Britt, Just one mans opinion but dont switch the 997 for the Lowrance. I have owned both (not the new Gen II) but HDS 8. I will say that Lowrance seems to have a edge on GPS and Sonar. but Hummingbird is without a doubt #1 in side imaging, down imaging, and with the new updates the navigation side is much better with waypoint range rings and casting rings. I think the biggest thing to consider is customer service Hummingbird definitely holds the top prize here. Just my thoughts but I have been told this by a bunch of fellow fisherman.