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 …
For the lake and the inshore/nearshore (saltwater) fishing you can do with your boat go with the 83/200-455-800 transducer. Do not get the gold package on the maps. Buy a separate Navionics HD Premium Lakes East Map chip for your unit.
The chip runs about $120. The pre-installed gold package is watered down and “not” as detailed as the separate chip. (I found this out from calling Navionics)
I almost bought the Elite 7 before spending the money on the HDS 9 Touch.
As for the Hummingbird stuff…there tech is just as good, but I think the deciding differences are in the customer support and the unit interface in favor of Lowrance.
PM me with your phone number if you want to talk more. I beat these same questions you are having to death before deciding.
