Hummingbird 598 HD SI or Lowerance elite 5

[GreeneGiant18]

I'm looking at both cause there both in my budget in you guys opinion which one would be the best buy I'm kinda leaning towards the hummingbird but any opinions are appriciated

[Cray]

The bird. More functions for the money and easier to operate.

[cub48]

I have the 598 si i like as far as all the features the si screen is too small it is hard to see the stuff on the bottom it works but a bigger screen would be better.
di is good like it good all the way around don't know about the lowrance

[rnvinc]

Which Elite 5 ...so we can compare features...??

Elite 5 HDI
Elite 5x
Elite 5m
Elite 5 DSI (out if production)...

By the way ....none of the Elite units do SI...

Rickie

[GreeneGiant18]

Which Elite 5 ...so we can compare features...??

Elite 5 HDI
Elite 5x
Elite 5m
Elite 5 DSI (out if production)...

By the way ....none of the Elite units do SI...

Rickie

Elite 5 HDI

[rnvinc]

598ci HD SI Combo...:

*83kHz/200kHz 2d ...
*455kHz SI ...
*455kHz DI ...(computer generated DI from the SI data)
*GPS chartplotting...
*Standalone unit not networkable in any form...

Elite 5 HDI ...:

*83kHz/200kHz 2d
*455kHz/800kHz DI ...(dedicated DI crystal)
*GPS chartplotting...
*may be able to share waypoints thru NMEA - I'm not sure of this...

I would suggest you decide which technology will help you more with the methods that you normally fish...

2d will show stuff in a "cartoon-like" image under the boat...
DI will show stuff in a "picture-like" image under the boat, and out to the sides a few feet...
SI will show stuff in a "picture-like" image under the boat, out to the sides 100+ feet, AND which side of the boat...

Rickie

[Iwannafish]

Best deal I can see has the Bird at about $150 more than the Elite 5. For $100 more than the Bird, you can pick up an Elite 7. I have one of each and I have found that they will do anything that I need them to do, and the seven inch screen is much better on my eyes!

http://lr.factoryoutletstore.com/cat...shfinders.html

[crappie4me2]

I have the 598 si and 597 di units and love them both. I will agree that the bigger screen units will show more detail but if your on a budget the 598 si unit will be the ticket. There are two members on here that sell the units check with them BBG marine and Shut up and Fish .