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Which lowrance locator to buy?

FirstIce

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FirstIce Contributor

FirstIce

Posted
Posted

I have been out of the electronics game for awhile and am in need of new graphs for the boat. I used to run 2 five inch screens in the back (one fish locator and one gps). In the front I had a 7" gps/locator combo.

 

Whats good these days? I dont want to spend a fortune. Looking at HDS Gen3 or Elite TI?

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gimruis Mentor

gimruis

Posted
Posted

I am not too familiar with Humminbird but they have a wide range of products and have really developed quickly in the marine electronics world.  I am a Lowrance guy and have an HDS 7 unit.  I like it and I am familiar with the operating system because I've been using that brand for 15 years now.  I have heard that the Lowrance Elite series is really nice for the cost - the only obvious downside of buying that instead of an HDS is that the screen is not in high def.  Hopefully some others will chime in about their own personal use with specific products out there.

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Jim Almquist Grand Master

Jim Almquist

Posted
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I have the HDS9 Gen2 and really like it so far. I still have my LCX25C in the boat and the detail from the HDS9 is so much better. I like the fact that I can run split screen with GPS and sonar and both are a nice size. Wish that I could afford a 12. Mine has the down scan but it is not of much use on Lake Superior.

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Minners79 Apprentice

Minners79

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You can get a 9" screen at a pretty reasonable price nowadays. I got a 5" Hook two years ago and wish I would have spent the extra $$$ to go a little bigger with screen size. I have always run Lowrance units. Menus haven't changed that much. Now that isn't to say that Humminbird isn't a good unit, just have more experience with the Lowrance. Go to Scheels, Reed's or any other fine retailer and push buttons on the display, get some feedback and walk out the door with one. 

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gunner55 Mentor

gunner55

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We put a HDS7 Gen 3 unit on our boat this Spring & haven't used it that much but really like it so far. I too have been using Lowrance for some time & am used to the way they work. We have the structure scan/side scan 'ducer with ours, the detail of the high def screen is amazing. I haven't played with the down scan/side scan a lot yet, but will be.

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Lohmwil Apprentice

Lohmwil

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I've always been a lowrance guy too.  I almost switched to hummingbird when they came out with the integrated depth finder/bow mount trolling motor.  Lowrance worked out a deal with Motor Guide and I've been pretty pleased with it.  Love spot lock.  It's also helpful that I can select a type of trolling run.  I think there are around 6 choices and I usually use the gentle S curve. 

I have the HDS 9 Gen 3 on transom and put my HDS 8 Gen 1 on the bow of my boat.  They do network so that's nice, but use the Gen 3 almost all of the time.  

A buddy had Hummingbird and he really likes it.  

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Minners79 Apprentice

Minners79

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14 hours ago, Lohmwil said:

I almost switched to hummingbird when they came out with the integrated depth finder/bow mount trolling motor.  Lowrance worked out a deal with Motor Guide and I've been pretty pleased with it.  Love spot lock.  It's also helpful that I can select a type of trolling run.  I think there are around 6 choices and I usually use the gentle S curve. 

Lohmwil makes a good point. If your a Minnkota guy, you should really look at the Birds for integration. It all depends on your  budget and what other equipment you have on your rig.

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delcecchi Grand Master

delcecchi

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So, whose spot lock/anchor works better?  Motorguide or the latest Lowrance ipilot?   Not overly impressed by my gen one ipilot with respect to performance on spot lock.  

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