Humminbird sidescan vs Lowrance Hds with structure scan - which one?

Maccas · #1 30-10-2009, 09:19 PM

I am looking at a Humminbird sidescan (798csi) or a Lowrance HDS5( plus structure scan when available) for my dinghy which is used in rivers and estuaries for bream. Is the sidescan or structure scan worth it and how good a sounder do you need for these waters given that the max depth is about 30 metres but mostly much shallower than that. Does the sidescan help you find fish and what screen size is adequate given the bigger screens cost more.
All opinions welcome.

Thanks,

Maccas

Mandurah Marine · #2 30-10-2009, 10:09 PM

Sounders are for finding structure. Side imaging will cover a large area in one sweep - you don't have to drive over something to see what's down there. In January all of Humminbird's side imaging range except 797 will be able to be upgraded free of charge to include down imaging also which results in serious definition on a 640x640 resolution screen. I recommend you go to a Lowrance dealer and touch feel see the unit and do the same for the Humminbird. IMO screen size is just a wank factor for a sounder as you are just getting more history (what you have already driven over) on a bigger screen. I prefer a compact unit on a small boat.

Compare screen resolution and target separation to give you a good idea of "HD". . . . . . . .

Oh, yeah, and beware of bias opinions

Shortytheyakker · #3 30-10-2009, 10:35 PM

Just stick your transducer on the side of the hull to get side scan.

Ben · #4 31-10-2009, 04:24 AM

Thanks to Ryan ive done alot of side imaging this year and must say the humminbird unit is top notch and with the new downwards upgrade is an impressive structure finding unit

Dell · #5 31-10-2009, 08:48 PM

IMO Humminbird have played with side imaging for 3 or 4 yrs now while lowrance have just added them to their units. Pretty sure humminbird have the side imaging worked out cause of their 3 yr experience with the technology while lowrance haven't had them very long on their systems. I certainly know which brand i'd be choosing.

cheers

Shauno · #6 01-11-2009, 07:11 AM

here is the good oil...

I am in the market for a new sounder for my new boat, I have owned the humminbird 797si and love it, but I thought I would consider the new lowrance technology so here is how they stack up...

screen size humminbird 5" Lowrance 5"

screen resolution humminbird 640x640 Lowrance 480x480

Side imaging inc down scan: humminbird already has side image, downscan and menu streamlining upload available Jan completely free....

Lowrance sid image and down scan available Nov

The humminbird unit has three quick keys enablingquick selection of the main creens wanted, lowrance doesn;t offer this feature in the HDS 5 or the 7 (only HDS8 and 10 models).

Now keep in mind that the lowarnce products require a black box enabling down and side scan at a rrp of $999. thats on top of the unit cost.

down in addition to this both the lowrance unit and black box need a power source, and in further addition the lowrance will require a second transducer on the transom.

Humminbird requires only 1 power source and transducer.

In further addition to an addition the humminbird offers a quick disconnect bracket (in the size unit and $$$$ I am looking at) which makes removal of the unit much more convenient.

So IN THE PRICE BRACKET I am looking at it makes much more sense to stick with Humminbird rather than Lowrance...