - Feb 20^th, 2010, 11:34pm I had 2 Lowrance 520's and 1 522 and none of them would read in less than 5 feet of water. My last 522 didn't read 90% of the time so on this boat I have a 997 and am going to put a 787 or 788 up front. I have run Lowrance for the last 15 years but they have dropped the ball now.
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swimbait YaBB Administrator Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 1641	Re: New Electronics Reply #6 - Feb 20^th, 2010, 11:41pm Saw a display of the down imaging from Hummingbird . To me, IMO, it's oficial that HB is well worth the investment over a Lowrance.... kp
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ranger521 Full Member Offline Posts: 243	Re: New Electronics Reply #7 - Mar 3^rd, 2010, 8:56pm I recently ordered an 1197 and it arrived today. Can't wait to get it installed!
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Dez God Member Offline Sometimes you're the pot, sometimes the licker... Posts: 1228 oak hill Gender:	Re: New Electronics Reply #8 - Mar 5^th, 2010, 3:47pm Well, what are we gettin Robert?
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Waylon Papst YaBB Newbies Offline Posts: 49 Austin, TX Gender:	Re: New Electronics Reply #9 - Mar 9^th, 2010, 2:22pm I just got the Lowrance HDS8 with structure scan and I absolutely love it. I never knew there was that much structure in Lake Austin. Ya'll better watch out in those Wednesday night tournaments.
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Ranger_R77

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Re: New Electronics
Reply #10 - Mar 14^th, 2010, 9:07am

Have not purchased yet...Have to do taxes and then will see if I have to work two jobs to pay for my fishing expenses...LOL

Or continue to use my little 240x320 color unit without GPS and still catch fish...Just thinking at this moment. Might get a boat before I get new electronics...

Thx for all opinions! Good information for both myself and others looking!

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JamesRoberts Senior Member Offline Posts: 490 Gender:	Re: New Electronics Reply #11 - Mar 25^th, 2010, 11:09pm Robert I have some of your stuff at my shop, give me a call tomorrow. JR
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Sendero YaBB Newbies Offline Posts: 32	Re: New Electronics Reply #12 - Apr 4^th, 2010, 11:55am I just bought the Humminbird 798ci si and love it. I wish I had the bigger screen like the 898 or what you are looking at, the 1197, but just couldn't spend that much. I don't know much about the Lowrance side scan, but the side and down imaging is awesome.
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NitroLance God Member Offline Posts: 881 Hutto Gender:	Re: New Electronics Reply #13 - Apr 6^th, 2010, 7:44pm I am also looking at an SI unit, I like the looks of the 998C SI, whats the difference in the 898 vs the 998?
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ranger521 Full Member Offline Posts: 243	Re: New Electronics Reply #14 - Apr 6^th, 2010, 7:56pm The 998 screen is one inch wider.
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