Thread: which Lowrance unit compares to the HB 898?

agreed!!the hot keys are a definite interest.and your right too bad they don't have them on the 7.but besides screen size that's what seperates the 2!!

Originally Posted by zwalls

agreed!!that's why I was going with the 898's!I have a source I can get them at the same price, so 2 898's cost me $2,460 versus what would 2 HDS8'S and a LSS-1 total all together?
I need to check on this thru my source and see what exactly the difference in cost is!I don't want to go with the HDS7 cause the screen size is smaller and I haven't really compared the 7 to the 8 to see what other differences there are.
more homework!!
or you guys can keep the info rolling in!!


ANOTHER QUESTION
with the HDS8,does one use the original TD along with the LSS-1 TD.does one have 2 TD'S on the boat at the same time?

Ok Z, I bought an HDS-8 early in March, I shopped and shopped and the best price I could come up with was $1,499 for the base package with transducer. This also included a $100 rebate up until March 27th.

I also shopped the LSS-1 units. The best I found was at $550 with a $50 rebate until March 27th.

I am self employed and with the economy in the shape it's in, I have to be very frugal on how I spend. I really couldn't afford the HDS-8, but figured if I was going to get a DI/SI that I might as well bite the bullet and get what I want. I had also shopped the Humminbird units. They were lower in price, but didn't get my attention as much as the HDS's. I spent a couple of nights watching videos people had posted on youtube for each unit I shopped. In the end, I jumped from the HDS-5 up to the 8 and I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

I think Stymie brought up a good point earlier. He mentioned that if you went with an HDS unit, that you would need TWO LSS-1 units if you wanted DI/SI front and back. To answer an earlier question by you, yes, the HDS units have a regular transducer and the LSS-1 unit has a separate transducer. If you choose two 898 units, then you'll save a lot of money getting DI/SI front and back of the boat.

Trying to figure out what each unit will do, what you need to get the results you want, how much is it going to cost compared to the other is enough to give any sane fellow Dain Bramage.

I think what it boils down to is if you want to save $$$, go with the Humminbird that will do what you want. If you want a Cadillac, go with the HDS units. They're not priced for the average Joe to own, but OMG, the difference in quality of what you're looking at is to me, night and day.

Since the LSS-1 unit is separate from the HDS head units, should one or the other ever go bad, all you replace is the bad piece.

My boat has a 60hp Tiller Merc on it and I have found it better for me to just stay in the back of the boat while fishing too. So I really only need 1 decent unit. However, I can add another HDS unit towards the front and network them together sharing the same LSS-1 unit and transducer allowing me, or others in my boat to view what we just went over. Once networked together by the Ethernet cables, any waypoint I mark on either unit will be recorded by both units.

I can also purchase the "Sonic Hub" on down the road sometime which will turn my HDS 8 into a docking station for an Iphone/Ipod/MP3 player/Sirius Sattelite Radio.
The options the Lowrance HDS system has to offer make it an amazing system. Chartplotter, Radar, Music, Monitor your engine settings/temp/gages/fuel/etc.

These items are some of the reasons HDS owners pay the piper for. It seems as if the HDS capabilities are limitless.

By the same token, Hummnbird owners save money while getting the results they're looking for in a finder, minus the "bells and whistles".

Now that I've really confused you, consider the extra cost for the quality if you're financing the boat.

But, before you jump to any conclusions or decisions, go to your States boards and try to hook up with an owner of each unit you're interested in and meet them at the ramp for a quick show and tell. This will help you greatly decide which route you want to take. I'm sure some of the guys would be happy to take you for a little boat ride, before some salesman takes you for a real ride.... Good Luck!

X2 on what crappie reaper said. If you have the money in the budget to spend, I'd Go with HDS8's and LSS1's or 1 LSS1 and ethernet the units together. You may decide to add nmea devices later if you wish, the option is there with Lowrance. In terms of options, controls, etc. the 800/900 HB units just don't compare to the HDS8. And the 2 year warranty with Lowrance is a nice move by Lowrance.

Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper

Ok Z, I bought an HDS-8 early in March, I shopped and shopped and the best price I could come up with was $1,499 for the base package with transducer. This also included a $100 rebate up until March 27th.

I also shopped the LSS-1 units. The best I found was at $550 with a $50 rebate until March 27th.

I am self employed and with the economy in the shape it's in, I have to be very frugal on how I spend. I really couldn't afford the HDS-8, but figured if I was going to get a DI/SI that I might as well bite the bullet and get what I want. I had also shopped the Humminbird units. They were lower in price, but didn't get my attention as much as the HDS's. I spent a couple of nights watching videos people had posted on youtube for each unit I shopped. In the end, I jumped from the HDS-5 up to the 8 and I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

I think Stymie brought up a good point earlier. He mentioned that if you went with an HDS unit, that you would need TWO LSS-1 units if you wanted DI/SI front and back. To answer an earlier question by you, yes, the HDS units have a regular transducer and the LSS-1 unit has a separate transducer. If you choose two 898 units, then you'll save a lot of money getting DI/SI front and back of the boat.

Trying to figure out what each unit will do, what you need to get the results you want, how much is it going to cost compared to the other is enough to give any sane fellow Dain Bramage.

I think what it boils down to is if you want to save $$$, go with the Humminbird that will do what you want. If you want a Cadillac, go with the HDS units. They're not priced for the average Joe to own, but OMG, the difference in quality of what you're looking at is to me, night and day.

Since the LSS-1 unit is separate from the HDS head units, should one or the other ever go bad, all you replace is the bad piece.

My boat has a 60hp Tiller Merc on it and I have found it better for me to just stay in the back of the boat while fishing too. So I really only need 1 decent unit. However, I can add another HDS unit towards the front and network them together sharing the same LSS-1 unit and transducer allowing me, or others in my boat to view what we just went over. Once networked together by the Ethernet cables, any waypoint I mark on either unit will be recorded by both units.

I can also purchase the "Sonic Hub" on down the road sometime which will turn my HDS 8 into a docking station for an Iphone/Ipod/MP3 player/Sirius Sattelite Radio.
The options the Lowrance HDS system has to offer make it an amazing system. Chartplotter, Radar, Music, Monitor your engine settings/temp/gages/fuel/etc.

These items are some of the reasons HDS owners pay the piper for. It seems as if the HDS capabilities are limitless.

By the same token, Hummnbird owners save money while getting the results they're looking for in a finder, minus the "bells and whistles".

Now that I've really confused you, consider the extra cost for the quality if you're financing the boat.

But, before you jump to any conclusions or decisions, go to your States boards and try to hook up with an owner of each unit you're interested in and meet them at the ramp for a quick show and tell. This will help you greatly decide which route you want to take. I'm sure some of the guys would be happy to take you for a little boat ride, before some salesman takes you for a real ride.... Good Luck!

LOL........I wish it was as simple as it was when I was a kid.a flat bottom boat,cane pole,a cork and some shinners!!

been doing a lot more reading and watching videos too!!I hear what your saying loud and clear!!If I figured correctly, 2 HDS8',an LSS-1 and a ether connection to join the units together would be about $1,200 more.with all of the extra features the HDS may be worth the extra coins!!I just need to continue researching until the my boat comes in in about 3 or so weeks.


ANOTHER QUESTION:those of you who do have the LSS-1,where did you mount the main unit at and the transducer?new boat is a wareagle predator!!suggestions?

Originally Posted by mduncan62

X2 on what crappie reaper said. If you have the money in the budget to spend, I'd Go with HDS8's and LSS1's or 1 LSS1 and ethernet the units together. You may decide to add nmea devices later if you wish, the option is there with Lowrance. In terms of options, controls, etc. the 800/900 HB units just don't compare to the HDS8. And the 2 year warranty with Lowrance is a nice move by Lowrance.

Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

Most people I know, mount the LSS-1 ducer on the transom. Another thought, should you go HDS, you could alway add another LSS-1 at a later date, then you could have both units having the ability to see what's front, or back. Also, if money is a major player, you could use an 8 at your console and pick up a smaller 5 for the bow. Wouldn't take up near the room, but would confirm for you what you found on the 8. I do have a very good friend who owns a 997 and loves it although he wishes he'd gone with the 1197.

For me to stick two HDS 8s with two LSS-1's to boot, I'd have $4,300 in them and that won't include the nema cables to connect them. I don't know when or where drifter bought his 8 and LSS-1 for only $1,700+ but if it was recent, he got one heck of a deal. Some the HDS first and add the LSS-1 later, I bit the bullet and got it over with. I have more in my electronics now than the entire boat is worth.

just in case you have not already discussed it, the hds7 now comes as a package with the structure scan for $1,599.00 they did have the $100 rebate, but ended in MARCH.

Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper

Most people I know, mount the LSS-1 ducer on the transom. Another thought, should you go HDS, you could alway add another LSS-1 at a later date, then you could have both units having the ability to see what's front, or back. Also, if money is a major player, you could use an 8 at your console and pick up a smaller 5 for the bow. Wouldn't take up near the room, but would confirm for you what you found on the 8. I do have a very good friend who owns a 997 and loves it although he wishes he'd gone with the 1197.

For me to stick two HDS 8s with two LSS-1's to boot, I'd have $4,300 in them and that won't include the nema cables to connect them. I don't know when or where drifter bought his 8 and LSS-1 for only $1,700+ but if it was recent, he got one heck of a deal. Some the HDS first and add the LSS-1 later, I bit the bullet and got it over with. I have more in my electronics now than the entire boat is worth.

After writing what I did and after further consideration I feel I owe it to this thread further explanations especially after reading Crappie Reapers post.

1st everything I said was fact... probably painted a little one sided but neverless the truth. The $ I put out and what I purchased...is it something that anybody could do anytime...probably not. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time for both purchases and catching BOE Marine with a sale and a discount to boot. Stating what I did may have created an illusion for the OP and that was not my intent. Both HB and Lowrance have good products and with money being what it is for most of us now days, well, u just gotta plan accordingly.

To be honest, I had no intentions of purchasing the 8 until I saw what I could do in the small window that I had and believe me Jim over at BOE went out of his way to help me get this purchase done.

OP, I don't envy you, at one time I was in the same position...which way to go HB or Lowrance and at what entry level. I am quite sure which ever way you go it will make for a satisfactory experience.