Lowrance v. Humminbird. What am I missing?

Warren Simms · June 16, 2010, 09:03:24 PM

I need to put some electronics on my recently purchased Skeeter. I am comparing the Lowrance HDS 5 with structure scan and the Humminbird 798c SI. I cant find any real difference between these two units other than the Lowrance being higher price. Both will let me see a split screen of down scan and side scan at the same time. Both have GPS and waypoint storage. What am I missing? Is there something better about one versus the other? Does one of them have a better sonar technology or better picture of the structure? When not using the side scan tech is there any difference using the conventional screens? I will be putting this unit at the console and adding something else on the bow later. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

nmanley · June 16, 2010, 09:12:51 PM

Just a matter of choice and if the price difference matters to you. I think both are AWESOME systems but I can't pay more for the same thing. My conscious won't let me. I have no regrets with my Birds.

fishin couillon · June 16, 2010, 10:15:41 PM

This is one of those chevy vs ford things. They are both great u it's and tops in the market. Both do the same thing. It's just a matter of what you want. If you can have a hands on demo from someone that has both brands should help you decide. HB might be a little more $$$ but your not talking a whole lot. I have the lowrance hds units with SS and love them. What I like about the Low units is the networking. Like any other in a matter of a few years they will be obselete and something new will replace it.

nmanley · June 16, 2010, 11:03:17 PM

Quote from: fishin couillon on June 16, 2010, 10:15:41 PM
Like any other in a matter of a few years they will be obselete and something new will replace it.

+10

bassindude · June 17, 2010, 06:15:20 PM

First off let me say I own only HB units and have been ok with them for the price. That beiing said, I have seen many Low units that have much beter target seperation in normal mode. As for side/down scan, i think there has been less problems whith HB, but Low is catching up. The one thing about Low that is a big plus is that that second unit you plan on buying will hook into your existing side/down black box and both units will share waypoints. I think that over all the price will be lower or equal if you buy Low. One of the biggest pluses i can see is that there is a rep right here on this site that can help you with any LLowrance issue.
Jim my .02

BassBUFF · June 17, 2010, 06:20:30 PM

IMHO the Lowrance units have a better traditional sonar picture, period. The SI seems to be comparable on both. Research and development costs $$$ and SI is new for Lowarance. Most companies will try and recoup that money in the first few years. I believe you'll see their prices get real close to HB within a year or 2.

Warren Simms · June 17, 2010, 09:14:35 PM

Thanks for everyone's help so far. I was concerned that one brand may have a better side image picture or technology that you could not see in the store. I have been to the Bass Pro in Charlotte and played with both. The simulation modes can be very annoying and confusing. Thanks again.

fishin couillon · June 17, 2010, 10:00:27 PM

Warren i'll be glad to post some of my Lowrance SS pics on here and also ask that the HB guys do also so you can have a comparison. This is not to start a fight or who's is better but just for a guy to take a look at ours and not a simulation mode. Or if you want i can email them to you. Post here or send me an PM.

Or i have posted them on here already. Here is the link to the posts.
http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=75301.0
http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=73220.0
http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=70951.0

Sc Bassin · June 22, 2010, 05:15:16 PM

Lowrance customer service is terrible.

tsmith35 · September 03, 2010, 09:46:06 PM

I'm curious as to how the lawsuit (Johnson Outdoors (aka Humminbird) vs Navico (aka Lowrance)) will turn out. I pulled up the latest information where Navico answers Johnson Outdoors' 3rd amended complaint for patent infringement. After 25 pages of browsing, it appears Navico's entire defense is resting on their attempt to get Johnson Outdoors' four patents ('952, '825, '203 and '974) declared invalid and unenforceable, saying that none of the four patents were "duly and legally issued". Hmmm. Navico is demanding a jury.

The suit was filed in January of this year, but no telling how long it will take for it to end. I figure there are several possible general outcomes:
1) Navico wins -- both Lowrance & Humminbird continue with SI --other manufacturers start making SI & prices drop
2) Navico loses -- Lowrance licenses SI technology & Humminbird continues with SI -- prices get higher
3) Navico loses -- Lowrance refuses to license, leaving Humminbird as only SI provider -- prices get higher

You can pull up the details yourself (8 cents per page by law) at this site: Johnson Outdoors Inc, et al v. Navico, Inc. et al -- you'll have to get a PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) account, which is free.

It is kinda nice having more than one source for SI products. Competition generally produces lower prices and speeds delivery of new technology.

Mike Cork · September 04, 2010, 10:16:21 AM

Quote from: Sc Bassin on June 22, 2010, 05:15:16 PM
Lowrance customer service is terrible.

I personally never had a bad experience with customer service but heard stories. I know that lowrance is trying to turn that around and IMO is doing great at it. For instance we have a specialist here on the site from them to answer questions

On the same note HB has folks surfing forums doing the same

DougV · September 04, 2010, 11:02:42 AM

Think Warren is installing his new Humminbird 898c this weekend...think I got all his installation questions answered last night...

Now Warren we need to see some of those awesome images!

Triton Mike · September 04, 2010, 11:32:19 AM

Quote from: DougV on September 04, 2010, 11:02:42 AM
Think Warren is installing his new Humminbird 898c this weekend...think I got all his installation questions answered last night...

Now Warren we need to see some of those awesome images!

Awesome Warren. Congrats on the new 898!!

-Bryan- · September 08, 2010, 09:25:49 AM

I have had some personal nightmares talking to Lowrance with regard to their customer service...I agree that it is horrible as of my last experience, but I still bought new toys from them with the hope they are getting better....and the only reason I bought from them was I already owned half of my current system so it would have cost more to go to HB.