Humminbird 997 or Lowrance HDS 8

This topic has 9 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 4 months ago by benpyron.

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February 1, 2010 at 1:36 am #444716

jmcneil
Participant

I was wanting some input on these graphs. They seem to be very similar. Thanks

February 1, 2010 at 2:48 am #444717

PhilAddison
Participant

similar but not. humminbird easier to operate, more reliable, and customer service is better.

February 1, 2010 at 3:41 am #444718

Shap from La
Participant

I switched from Lowrance to Hummingbird last year and couldnt be happier. Trouble free and very easy to operate. The only advantage I would give to Lowrance is in its mapping features. Hummingbird has been perfecting thier side imaging and I believe it is superior to the lowrance version. Im very happy with my Hummingbirds and you will be too.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

February 1, 2010 at 4:49 am #444719

boog
Participant

Another vote for Humminbird. I have both on my boat. The HBird is much easier to operate and more user friendly. Also b/w the two you mentioned, the 997 with SI will be cheaper than the HDS 8 with StructureScan!Travis

February 1, 2010 at 5:27 am #444720

derek4one
Participant

I went thru 5 HDS-5 units… every time they got wet the fried or would go off and on. I will commend Lowrance for sending me new ones but after awhile i just asked for a full refund and they were good enough to send me a check. I never had a HDS-8 but i know a guy that had the same problems as me with his HDS-8. I went to LCX-38 HD units front and rear. I honestly like them and are good units. After all that i commend lowrance for standing behind their product and doing what it take to make a customer happy but my next boat will have Humminbird Side Imaging units.

February 1, 2010 at 11:47 am #444721

sgt93
Participant

You are going to start a war over this one I have owned both Low and HB. I have a 997 and an 1197 on my rig and love HB. I compare the ease of use of the HB to an apple computer. You are going to have to play with both units at BPS or Cabs and go from there. Best of luck.

February 1, 2010 at 3:45 pm #444722

mike dominick
Participant

I run a Humminbird 987SI at the console and an HDS 7 on the front. My only complaint with Humminbird is the slow response speed on their GPS. I got the HDS for that reason and that I like the Lowrance 2d sonar better for dropshotting. Humminbird has recently put out an update to improve the sonar ability for dropshotting or vertical spooning. My Lowrances, Ive also got a 322 at the console as well, have worked great, which is good since their customer service is lacking. The Humminbird customer service has been fantastic. Im going to try an HDS 10 with structure scan, the downimaging pictures that have been coming out are incredible. Humminbird continually updates their 5 year old products, I have never heard of Lowrance doing that. On my new Cat I.m going to run an HDS7 up front, an HDS 10 on the console, both hooked to Structure scan, and a Humminbird 788ci in the dash in case the others crap out. Ill give Lowrance one more chance. Mike

February 1, 2010 at 4:26 pm #444723

larro 555
Participant

I recently switched from Lowrance to Humminbird SI. Ive owned 4 Lowrance 332c units and only had problems with one and Lowrance took care of that in great fashion, so I have on complaints there. I wanted SI and believe that HB has an advantage in that field. I know that you can get into HB side imaging cheaper than with Lowrance. I now have a 997 si on the console and a 797 si up front, both updated with down imaging, and couldnt be happier.

February 1, 2010 at 5:52 pm #444724

edwin
Participant

Ive been a long time Lowrance user, bought my Bass Cat that had HB electronics on it. I do lots of deep water drop shotting, so a large screen on the bow was a must. Im very comfortable with the operation of the LCX unit and find it to be superior to the HB unit for drop shotting due to the ability to zoom in, scroll up and down in the water column, and the display seems brighter in the daylight than my HB. I haven t tried dropshotting with a HB unit using the new Lowrance like colors but it has to be better than the old color scheme. I really like the 997 in the dash. Its great to have the side and down imaging for checking out sites before dropping the trolling motor. I do wish the 997 display was brighter as I cant see it very well with my polarized shades…find myself taking off the shades, cursing a bit, and then enjoying the side or down imaging once my eyes adjust to the light. Ive heard the new HDS Lowrance units do take a while to learn the user interface. I picked up on my HBs menus in no time…very intuitive and easy to use. Finally – HB support is unequaled. If I built a new boat today and had to choose one unit, the fantastic level of support would be enough to push me in their direction.Advantages are taken, not handed out…

February 1, 2010 at 6:28 pm #444725

benpyron
Participant

I have had Lowrance on every boat i have ever owned. I recently switched, reluctantly to humminbird and have been pleasently suprised. Customer service is unmatched in electronics and for the money and technology i personally dont think you can compare the humminbird and lowrance units.
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