Thread: side scan sonar units

I was thinking of investing in one of the side scan units was wondering if anyone has one and if they are as good as advertised or not. I'm looking at the lower priced ones, the Humminbird 798 or Lowrance HD5 w/side scan. All opinions would be appreciated, it's a big investment and I would like as much info as I can get before throwing out a grand or so.
Thanks,
James

Ive been a member of BASSBOATCENTRAL.COM for over a year now, there is forums on there for humminbird, and lowrance. I just bought new units for my boat and i went through the same thing as you. I thought the side imaging looks awesom, but they are expensive, and you really got to learn how to use them. I would go with a humminbird, there screens are alot better, and less troubles. Customer service is alot better also.

Lower priced?? That still hurts my wallet. I would definately do my research and know what I was getting, before I spent that much of my hard earned dollar. I don't know anyone who has one, but I watched this a while back on the site, and it may help you with your decision.

Well I can't figure out how to add a link....but do a search for Ernest Paty, and go down and watch the fishing electronics instructional video. Its very slow and boring at first, but once the side imaging demo begins, you will see just about everything SI is about. It will make you want one even more.

Sorry I could not post the link, I'm not computer savy.

I have a 797csi and love it. Go to http://www.jasonhalfenoutdoors.con

. He has a lot about Humminbird side imaging

wait till march canepole is going to rur a side by side test on a 997 and a hds8 he will hace a cource set up with bruch and will test ipiolt at same time i would go with the biger screne of the 997 or hds8 the 5 is hord to see with split screne

i have the Lowrance HDS 7 in the front, and will soon get another unit to replace my lms522 cigps there now.I have side/bottom scan, and LOVE bottom scan. Ive seen both Hum, and Low, and I went with Lowrance. I really really like it.Man, is it ever clear.When everybody has these in a few years, the fish wont stand a chance.

I have the 797 csi and love it. You'll find stuff that will amaze you! The gps refresh is a little slow when going back to a waypoint but the newer models are faster. I bought one unit and mounted a transducer on the TM and transom and just move the unit to where I am in the boat. If it didn't work for some reason and I was on NEW water, I would panic.

I have been using the 997C SI for about 3 years now. This unit is amazing! I have always been a lowrance man, but since Johnson Outdoors has bought Humminbird they have definitely leveled the playing field. I have found things in waters that I have fished for years that I would never have found without it. I am sure Lowrances units are very good too.

Dont go with a 5" screen unless you have great eyesight. There is just too much info with the split screens on a small surface. The lowrance's downscan beats the bird. Go to a dealer that sells both units where you can see them in operation side by side. Only then can you decide which one is for you. Bird or Low are both good units. I have always had Lowrance and have never had a problem with any of my units.

Let me start out by saying Ive been a lowrance fan for years and have always thought the 2d has been a lot better than humminbird. Now because I planned on running my old lowrance along side my new unit I bought a 997 si. Soon after that My uncle bought a lowrance hds 10 with structure scan. I can say My uncle is not nearly as happy with his unit as I am with mine but it may just boil down to him needing more time to play with his unit. Don't know but I can tell you I couldnt be any more happy with the 997. Just like sucking the water right out of the lake and taking a hot air balloon ride just above where the water line is. It is that nice!!

I definetly would go with a bigger screen than 5". I can tell ya that you can get the new hb 898 for somewhere around $1400. Yes thats a ton of money but hey, anything worth doin is worth doin right. I knew that if I went with one of the smaller screen units I would be sorry i didnt splurge for the bigger screen. Almost everybody even on this site from what I here saids they wish the would have gotten the bigger screen. Even when they get a 997 they wish they would have gotten the 1197 it seems. The stuff on these screens is tiny to say the least and the bigger the screen is the easier it is to determine what your lookin at. I WISH I WOULD HAVE WENT WITH THE 1197!