Okay … since we didn’t win the HDS-12 (Congrats BTW to Buddy) I guess we have to get serious (and realistic) about electronics …
First question … Can anyone tell be the difference between the 83/200 and the 50/200 … For example … on the Lowrance Elite-7 HDI the price difference between the two is almost $100 (The 83/200 = $615.95 shipped to my door and the 50/200 is $704.65 shipped to my door … add $50 to each unit for map chips) … why?
Second question … does anyone HAVE the Elite-7 HDI and if so what are your thoughts …
Third question … does anyone have any thoughts with regard to the comparable Humminbird series … Since they are a bit more expensive than the Lowrance line are they worth it …
HDS Gen2 touch 9 or 12 (83/200) along with the lowrance point-1 gps, Gofree adapter (to walk around your boat and see your sonar/chart screen on your iphone/ipad) and navionics SE platinum plus map(most accurate map IMO). Quite an investment but worth every penny!
Sportsman Heritage 229 CC
Yamaha 200 HP
Jeremiah 29:11 !!
LC, I have the HDS 7 GEN II touch w/ structure scan. Upgraded from an old Hummingbird. I have found it user friendly and the structure scan really identifies bottom features, bait ect. GPS functions well and is also easy to use. It cost a bunch but I would highly recommend it.
Okay … since we didn’t win the HDS-12 (Congrats BTW to Buddy) I guess we have to get serious (and realistic) about electronics …
First question … Can anyone tell be the difference between the 83/200 and the 50/200 … For example … on the Lowrance Elite-7 HDI the price difference between the two is almost $100 (The 83/200 = $615.95 shipped to my door and the 50/200 is $704.65 shipped to my door … add $50 to each unit for map chips) … why?
Second question … does anyone HAVE the Elite-7 HDI and if so what are your thoughts …
Third question … does anyone have any thoughts with regard to the comparable Humminbird series … Since they are a bit more expensive than the Lowrance line are they worth it …
it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish now!!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
For the depths you fish you would only need the 83/200. I believe it fine up to about 1000’ or so
Rick, the $100 difference in the 50/200 unit is for the transducer which will take you to 2500 feet as opposed to the 83/200 which just goes to 1000. Assuming you’re not planning on fishing really deep, the regular transducer that you receive should be 83/300 for sonar and 455/800 for downscan.
Just put a new Elite 7 HDI on our boat a couple weeks ago and while still learning it, like it fine. I think Tim has had his for some time. There are better units, and a few hundred more brings more goodies. It depends on your pocketbook, but consider it a long term investment.
If u go this route make sure the 83/200 will do downscan. One of the transducers will not. That has alot to do with the price as well. All the head units will do downscan but it will be blank if u dont get the dual imagining ducer.
Chip, you have seen HDI units that ship with only a broadband transducer?
I was looking on the lowrance site and it looks like all ordering options for the E-7 HDI come with an HDI capable transducer and then there is an option to order no transducer at all.
Rick, I looked around quite a bit and that $615 price with the 83/200+455/800 HDI transducer is about as good as you can find. Mine was $618 delivered.
Lowrance makes a broad band + down scan transducer that comes with the Elite 7 and all the other downscan units. I have an HDS 10 Gen 2 Touch with 50/200 transducer. The 50/200 does not have any down scan capability. I like the 50 because it has a wider cone then the 83 hence you cover more area under the boat. However, if you want down/side scan you have to order the special transducer. It’s a little confusing, but no matter which unit you get, if you want side scan capability you have to order the special transducer which costs around $200.
You shouldn’t “have” to order a separate transducer…why I went w/ Humminbird years ago. 83/200 w/ Down Imaging and Side Imaging and didn’t have to buy or upgrade transducers. Never been disappointed.
Customer service is better as well…
My .02
Ankona Cayenne
60 hp E-Tec
“There is something about hunting those fish that will stick with me and my future fishing plans like a bad case of striper herpes”
-SCOF
