Time to upgrade depthfinders. Which brand to go with

[rb-nc]

I've got two old Lowrance units a 520 and a old HD7. I don't want Livescope of any brand. Would like side scan and down scan. Mapping is a big deal. Only want one unit on front and one at console networked.

[Mike Cork]

I ran Lowrance for 30 years all the way up to HDS Gen 2. The customer support I received over the last 10 years was horrific to say the least. When it came time a few months ago to get new electronics I went with Garmin and I am in love. The images are amazing compared to the HDS Gen 2, I can't say that a current model Lowrance would or wouldn't have the same quality because these Garmins I just bought are years advanced from the Gen 2 Lowrance so it's not a fair comparison. Hopefully that made sense...

In my research, Garmin just offered more advantages IMO. I think all the major brands allow you to update through your phone which is very handy. I can get text message notifications on my displays making it easy to see if it's something to address.

You'll have to do your own research. I recommend making a list of absolute needs and would like to have's. Then research the brands. Humminbird, Garmin, Lowrance are all producing great products. IMO Lowrance moves their models to the legacy box way too fast and will quit providing updates. I get not updating older models with new and cool bells and whistles but when the unit quits working because it can't communicate with satellites I felt they needed to do something. I can plug the Razor Phone I bought in the 90's and it still shows me the accurate time.... Anyway I do understand their comes a point...

As always I recommend buying the biggest screen you can afford. If you are certain you won't want scoping abilities, then you can get a bigger screen for less money Larger screens provide much better resolution.

[rb-nc]

Mike thanks. I've heard nothing about horror stories about Lowrance CS. But in 35 years I've never turned a screw in one. Made replace 3 transducers. How is Garmins mapping and do they have Side Imaging

[coldfront]

really love my c-maps (lowrance) for TN. AL.


feel the pain of Lowrance product support   it definitely went south (not in a good way) when the USA company was bought by the euros.


next sonar may well be the humminbirds.  thinking how I work, that 360 might be the tool I most appreciate as opposed to garmin live scope.  but I have YEARS to think through the final choice.


still running my lowrance HDS gen2 touch units.  too cheap to upgrade from working/functional units

[Mike Cork]

I love Garmins built in mapping, it's got lakes that my older Lowrance didn't have. One foot intervals on most. Yes on the side scan, best I've ever seen. Again I haven't played with newer Lowrance equipment.

[coldfront]

the reason I ask about mapping is that I'm always mindful that just having one foot contours isn't a guarantee of a good map.


detail, if it's not accurate, is worthless.  and that's always the question:  how accurate is the map, how well done the survey/data collection is everything.


it's also why I don't have a lot of trust in 'community edits'.  know how you guys are with your gel-coats and taking those boats where they need to go for mapping purposes.





it's why, when mapping, i'd use carbon props.  cheaper.  mapping speed at 4-5mph... and I'd chew up 3-4 a year.  rocks, stumps.
then there's the 'outside' of my boat.  it's been well 'rubbed' by many trees.

[Mike Cork]

Haven't had it on well known lakes to verify contours but on little lakes that not even Navionics has it's been very close. And you can do your own map building just like Lowrance. Not trying to sell anyone, just saying I love my Garmins and the new technology is amazing...

[rb-nc]

Talked with the dealer I will be working with today. They do all units. He said Humminbird is not releasing anything now. He can't even get power cables.
I asked about CS for the others and he said it was all equal=BAD. Thanks for the feedback guys. If it was just me I wouldn't do anything, but likes to drop on them deep and I know he's at a disadvantage

[FD]

I'm a hummingbird fan all the way. 

I agree with Mike about buying the biggest screen you can afford.  If you are serious about using electronics the increased detail will make a difference.

There is inventory out there you just have to look.

Russell Marine or Factory Outlet store is where I would start.

FDx Custom Rods
Arti-FISH-ial Entertainment
CPF Lures

[Dog]

I have the élite ti2 9 inches front and rear they network to each other rx texts messages and send text messages from them the mapping has been great for me. I cant really say much about CS with lowrance as these units have been perfect for me.  If I needed any clearer info on setting up etc there are tons of videos right from lowrance even to help. Garmin I can say nothing about them dont own one but have owned garmin gps hand held units never had a issue with them thats my only experience with them. HB well I wouldnt take their top of the line setup if given to me. Had one nunit nothing but troubles from day one when it was 11 months old still under warranty the screen died I called them up said send unit and a check for 235 bucks we will send you a refurbished one. I tossed the unit in garbage and went back to lowrance.
I have had HB units on other boats in the past no issues but that last one was the one that turned me off to them. They all have good and bad and as for CS I honestly feel it depends on who answer the phone when you call..

[jwkelley51]

I guess it depends on the price. If money is not an issue I would go with HB. My Garmin, 93sv uhd with the 54, is good for the $600 I paid for it and I like the touch screen. That's a lower tier unit though. Straight up...the ultra card maps that Garmin uses are inferior to Lakemasters HD lakes. I fish one of the HD lakes in Garmin too. The depths are not reliable on my lake, the depth offset feature is buggy or slow to update when moving the boat, no channel line, no casting rings. But, you'll need a lakemaster card for every unit to network, one card on Garmin. Different color ranges in Garmin are pretty cool, but not if it's wrong on the depth.

[coldfront]

this is a great conversation.  when I go looking to buy something, I start with customer reviews, and from the lowest ratings.  figure to get to the meat of issues as quickly as possible.  and as has been said:  they all have them.  unfortunate, but true.


I will say this:  fishing where I fish, what I fish, the right tools would make a huge difference.  bigger screens for better target ID.  360° view for those long ledge weedlines...  seeing the pockets, current breaks ahead...


I'd suffer through what I have... but this danged IBASS nonsense and guys like Cork and Verts... a lesser stick like me has to use more resources just to try and hold even.




friggin' arms race out there!