I am torn between either Garmin 70s or a Lowrance HDS 7. What is y’alls opinion on which is better? Or should i upgrade to HDS 8?
Getting a new boat, so need electronics. I do not offshore fish much now, but want to start going more. I want a reliable unit that is easy to use, and that does not cost 1000s. Is there a noticeable difference between brands?
Thanks,
They just lowered their pricing.
I would get the biggest screen HDS you can afford.
http://www.lowrance.com/Global/Lowrance/Offers/Lowrance%20HDS%20Pricing_11-25-13.pdf
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
X2 Lowrance has the best HD quality sonar and GPS mapping out. The side scan and structure scan is unbelievable. GO WITH HDS you wont regret it.
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
I currently own Garmin, Lowrance, and Hummingbird, so here is my “take” on all three. Garmin is probably the best at GPS but lacks some in the sounder department. Not that they aren’t good, but they seem to be behind the other two. Hummingbird brings up the rear in GPS but has the best sounder dollar for dollar. Absolutely incredible detail and easy to use. Lowrance seems to produce the best bottom picture at higher speeds. Their GPS is sub-par to Garmin but better than HB. Their Sounder is better at high speed than HB, but I like HB better when you are trying to find that one spot on a little ledge.
Conclusion…If you’re only buying one unit, go with the biggest HD Lowrance you can afford.
Now understand that this is my $.02 worth. What unit to buy is like asking what brand of truck to buy. Also understand that my opinion is based on the units as bought “off the shelf”. A HB unit with a aftermarket chart card is better than a Garmin with the factory installed base map.
218WA Sailfish
The "Penn"sion Plan
I realize there is no perfect unit but I do like to hear others people’s experiences. Thanks for the replies. Probably will go with the Lowrance
I purchased an hds 8 about 6 months ago. I am really happy with it. Go with the 8 versus 7 because the quick buttons on the bottom of the screen make life easier when running. Plus big difference on screen size. I know the 8 is more expensive but it is worth it having almost bought the 7 cause it was cheaper.
I have sirius weather integrated in it which i turn off and on based on boat usage. I did stock 200/50 with nautic insight usa.
2006 pioneer 197 SF 150 4s
If you decide to go with Lowrance, keep in mind that the touch models already have structure scan built in. The conventional HDS units do not and require you buying the structure scan module and a transducer. Some don’t like the touch screen, but I am getting used to it and like it.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki