Going to buy side imaging - any last words? 2024
BigEbass reply :
So I have pretty much settled on the HB 798 to put on my bass boat - I am thinking I am gonna buy it this weekend - gotta get the boat monkey off my back 
I had thought about going with a larger screen, but the 798 I believe will serve my purpose at my console just fine and it seems to have pretty good resolution.
The HDS 5 had been tempting me as some of the images look a bit "cleaner", but I am also very impressed with the images from HB. I guess what tipped me toward HB was the 200 dollar greater price tag, 2nd transducer, and some of the horror stories as it relates to service - but I imagine that in the end it is a cannon vs. nikon type of debate perhaps.....
Anyway, I am really excited about getting this - I have just now started venturing out fishing alone without the aid of my more experienced fishing mentor....I hope that this unit will help me learn the bottom quicker to shorten my structure learning curve
Any last thoughts before I take the plunge?
SlateTundra reply :
I got the 798ci, and yes...the bigger screen is always better but this unit will open a whole new world...I absolutely love mine!
First few trips out...you might as well leave your gear at home...you'll be cruising around the lake/river, with your eyes glued to the screen! ;D
Pull the trigger...you'll love it!
BigEbass reply :
That is awesome - helps to hear that you actually have it and like it - I have heard the same from other 798 owners - I am ready to try it out. I was just fishing on sunday evening on this flat on lay lake that had some fish in it and I caught 2 nice spot blowing up on the shad - but couldnt figure the fish out in between those hits - I buzzed around zig zagging while fan casting and was having difficulty finding some obvious structure that they may be holding too. They were like cruzing weeds - how does your unit do in seeing weeds and weedlines in specific?
I Love BassResource reply :
I took my HDS8 out for the first real test this weekend and honestly I was completely blown away. I had already built up enough hype that it would have been real easy to be let down, but it was more than I could have ever imagined. My boating partner is picking up a unit this week, it was that incredible. You almost feel like your cheating.
I ran a Bird unit from late summer until winter. The biggest difference I personally see between the two units is simple image clarity. Both of my units are capable of seeing structure with little problem, the lowrance unit does indeed look better than the HB. The significant difference in my experience, was the ability to actually see the fish. I found a school on a dam spill way/grate that we watched move around on each pass. It was super simple to see balls of baitfish, and identify any feeding fish nearby.
The biggest hazard was to make sure I didn't hit floating logs or run onto standing timber because my eyes were completely locked onto what we passed over.
Regardless of which you choose to buy, I think you'll be happy.
BigEbass reply :
can balls of baitfish be seen on the HB as well? Or is it just that the HDS sees them a bit clearer per se?
BigEbass reply :
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx1x8zi
Thats a sample HB photo of a bait ball - I hope my 798 will be able to replicate this to see bait fish - I understand that these units are not really "fish finder" per se, but seeing baitfish congregated as well as structure - oh baby that will be sweet!!
sodaksker reply :
I have been following your threads and doing my own research on the same subject of Low vs bird. Me and my buddy finally decided with bird. The last call we made was to his ranger dealer...Who basically said " you don't want lowrance" That spoke volumes for me.
I can't wait for the ice to melt. Hopefully we will have a boat on the water within 6 weeks and I can give you our impressions.
SlateTundra reply :
I don't have problems seeing weeds or weedlines. This past summer, I marked a section of weedline...threw out my buoys and pulled some nice largemouths from that weedline.
Obviously with the smaller screen it will be a bit harder to interpret the images, but the advantages this unit will offer surpasses the negatives. The more you use it, in time you'll find it easier to interpret the image.
Like you stated...don't expect fish to jump in the boat. It'll get you to their front door steps...you got to do the rest.
Like many units...you have to go out and play with it, then tune it to your preferred setting. Enjoy!!
BigEbass reply :
Sodaksker - I think if someone wanted to buy lowrance there would likely not be a problem - there have been a bunch of people who have liked theirs, but I think there has been enough concern about customer service to at least sway me in the direciton of bird - Salespeople are all mixed from my review - I spoke to a person at academy and they raved that lowrance is the best period, one guy at bass pros said to buy bird because we know more about their product (out for ~ 5 years) and the lawsuit against lowrance may be an issue (although I really dont think it would be personally). I simply see them both as basically doing the same thing and I will save 200 bucks and install 1 less transducer - but if someone wants to shell out the 200 dollars, I am sure that they would love it - lowrance's images are really "clean" - they look fantastic, perhaps a bit cleaner than bird's - but actually I have looked at tons of images of baitfish, bass chasing baitfish, stripers chasing baitfish, sunken vehicles, etc with the bird and I am certain it will do the trick.
Again, I really do think the bird vs. lowrance thing is basically a nikon vs. cannon type of comparison (although nikon is better )
I cannot wait to try out the 798 - probably will buy it friday night and try it out this weekend - I will be back on here to post images and my thoughts so far.
Although any furhter thoughts from other BR members would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks.
BigEbass reply :
QuoteI don't have problems seeing weeds or weedlines. This past summer, I marked a section of weedline...threw out my buoys and pulled some nice largemouths from that weedline.Obviously with the smaller screen it will be a bit harder to interpret the images, but the advantages this unit will offer surpasses the negatives. The more you use it, in time you'll find it easier to interpret the image.
Like you stated...don't expect fish to jump in the boat. It'll get you to their front door steps...you got to do the rest.
Like many units...you have to go out and play with it, then tune it to your preferred setting. Enjoy!!
This was exactly what I wanted to hear! ;D
Madd Lunacy reply :
I was finally able to get my 798 out for the first time yesterday but I was only able to play around with it for a couple of hours. One thing that I didn't do that I wish I did was bring the owners manual with me. It was information overload for me, so my suggestion to you is to bring that little book of knowledge with you the first few times you get it out on the water. I know I will bring it along next time.
burleytog reply :
I've come close to buying a 798 a few times, but I just can't get past the small screen. Go big or go home.
Crankhead reply :
I have the 997c SI on the console & a 788c on the trolling motor. The one thing I would suggest is to find any Humminbird seminars (I went to one at the BassPro Classic) and attend as many as you can. The seminars made it much easier to understand what I'm actually looking at. Godd luck...they are awesome units.
Wayne P. reply :
I have the 798ci SI and it works great. I recorded for about 1/2 hour yesterday to use with the HumViewer software. I got standing timber, laydowns, creek channels, stumps, roads, and dollar pad stems.
BigEbass reply :
QuoteI have the 798ci SI and it works great. I recorded for about 1/2 hour yesterday to use with the HumViewer software. I got standing timber, laydowns, creek channels, stumps, roads, and dollar pad stems.
And thats why I will buy it! The screen size issue is all about resolution - the ability to resolve what is down there - and that little unit can do it - it has a very high pixel count - just will need to be relatively close to the screen - would like to "go big" but that will cost about 3K - that is just out of my reach - the 798 will be a huge upgrade after all at this point and will identify key structure as you have so well stated!!!
burleytog reply :
The 898 is only $500 more.
I've got a 788ci on my console and it is OK. Screen is a bit small when I'm navigating on plane. Would rather have a bigger screen.
I will prob. break down and buy a 798 sometime this year.
BigEbass reply :
"Only 500 dollars more" - 500 dollars is 50% more than the 798 essentially for an additional 2 inches of screen - and to what end exactly? It would be nice, but I dont see it justified in my budget particularly - if I had the dough laying around I would spend it. I think 500 dollars more for the 898 is a rip off personally - they should charge maybe a couple hundred more...
roch1 reply :
QuoteIThe one thing I would suggest is to find any Humminbird seminars (I went to one at the BassPro Classic) and attend as many as you can. The seminars made it much easier to understand what I'm actually looking at. Godd luck...they are awesome units.
Its funny I look at some of the images posted and cant make out anything. Even when people point out what it is I still have trouble sometimes.
When it comes time to purchase one of these units I will be taking all the seminars I can find.
Dogface reply :
QuoteI've got a 788ci on my console and it is OK. Screen is a bit small when I'm navigating on plane. Would rather have a bigger screen.
You can't use SI when your navigating on plane so the 798 is the same as any other finder and only provides depth.
J Francho reply :
QuoteQuoteI've got a 788ci on my console and it is OK. Screen is a bit small when I'm navigating on plane. Would rather have a bigger screen.You can't use SI when your navigating on plane so the 798 is the same as any other finder and only provides depth.
But you can use GPS and graph split screen, and it is a bit too small.
BigEbass reply :
There are apparently people that have set it up to run while on plane.
Also, again, the 798 while smaller has a high resoution (pixel count) and many owners on BR who actually own it state they love it - the screen size I wonder is more of a luxury perhaps than an essential??
Definately will look into the seminars guys, thanks!!
BigEbass reply :
Oh god, now I am contemplating the 898.... - I hate decisions like this!
I Love BassResource reply :
Just my two cents, buy the biggest screen you can afford. Detail is *much* easier to pick apart on the larger screens. I wouldn't dare try to seriously use the side scan on an HDS 5, you just can't make out all the detail you can see on the larger screens. That's just my opinion...
Dogface reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteI've got a 788ci on my console and it is OK. Screen is a bit small when I'm navigating on plane. Would rather have a bigger screen.You can't use SI when your navigating on plane so the 798 is the same as any other finder and only provides depth.
But you can use GPS and graph split screen, and it is a bit too small.
My Lowrance LMS is the same size as the 798. I use the split screen all the time, day and night, and have never had a problem seeing the display.
SlateTundra reply :
If you got the cash and committed on making a big purchase, then do it. Like many have already stated...bigger in this case is better.
The 798 screen size doesn't bother me. It gets the job done and I'm happy for what it has to offer.
J Francho reply :
Its not "seeing the display" that is the problem. Its the slice. Bigger is better, in this case. If it works fine for you, you have probably not tasted the forbidden fruit...
BigEbass reply :
Oh god you are likely right im sure - now I am contemplating the 898 perhaps - 9 series may be pushing it though, oh dear....
I Love BassResource reply :
Do it! If I had lay lake or any of the bama lakes at my disposal, I'd have to map every inch of it. I promise you'll be amazed...
burleytog reply :
QuoteQuoteI've got a 788ci on my console and it is OK. Screen is a bit small when I'm navigating on plane. Would rather have a bigger screen.You can't use SI when your navigating on plane so the 798 is the same as any other finder and only provides depth.
I don't depend on the graph for depth, I depend on the Navionics maps.
BigEbass reply :
Thanks dick - but when you say do it, do you mean get the 798 or the 898...or sell my kidney and get the 9 series ?
BigEbass reply :
I am getting the feeling with reading here and other forums that I should shell out as much as I possibly can to get the largest screen possible - I think though the 898 may be the largest for my budget....does everyone here agree that the 898 is worth the extra 500 bucks plus tax?? Or should I save and just stick with the 798 and save up for later a 10 inch display
burleytog reply :
Get the biggest graph you can afford. Going cheap now and then having to spend more later is just asinine.
Gale1980 reply :
go big! i got the 997 and it is JUST RIGHT! i wish i could of got the 1197 but im maried.....
BigEbass reply :
The 997 is tempting me....I think there is a fair chance at this point that I may pull that trigger. The 1197 would be sweet - I am setting it up on a 0% 1 year type of deal and my "fun budget" just wont quite allow that 1197 - I would be left utterly broke - its all a matter of how much this purchase will eat into my fun budget for the next year. If I get say the 898 I would have some flexibility to get other things as I want them (rods, lures, etc) - but I think I will go ahead and seriously consider the 997 - my first child will be here in september so If I dont spend now, it aint gonna happen - I moonlight for my spending cash as a pharmacist at CVS and once he/she comes, that really wont happen - so I am gonna get this last big toy, fish like hell this spring/summer, then brace for much less fishing for a little while.
I am totally obsessing this cause I will likely go and buy tomorrow - cant wait to just make the decision and get it off my mind, its plaguing my thoughts
I Love BassResource reply :
QuoteThanks dick - but when you say do it, do you mean get the 798 or the 898...or sell my kidney and get the 9 series?
I'm saying go for the biggest you can afford to buy. No piece of equipment is worth creating a hardship for yourself. With the disclaimer out of the way.... Grab the 9, or if possible the 1197 ;D
jettech reply :
Your correct on one thing......GET IT NOW!! Once the baby shows up your fun account is toast. Your gonna need all your money for toys and diapers. Good God at the mountain of diapers. I still have nightmares.
BigEbass reply :
God you people are bad influences - I am blaming you when my wife yells at me ;D
There is one last afterthought - for my bass tracker pro-16 bass boat - (16 foot) - will my little boat accomodate the 997 on the dash as needed? I guess it may protrude from the side of the boat a bit, which I wouldnt really care - am I gonna have a difficult installation?
The 1197 is just too much I think unfortunately - I would be pushing my budget I think - I think everyone agrees that if I can get the 997 is it formidable.
I got to looking too and to confuse the matter just a bit, I think the HDS 8 (8.4 inches) is a bit cheaper at about 1800 vs. about 2K for the 997....I dont think bass pros right now even has the HDS 8 though and I want it now mommy!
Dogface reply :
I am not familar with your boat. Does it have a console? The HDS-8 requires the Structure Scan unit and you have to put that someplace.
BigEbass reply :
I do have a console - currently there is a small 4 or 5 inch finder installed (lowrance X50 I believe) to the left of the console - I am just wondering if on my boat it will fit - I think it will.....I will need to go home and measure things I suppose.
BigEbass reply :
Correction: it is to the right of the console...
BigEbass reply :
Best photo I could find on the net to give an idea....
jettech reply :
Yep....structure scan is an additional 600.00 plus tax. Lowrance sells that as an add-on.
Jim Grouch reply :
I am pleased to announce that we now have added the Humminbird models 798 and 998 to our product inventory....of course below retail as usual. -Jim
www.AmericanBassOutlet.com
798C SI - $899.95
798C SI w/ NVB - $1,099.95
998C SI - $1,849.95
998C SI w/ NVB - $2,049.95
Wayne P. reply :
BigEbass, I have the Tracker PT 170 TX that came with a Lowrance X 51 Pro (really a Eagle Cuda 300 in disguise). I moved it to the gas guage position.
The HB 798 is a tight fit in that position. Unless you add a RAM mount to clear the console, a larger unit will not fit.
BigEbass reply :
Hmm...I wonder if the 997 is really even doable on my boat - perhaps get the 798 still and just wait to buy another new boat in 15-20 years .....How difficult is it to mount the 997 I wonder....
BigEbass reply :
Wayne - so you have the 798 in the old "cuda" position then and it fits ok? How have you liked the 798? Is the larger units then simply not pheasable then? What is a "ram mount" exaclty?
Wayne P. reply :
Yes, the base of the 798 is just a little larger than the LEI X-51 base and is a built-in snap-in type. The larger units have a "U" shaped mounting bracket that is wider than the unit. I guess you could offset the bracket to get a HDS-5 or HDS-7 unit to mount in that location.
A RAM mount is a system of two plates with balls on them that have a tension arm to attach the two ball plates. Do a web search for RAM mount.
The 798 is a great unit with a real bright screen. No problem seeing it with polarized glasses on. I understand the HB 800, 900, and 1100 series have a dimmer screen and may be hard to see in bright sunlight.
BigEbass reply :
Hmm, I will have to look into the bright sunlight issue - obviously that is concerning. Perhaps I will reconsider "tasting the forbidden fruit".....Not sure how awkward it will be to make the 997 fit on my boat....
BigEbass reply :
Any 997 owners have input about the brightness issue?
burleytog reply :
Brightness is adjustable.
BigEbass reply :
But at the brightest setting is the 997 sufficiently bright for sunny conditions?
burleytog reply :
I have no experience with the larger units, but one thing I like about the 788ci is the ability to select different background colors. White background is great during the day, blue or black is great at night.
I will say that even at it's dimmest, both blue and black tend to be a little too bright at night.
Wayne P. reply :
burley, I like the color choices for background too. The color choices for SI and color choices for 2D sonar along with the different background colors is quite an array.
Dogface reply :
QuoteBest photo I could find on the net to give an idea....
That is very similar to my War eagle. My console is not as nice. I put the Lowrance unit on top directly behind the windscreen. I'll put the HB in the same location.
burleytog reply :
As for mounting, RAM Mount RAM Mount RAM Mount!!!!
Not the best photo, but it shows how the RAM Mount elevates the graph.
Also allows the graph to be tilted & swiveled above what the HB base does.
Wayne P. reply :
burley, do you have the 21 different color combos with the 7 sonar pallets and the 3 screen colors?
nhbass reply :
buy side imaging it is VERY useful!!!!
burleytog reply :
Quoteburley, do you have the 21 different color combos with the 7 sonar pallets and the 3 screen colors?
Not sure. I haven't installed the latest upgrade yet. Haven't had the time to write down my settings so I can revert to default before installation.
BigEbass reply :
Yeah, I will definately look into getting a Ram Mount tomorrow when I get my new unit - I still would like the 997 since it technically is in my budget - but will I be able to see it during sunny days, which is alot of days Ill be fishing in summer?? Would hate to pay for the big unit that I cannot see the detail on - I guess worst case scenario I could create a small hood for it to minimize this issue - it would be easy to make. I guess I can Ram mount that 997 onto my humble console?
Any suggestions about my installation that I will undertake this weekend - its seems simple enough - just the transducer seems like the trickiest part as people have said that you have to set it just right to give you the best results.
I Love BassResource reply :
My lowrance install was a breeze, I only took off my bird install but I expect its even easier as you don't need to run the extra module. I mounted mine to the jack plate, but I'm contemplating moving it to my trolling motor. My unit picks up great at 2-3 mph. I flipped it around this weekend using my ram mount and was watching it as I trolled along.
BigEbass reply :
Not that it matters - I think the boat I posted was not the exact same as my boat - my console is a bit more humble than that one - it has no gauges on it, only a few switches - here is the one I think that is identicle to mine.
BigEbass reply :
My little boat has been a joy so far - cant wait to get the side imaging tomorrow - I feel like its the night before christmas and cannot go to sleep
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
Lol. Can't blame you.
burleytog reply :
I would remove that graph at the console, put the new graph there and move the old one to the front.
jettech reply :
I had a 798si on my last boat. all i can tell you about the install is make sure you get the boat level, and that the transducer is level in relation to the boat. I got mine wrong the first try and got little or no scanning on the left hand side till I got it corrected. Im watching your thread as IM going through the same descision process right now.
BigEbass reply :
QuoteI would remove that graph at the console, put the new graph there and move the old one to the front.
That is what I am thinking actually - what is the easiest way to install my old graph onto the bow?
BigEbass reply :
QuoteI had a 798si on my last boat. all i can tell you about the install is make sure you get the boat level, and that the transducer is level in relation to the boat. I got mine wrong the first try and got little or no scanning on the left hand side till I got it corrected. Im watching your thread as IM going through the same descision process right now.
hopefully the manual will offer good advice on proper installation as it relates to this? When you say "level" - do you mean level with the hull or more level with the water when moving at say 2-3 mph - the boat likely lifts up just a bit so I am guessing the transducer will point long ways downard slightly and laterally though it should be perfectly parallell to the hull I would think - hopefully the manual offers a good process.
I havent really thought much about the trolling motor mount option - if it will work just as good in da back, then that will be fine with me - although on the rare occassion that I am on a trolling motor only pond there is this issue...but even then I could troll from the bow and watch the screen "well enough" perhaps - I will just need a second unit later
Wayne P. reply :
BigEbass, you can set yours up like I did mine. I got an extra mount, power cord, and trolling motor transducer so I could use the 798ci SI on the bow when I am fishing electric only waters. The internal GPS antenna makes the switch a "snap".
Level is the attitude of the transducer when on the water when you are using the SI (parallel to the bottom of the body of water). If you plan on using the SI transducer for on-plane navigation, then it needs to be parallel with the boat hull and maybe a little tilted with the trailing edge down.
If you want to use the unit you have now on the bow, you can get the transducer adaptor to mount it or get the transducer that is made for that application (puck)
BigEbass reply :
Good points wayne, thats a great idea about 2 mounts....how much is a 2nd transducer? And have you had problems with the internal GPS unit?
Wayne P. reply :
No problems with the internal antenna. The only units I know of that did have a problem with the internal antenna was the 300 and 500 series Lowrance units. That deficiency was corrected in the HDS units.
The trolling motor SI transducer was about $175.00
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