Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › 05 puma which GPS/sonar in dash Onix vs HDS-9?
dlivings4433.
Hi guys, was looking for some guidence, went out yesterday and my original lowerance GPS/sonar display was burned out I guess from the heat. I left without taking measurements thinking Id replace it in a couple of months, however I see that there are some good sales on a hummingbird onix SI 8 and 10, and a lowerance HDS-9 HDI gen 2. So Im wondering which one would fit in the dash and which unit should I really consider getting. Its been years since I even considered looking at a new unit. I see the hummingbirds have side scan which I think would be great but limited networking capability (which Im thinking would be nice to have side scan display at the front of the boat… But Im not wanting to spend all that money buying two of em). Any thoughts or suggestions on the units? Both the Hummingbird onix SI 8 and and Lowerance are $999 (the 10 is $1499). Thanks!Ps Im fishing mainly in Florida, the original in dash was a Lowerance LMS-480… I have also seen some previous posts about a Sherms mount, so it seems maybe there are no worries about any size/fit issues if I use one of their mounts and likely that would be better from a security standpoint too.Last edited by dlivings4433 on August 2nd, 2016, 3:35 pm, edited 3 times in total.
At that price, and for Florida angling, the Onix 8 will be fine. They have everything included for Side Imaging, full crystals to display sonar and the best Down Imaging resolution. The operating system you want is 2.7 software and most close outs are 2.3, which upgrading is easy. The largest complaint with Onix is the time to start as they take a few minutes on initial startup to run. The system is touch screen and the joystick or rolling screen reduction knob are very nive features, and they work well with the menus understood. They dont have a simple beginners start menu and the learning curve is a bit higher overall. The systems both (HDS and Onix) have similar features with Onix coming standard with the Side Imaging transducer if you buy that model. While your thinking about networking e units consider updating the now with an Onix 8 CI. The CI units will power a DI transducer also if it is connected, they do not advertise this feature and they are networkable then. The money difference for the HDS 9 might allow you to buy both Onix units if youve found them that cheap. Onix has come a longway in the few years since introduction… And IT NEEDED TO! When Onix started in the market they were loaded with software glitches, problems, shutdowns, bad operation, features that didnt work, menu tabs that were hard, they were literally FRUSTRATING. We saw a few dozen switch to Helix when it hit the market, or totally hange to Lowrance. Helix is a new screen on the older 800, 900 and 1100 software basis. The Helix DI is not multi crystal and while a very simple and functioning unit, it is not on the same level as some units on the market for deep structure. Now realize this will be addressed on down the road by HumminBird, and is projected. Todays Onix 2.7 Software is much better and while the world is running to Helix, Onix is a better platform, better DI resolution and more features. It really matches HDS Gen 3 today with options for 360 and more. Once you learn the menu features you want it is extemely simple. The downfall to Onix is learning a system when people are familiar with the older systems. Thats a lot to digest, though we assure you we have more experience with Onix than almost anyone you can ask.
Thanks for the advice. I went ahead and actually ordered two units, the Onix 10 and the 8… I just couldnt pass at those price points. I contacted Sherms marine and ordered one of their mounts too. Now I just have to figure out if I want the 10 or the 8 at the dash or the bow.
You will have a difference in Si and Ci units. SI will be specific and they do not cross over. BCB
They are Onix 8 CI SI combo unit and the Onix 10 CI SI combo. What does it mean they “do not crossover?” Any thoughts on which one youd run at the dash and which one at the bow?Thanks
Since both are SI units they will have side imaging at both locations as well as down imaging. We do suggest you invest in Transducer Shield and Savers through Parts as you will break a direct munted transducer and its best to only put a new one on once. Or next time you will be buying a new transducer and TSS mounts and spending that much again.
I have an Onix 8 at the dash and it works well for me. I made my own dash mount and am very happy with it. The 10 might be better at the bow with the bigger screen. Where did you get your units from? I might be looking for another Onix as well
Cabelas had them on sale, but they sold out almost the minute after I ordered each unit (my order is backordered for a few months). They do still have some nice deals on some other units up to $1000 off.
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
