lowrance vs. humminbird

[fear no fish]

I know this topic has been talked about before on this forum, but I need some feedback. I have always used lowrance products on all of my boats and my LCX19c quit working, so I need to replace it. The problem is that it is no longer fixable. I have pretty much narrowed the search down to either the Lowrance LCX38c or the Humminbird 997cSI. I was wondering if anyone out there has used the side imaging much and what your thoughts are on it. I guess I believe the arguement that there isn't much difference between the companies(what's better a chevy or a ford). I am mostly interested in screen display as far as resolution and ease of menu use. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Buckeye]

It was a huge difference for me in the Lowrance products and my ne wHumminbird products.  There is a lot of menus to go through on the SI units.  I have the 797 SI on my console. 

It was a huge learning curve as well.  It is totally different than looking at a Lowrance unit, but fortunately you can split the screens to have a traditional bottom looking view and the SI.  One thing that really helped me with my unit was to turn down the range of the SI.  It was set at 150 foot, and there was no need to have it that high.  I lowered it to 50 foot, and it seemed to give me better resolution.  I saw objects more clearly, be they structure or cover.  You can also turn the SI to beam to both sides, or either side individually.

Hope this helps...

Eric

[cr]

My vote would be for the humminbird . I've got two L520s on my boat and a 997si . While they both have their good points I think the 997s easier to use , as far as set-up , plus you get the Side-Imaging .

[SethV]

I have the exact same setup as CR on my Z21.

I really like the 997SI - the side image is really cool and give you a really good idea of what the bottom looks like - rock, shell beds, weeds, you can see it all.

I do prefer the traditional sonar on the Lowrance over the HB.  I think the resolution and target separation are better.

I have destroyed both brands (3 lowrances and 1 HB) so they all break.  Good thing is that both companies have EXCELLENT customer service and I had new units the next day.

Seth

[Cy]

I have a 997cSI that I bought this spring and after a season of use all I can say is WOW!  I love it.  I would not live without it at this point.  I still have a Lowrance X125 at the bow that I will replace with a Humminbird next spring so I can share waypoints.  I was very happy with my previous Lowrance units but I love my Humminbird!  I don't think you will be disappointed.

Cy

[djkimmel]

If I was only buying 1 unit and it was between a regular graph from anyone and a Humminbird with the side imaging... right now, I would buy the side imaging unit without thinking more than a few seconds about it. Side imaging is amazing technology that gives you a definite and clear edge over those who do not have it. I have been out with others a few times and all I can say is...

WOW!!!

I have already thought of about 100 things I would do with a side imaging unit. I have two regular graph/gps right now - a Lowrance 480 and a newer Humminbird 767. I do like the things on my Humminbird although I'm still getting used to it since I have not had it for very long.

Don't have the budget at the moment for a more high end unit that what I have (and these two should last a while), but the very next unit I want to get when I can upgrade will be a side imaging unit. The things the top anglers are doing with them is pretty amazing!

[motocross269]

I have 2 LCX 28s...I have fished out of boats with the HB SI a few times this year...I personally think the GPS and the normal 2D operation of the Lowrance is a little better..The SI technology is very cool though..If I had an extra couple grand laying around I would buy an SI unit for my console and run 3 graphs..
Lowrance service has been exceptional...

[bshaner]

I've always been a Lowrance guy.  Never imagined I'd have a Humminbird.  I love my Lowrances.  Then I got my first taste of SI.  Wow!  I'm sold.  In the perfect world I'd combine the Lowrance Sonar with the Humminbird SI but that's not going to happen.

Hands down I would take the Humminbird SI if you have the cash.  I'd add that if you can afford it get the 1100 series.  I got the 797 and wish I had just waited and saved enough to get the bigger ones.  The 797 is just too small to see the smaller details.  I've been tracking the prices and they have really dropped.  I may sell my 797 and upgrade next year.

Do not get the internal antenna.  Get the external so you can mount it as close to the transducer as possible.  It makes a big difference.  There was a thread a while back where the guys on here were speculating and doing the calculations on angles and stuff to determine how far off the reading would be with the antenna mounted at the console.  I'm no math major so I couldnt begin to give you stats but I can tell you from experience that it really does make your waypoints marked on the SI off a bit and a little harder to turn around and get back to.

B

[Cheetam]

I have already thought of about 100 things I would do with a side imaging unit.

What number is cruising around busy beaches mapping the "structure"...(if you get my drift  )

[motocross269]

I have already thought of about 100 things I would do with a side imaging unit.

What number is cruising around busy beaches mapping the "structure"...(if you get my drift  )

HMMMMM!!! No wonder all of the HB guys want to go back to Grand Haven....
Sounds like you figured that out from personal experience cheetum...

[dartag]

I got to prefish for the FLW with a pro on the HB prostaff.  he had the 1197C on the console and 997C on the front.  I was hooked and spent most of my time playing with the 1197.  It was amazing what you could see.  also the BIG screen was great for my old eyes.  with the split screen i was able to see rocks or weeds with suspended fish. i could drop my bait down and catch nice fish right under the boat.  when i got home i looked up the price.
guess if i could sell a kidney and a lung i could get one.
the only drawback is it seemed to only work at slow speed.

[rustydog]

I must be doing something wrong. I bought the 997 this spring and now wishing I would have stayed with another Lowarance. Could be my old eyes but I can't seem to see what everyone else says they do. It would have been nice to ride with someone that knows how to read it before I bought. I told my partner if someone stole it I would surly go back to Lowarance. Try before you buy, its a lot of money for something you might not like.

[Langer]

I must be doing something wrong. I bought the 997 this spring and now wishing I would have stayed with another Lowarance. Could be my old eyes but I can't seem to see what everyone else says they do. It would have been nice to ride with someone that knows how to read it before I bought. I told my partner if someone stole it I would surly go back to Lowarance. Try before you buy, its a lot of money for something you might not like.

I'll trade ya, I'll send ya a lowrance and you can send me the HB! 

[djkimmel]

No... me first!!! (Or get a new optometrist!!! )

[Buckeye]

The good news is that Lowrance had SI technology years ago and it wasn't very popular.  I've heard rumors that they are going to re-introduce a new version to compete twith Humminbird, and that should reduce the price.

Eric

[DDBethke]

The New Lowrance HDS is coming in the Spring of 2009? (per the in-fisherman  adv.)

Has anyone heard any details on this technology?

I don't think anyone can beat Lowrance's Customer Service (actually I'm sure it!)

[JL]

BBC has a pretty good post on the new Lorwrance electronics with some links, looks pretty sweet.

[REEL_MAN]

the new 2009 units are supposed to have electronic noise filters built in on some models and some of the screens are going to be larger ie. 797si will be 640x640. As far as service, I used to think that Lowrance had a lock on service but Hummingbird has stepped up to the task and is providing equal service.
You might think I'm a Hummingbird rep but my Ranger has nothing but Lowrance on it (for now, I'm switchin)

REELMAN

[Bender]

I agree with you REEL_MAN, Lowrance customer service in superb, unfortunately I have had to use it A LOT! The HD looks good, but it just doesn't compare to the SI.
I think that I see a bird in my future too after I upgrade one more Lowrance. 

[Waterfoul]

I have a Humminbird 797 and a 997 on display at my store in Grand Rapids.  Also have a Lowrance 527 on display.  Stop in if you want to play around with them.  I'll give you the BEST deal I can on them too.  Shoot me a PM if you want more info.

Mike