Hummingbird side imaging VS Lowrance Hds 2024
midnighthrasher reply :
I am getting a new sonar/gps this year and am trying to figure out which one to pickup. I was at a show today and both boths were selling me on their products. I would like some info from real users. Any info would help.
BigEbass reply :
I am in the same situation right now - I have read through the yahoo forum and other forums. In my reading of all of the posts I have read so far, it is so d**n confusing. What I got out of reading all the crap was a few main points that stick out in my head - and others on here that own these units, please add to these points with your experiences.
1) image clarity - seems like many believe that the lowrance HDS produces a better looking image - it looks "cleaner" - and at least the screenshots I have seen seems to show such - however, the HB images are not bad, and there are those on the net that make the point that they will both essentially do the same thing from a functional standpoint and produce good quality results.
2) Reliability/service.....it seemed like a mish mosh from the pages and pages I had read - both seem to overall not have major complaints, although there were a very vocal group of folks out there that have had their share of problems that screamed about lowrances customer service - but there were plenty that also said that this problem was "transitional" and many said their experience so far has been reliable....
3) Cost - I am not sure, but it seems like HB may be a bit cheaper?
4) ease of use - seems most people felt they were easy enough to learn to operate in general, but they both seem to have alot of advanced functionality to sink our teeth into 
It was hard for me to read through all this stuff and come out with any kind of clear idea....I started to think back to when I bought my first digital SLR - this whole lowrance vs. HB discussion starts to sound alot like cannon vs. nikon....???
I called bass pro shops in Leeds, AL (I live in birmingham) today and asked the guy in that department some questions - he could not talk long cause he had another customer - he never called me back...anyway - he stated he felt that lowrance looked better too but that HB was just as good too - and he stated some concern about a new lawsuit that HB has against lowrance and suggested that if they lost lowrance perhaps would not honor warantees - I pushed him on this assertion cause I find it likely to be bogus - someone clear the air here??
As a newB basser myself in the past 2 years (got my boat just 8 months ago) and starting to venture out on my own and find structure - I really want this new technology - I presume it will hasten my knowledge of important structure to fish....I feel very deficient in fully understanding all the ins and outs of this stuff and at times get lost in terminology....does someone have a really comprehensive source for total idiots like me to read from start to finish to become versed in this mess?? I am gonna drop the dough by april, but at this point I need to learn a heck of alot more -
Not to hijack the thread, just adding this cause I assume you will have the same concerns - if not then pardon my intrusion.
fishfordollars reply :
Go here: www.hightechfishing.com
Read, read, read, and read some more. It will help answer your questions.
Great site.
Jack
littlefisher reply :
QuoteGo here: www.hightechfishing.comRead, read, read, and read some more. It will help answer your questions.
Great site.
Jack
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that site just about Lowrance? While I'm sure that will educate him a whole lot on the best ways to use the Lowrance unit, that doesn't really contrast compare it Hummingbird really does it? I could be wrong I didn't really look through the site, that's just what I got from looking at the main page.
I Love BassResource reply :
The site above is a great educational site, regardless of brand. The examples given are on Lowrance units, but they are applicable across all sonars in general.
If it bothers you, post something comparable that uses bird units as examples.
littlefisher reply :
No it doesn't bother me. I was just inquiring about the site itself. I got some time to check it out and it is a really good educational site for someone learning to use a new unit whether HB or Lowrance.
Wayne P. reply :
This site will help you also:
http://www.dougvahrenberg.com/Videos.html
Fishbone reply :
BigEBass, I just went through the same hand-wringing as you with the lowr vs HB.
I choose HB.
I did not like what I heard about the Lowrance problems with product, plus the lack of service support.
Spending $2k+ I want support, not delays and hot air. That indicates major internal problems.
Any questions I had leading up to choosing the brand was answered promptly by HB.
I also didn't read about any customer dissatisfaction with HB.
Good luck
BigEbass reply :
QuoteBigEBass, I just went through the same hand-wringing as you with the lowr vs HB.I choose HB.
I did not like what I heard about the Lowrance problems with product, plus the lack of service support.
Spending $2k+ I want support, not delays and hot air. That indicates major internal problems.
Any questions I had leading up to choosing the brand was answered promptly by HB.
I also didn't read about any customer dissatisfaction with HB.
Good luck
Yeah, at least as far as what I have read so far, I have not seen anything reagarding customer service issues or product reliability with HB - there were some pretty angry folks out there about lowrances customer service and they knew names and all....Having said that there were plenty of people that had great experience with lowrance....I am leaning toward HB thought I must say so far - I will keep researching and let you all know anything I find out.
THanks for the educational sources everyone - I will read throught them very soon.
scrutch reply :
QuoteBigEBass, I just went through the same hand-wringing as you with the lowr vs HB.I choose HB.
I did not like what I heard about the Lowrance problems with product, plus the lack of service support.
Spending $2k+ I want support, not delays and hot air. That indicates major internal problems.
Any questions I had leading up to choosing the brand was answered promptly by HB.
I also didn't read about any customer dissatisfaction with HB.
Good luck
went to BPS near my home tonight and spend over an hour with the very knowledgeable sales person (doesnt work on commission). He basically echoed these issues about lowrance. he said they've had several lowrance hds7's returned with problems. he said they're "buggy" and that lowrance is still trying to work out the issues. he said lowrance does stand behind their products...but...customer service is VERY slow and turn around times are 2 months sometimes.
also... the hb comes with the structure scan hd sonar ALREADY loaded...it isnt a $600 upgrade like the lowrance. the HDS10 (with structure scan $2200 + $600) and the hb1197 were both $2800.
also... the lake map chips that u can buy for these units...with the hb u just pop in the chip and it loads automatically in seconds... the lowrance doesnt load automatically.
also.... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RACINE, Wisconsin, January 27, 2010 - Johnson Outdoors Inc. (JOUT: Nasdaq) today announced it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Navico, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,652,952 by Navico's sale of the Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan Imaging System. Johnson Outdoors' patent protects the Humminbird® Side Imaging® sonar technology. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in Alabama, the home of Humminbird® products for over 50 years.
Johnson Outdoors' Side Imaging® sonar produces detailed and recognizable images of underwater objects and waterbeds enabling anglers to pinpoint habitat, structure and drop-offs which are prime holding areas for fish. The patent application process began in 2004 prior to the Company's introduction of Side Imaging® sonar in Humminbird® 900 series fishfinder models the following year.
Consumer demand prompted Johnson Outdoors to expand utilization of Side Imaging® sonar technology across a broad range of its Humminbird® portfolio and was a key driver behind the brand's growth over the past four years. Following a comprehensive and methodical review process, on January 26, 2010, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the Company's patent for Side Imaging® sonar.
Our intellectual property policy is very simple: we will respect the property of others and fiercely protect that of our own. We were diligent throughout the Side Imaging® sonar technology patent application process to ensure we achieved both because real innovation brings real value which our customers and consumers expect and demand. By taking steps to protect our ideas and inventions, we help ensure our ability to continue to bring forward meaningful advances and innovative products that excite consumers and build our customers' business, said Kelly Grindle, Group Vice President Marine Electronics & Watercraft.
The Company's complaint says Navico, Inc. expended substantial resources to inform the trade and relevant purchasers of fish finding products, that it too would use side scan technology to compete directly with Humminbird® Side Imaging® sonar products with knowledge that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office had approved the Company's patent. The complaint further says Navico actively induced infringement of the patent by resellers. .
The Company is asking the Court to enjoin Navico from further infringement of the patented Side Imaging® sonar technology.
according to that salesman... it is entirely likely that if HB wins they'll make lowrance STOP producing the side scan HD sonar.
and finally... they've had ZERO hb's returned for repairs in the last year...hmmmm.
Im also in the market for a new one and i think i might go with the HB.
Adam G reply :
Going to be pimping HB here, get ready for it...
I've had nothing but good luck with my 797 and 777 since installing last spring. The units are Interlinked together and have worked flawlessly. Anyone that is serious about their electronics and does not invest in some form of side imaging is foolish. This is game changing technology. HB brought it here, and still seems to be providing the easiest access to it. No extra hardware, no extra transducers. That magic box that the Lowrance units need is huge!
As far as the 'who's image is better' argument, I think it's a wash for most people because the majority of us will be blown away at the defaults. I've played with my 2D settings for drop shotting and whatnot but the SI has been amazingly clear from day 1.
Therefore, for me it comes down to user friendliness, build quality, and customer service. I find the HB units to be more intuitive, but that's very subjective...
The card slots on the new HD units from Lowrance bug me. Every one I've seen has seemed to develop some slop and the horizontal design is not water shedding. The HB units have a water shedding design (even though I'd love to see them on the bottom) and have a secure fastener with an gasketed seal.
In regards to HB service, I have had an interesting experience lately. They offer fantastic after purchase support via their website. New software updates are made available, for free, to any registered owners. I did have some issues updating both my units recently however and needed to send them back for repair...
They turned the units, out of warranty FYI, in 9 hours, no charge. That is a fantastic throughput. Essentially same day service outside of shipping times.
Humminbird man for life.
BigEbass reply :
Well, I will keep reading, but at the moment I am sold on HB - I have seen more people with customer service related issues and reliability issues, and none from HB so far on the net - will be buying in april so I will keep my ear to the ground - I CANNOT WAIT TO GET IT - I need to get the boat-monkey off my back soon - its haunting my dreams
Fishbone reply :
May want to order now. Some models are on back order.
NoCAL reply :
I will add a comment here about the lawsuit. HB will Never stop Low from selling units. Here are the reasons.
1)highly doubtful it will go to court. Probably settle as the patent by HB is not all that firm. Yes I have read it. They did not invent side imaging and the patent they own is not on side imaging. It is for a number of inovations to side imaging like putting the transducer on the boat rather than towing it like a submarine does.
2) If HB were to win, why would they stop a potential revenue stream from people unlikely to buy an HB product? In other words, if they can force Low to pay a royalty on every LSS-1 they sell, why would they want to stop loyal Low customers from putting money in their pockets? Many people are brand loyal and just won't purchase the other brand. Here is a potential way for every Low customer to have to pay HB even if they wouldn't buy the product!
Those are my main reasons although there are others. I chose the HDS-8 with Structure Scan and I really feel the images are clearer although the HB unit has some great images posted on-line too. Low mapping is better and always has been. Low customer service is poor from what I hear but I've never had a problem with any of my units and I don't know about HB so can't comment.
I would say try them both side by side and make a choice based on how you fish and what you want the unit to accomplish. But don't base it on speculation about what might or might happen because of some lawsuit.
NoCAL
Gale1980 reply :
well i was in the same boat about a month ago. i chose hb for a few reasons. #1 reason was customer service. if i am unloading thousands of dollars on equipment i dont want a runaround and 2+ month wait to get resolve. #2 was the lawsuit issue. when and if it goes through i assure you the hb pictures will pick up that little bit of clarity that sets them apart lol. #3 price i got my 997 for about the price of what a hds5 and ss would be. 8.4" widescreen vs. a 5" no brainer. #4 2d sonar hb wins hands down there are some recent comparisons on another site and the evidence is clear.
i really dont think you can go wrong either way i am a hb owner and i admit the low has a better pic. BUT will seeing 8 branches of a tree compared to 7 catch me more fish....?? i doubt it. low owners of course will say hb sucks and hb owners will say low sucks..... im neutral but i will say if i had to do it over again i would still buy the hb
BobDaBassGuy reply :
Well, I was in the same boat as many of you. That is, until Friday when I ordered a Humminbird 1197 for my console unit and a 798 for my front unit.
I'll tell you right up front, I liked the "looks" of Lowrance. I've had Lowrance units all the way back to an x16. I wanted Lowrance units this time, but my mind was changed during the research stage.
Here are a few things that made my mind up.
The volumes upon volumes of complaints against Lowrance customer service can not be ignored. I actually tried to talk to some Lowrance reps at the Tulsa boat show and they wouldn't discuss it. Then they pretty much brushed me off after I asked them about the complaints. I couldn't get any more info out of them about any of the units and such. One rep "had to make a call" and another bolted to another person who walked up.
They just confirmed everything I had read online.
I had already ordered my 'birds when I heard about the lawsuit. Doesn't surprise me. It took Lowrance way too long to come out with these new units. They thought SI would go away. Instead of listening to us, their customers, they tried to tell us what we needed.
I hope one day Lowrance will get back to the quality and customer service they were known for. Until they do, I'm sure there'll be more and more "previous" Lowrance owners using Humminbirds.
finster reply :
I was a loyal Lowrance user until the last few years. You couldn't beat the X70 back in the day. Lowrance was sold to Navco a few years ago and it is not the same old Lowrance that you used to know. The units are NOW assembled in Mexico and there has been a lot of problems with the new HD units having water intrusion (rain) and condensation which renders the units inoperable. I recently bought the HB 570 as opposed to the Lowrance X135 solely based on the Navco bad reputation in CS and the HB unit is US made in Eufaula, AL and their CS is great should you have a warranty issue. The HB 570 has a dual beam transducer (wide view = 1/3 of the depth wide). At 60 feet that is a 20 ft. view. The price was the same for both units. Both units are great as long as they work.
I Love BassResource reply :
Regardless which unit you buy, its fantastic technology. The water problem on the Lowrance Units were upon launch and specific to the HDS7's. The issue has been resolved since last summer.
I have both units in my garage, but the HDS8 is the current model on my boat. I honestly prefer the lowrance model, but as I've stated I haven't used it all that much to make a full blown honest comparison. I can say the image quality is much better on the Lowrance, when you hook them both up, its quite evident..
jettech reply :
I'm haveing to make the same choice soon myself. My problem is affordability. Im going to come into about 700 for my birthday at the end of the month. I can get the lowrance hds5 for about that. and upgrade to the SS later. Or wait till i can come up with an additional 400 for the HB 798si .
The only thing I have heard different from the stuff previously mentioned is the transmitter power on the Lowrance units is about double that of the HB units. (Ihave not comnfirmed this yet). More power + better picture.
If I buy it a piece at a time I will have about 1400 in the Lowrance with the HD screen but Ill have to wait several months to get the SS. The hummingbird cost 1100 now but will have ss now just slightly worse picture quality.
Decisions, decisions
;D
Wayne P. reply :
jettech, you can get a 798 for a less than $1,100. The suggested retail for it is $999.00. I got mine for about $250 less than that.
Google is your friend.
jettech reply :
the 1100dollars included local sales tax. I'll check google though. thanks. I for some reason thought HB had there prices locked with their retailers kinda like Bose does with there speaker prices.
Mid-MO reply :
I'm in the same situation now as some of you were. Trying to decide between an HDS7 (basemap) without structure scan (for the time being) for $905 or the 898 Humminbird (which I haven't completely priced yet).
Have similar concerns - customer service, lawsuits. Anybody know anything new on the lawsuit??
Anything new to add in general?
Thanks!
Tpayneful reply :
The water intrusion (leakage) was NOT limited to one unit. It happened across a broad array of units. My partner purchased a 2008 Skeeter ZX190 with a Lowrance X-135 and Eagle 640C. In the first month we fished in the rain and the Eagle died. Then the second month we fished in the rain and the Lowrance died. You could shake each unit and hear the water inside. There are many threads with angry Lowrance customers on here.
Lowrance fired their best customer service representative as well.
Buy what you like best. It is a free country for the moment ;D
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteThe water intrusion (leakage) was NOT limited to one unit. It happened across a broad array of units. My partner purchased a 2008 Skeeter ZX190 with a Lowrance X-135 and Eagle 640C. In the first month we fished in the rain and the Eagle died. Then the second month we fished in the rain and the Lowrance died. You could shake each unit and hear the water inside. There are many threads with angry Lowrance customers on here.Lowrance fired their best customer service representative as well.
Buy what you like best. It is a free country for the moment ;D
No they didn't, she resigned.
urp reply :
I got the Humminbird 798 Side Imaging Sonar late last year. I also have a Garman 120, a Fishmark 480 and a Lorance LMS527 GPS. I am way less than enthused with the HB. Regular sonar on the HB is all but useless except as a depth finder. Won't even show a fish. Structure in my area(Southern Oregon) is mainly rocks, ledges, ect. It takes a rock pile of several feet to show on side imaging, or a single rock of great size. It won't show a rubble field. I have never seen a fish on it. I do like the HB GPS better the the L GPS. I have considered the cockpit problem but think enough time has gone by to rule at least some of that out. From reports on these sites some have fared better than I so might have to sent this in for repair.
SPAZ reply :
I had the same decision as many of you and went with Lowrance. First of all their customer service has gotten better than before since people started complaining. After looking at comparable pictures I felt the Lowrance was the superior unit. I also like the fact that I can share way points between my units when they are networked. They are also coming out with an addon that will make any HDS unit into a head unit so you can connect an ipod or play fm radio. I think that is really cool. I don't regret my purchase one bit. Keep in mind though that the Humminbirds are also excellent units but the Lowrance made more sense for me.
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