Why I have to think long and hard about what I buy, brand name that is, next time I need to buy a new unit. I've been a long time Lowrance/Eagle fan, they were high quality and state of the art but the last 2 units I bought had to be sent back for service. The first to go was the HOOK 9 inch Triple shot. I will say they got it back to me quickly. This year I had send my HOOK 9 SPLIT SHOT back, it was out of warranty so it was going to cost, I have no problem with that, the highest cost was for replacement, 205$, they sent me a HOOK 9 REVEAL, I had nothing but grief the first day out, I finally got that solved but a new problem cropped up, I think that one is solved but I really don't like doing soft resets on the water, all the data I uploaded for that trip, waypoints, trails etc. gets wiped and I fish without it or spend the time to upload it, I don't like carrying my chips on the water.
I really like these 2 units, for the money they are the real deal, when they work. Lowrance isn't lying when they say you really don't need to take the settings off automatic, the screens are clear and very readable. With the issues I've had I may well be looking at Hummingbird next time.
These are mid priced units, high level features for an affordable price. I really have to wonder why Lowrance doesn't put more testing into the units.
Rodney
just a personal opinion from someone who has had 'the pleasure' of working with european companies: they're good at selling, not so great at supporting. and they have an over-expressed 'me first' profit drive mentality.
not the 'my word is my bond' stuff most of us grew up with . to me it seems a little like a cultural difference. societal norms and all that.
it's why, and this is from a guy who started with Lowrance units (the Old LMS-480 was one of their very best!) to now... but my next unit will LIKELY be johnson outdoor product. their sonar is very good, but it's the combination of sonar and mapping (map quality) that will drive my next buying choice.
I hear really interesting things about the Ghost trolling motors, but based on sonar support, not sure I want to toss my dollars that direction. don't know as I need those 'expensive' lessons.
sorry for the rant. but I feel a little like a jilted lover when it comes to Lowrance.
Sad thing is the hooks are low end and most of the time are junk.
Had my dealings with hooks wont ever recommend one or own another.
I have the élite ti2 series and hds series on my boat never a minutes issue with either of them
Went HB they left a bad taste in my mouth with one of their units. after they gave me grief and the run around while under warranty then tell me it will cost me 265 for it to be repaired i yanked it off my boat dropped it in garbage can and will never look at HB again.
When I buy a unit I try to stay away from the lower end ones from any manufacturer they seem to give the most issues.