Thread: HDS 8 gen2 or a 999ci hd si

The most frequent opinions that are consistent on the forums is...::

*Shallow water SI = HB...
*Down imaging = Lowrance...

Which technology would benefit your fishing style best...??

Rickie

I have had three HB units and now run two 998s. I have four fishing partners and we fish every week and rotate boats and partners each week. One of the other guys has the same identical setup as me with two 998s networked via ethernet. The other three run Lowrance HDS units including the 7s and 8s. I have seen and used all of these units. My thoughts are that HB has the better Side Imaging. I think HB also has the better 2D down sonar primarily because you can run both 83 and 200 simultaneously (83/200 combo). With this feature you can turn on Fish ID and it will show you orange fish symbols for fish that fall within the 200 kHz cone and blue Fish symbols for those that fall within the 83 kHz cone. I love this feature especially when fishing vertical with spoon or dropshot.

I must agree with Justin in that the Lowrance HDS units have the better Down Imaging primarily due to the dedicated element used for this function. HB uses it's two SI elements to create the DI image and it's not quite as clear and detailed as the HDS.

On the Navigation side, I think they are essentially identical except when using Navionics map cards. The HB has the advantage here as it can also run the Lakemaster chip which has several advantages over the Navionics cards. The HB also allows the use of the Heading Sensor GPS antennae, the iPilot Link and the 360 imaging if you are so inclined.

Good luck with your choice. You can't go wrong with either of these great products!

I agree with what someone else mentioned already its alot like the Chevy vs Ford thing and both are great brands and both probably sell some cheaper not so great units. I have the HDS 8 set up with side n down scan and I put it up at front on my trolling motor with that adapter for the US2 and I really do love mine. Its way too good of a unit to leave at the console like you mentioned to me unless I had another one up front. I sometimes fish with all four different screens up at the same time. Down scan, Side scan, chart and sonar. Also if you like to sit and vertical jig much, I have friends who say that their HB loses position and goes into a circle, they call the dreaded doughnut hole. Don't know much about that except I don't experience losing position on my Lowrance unless I fish under a bridge.

Ronny I went through this also and ended up going with the HDS 7 gen 2 with SS, I am starting the install today. I have seen the HB units at work and also the HDS units and both have very good details. What made me go with the HDS is being able to over-lay the SS on the chart. I have had a HB 787c2i unit for 8 years and have no complains other than losing GPS and the bottom at high speeds. I also have a Lowrance 4x DSI and for the small unit the details in DI are unreal for a 4'' screen so I really am looking forward to the bigger screen. (just my incite on why I went with the HDS)

Now looking over the manuals, I need a degree to be able to use the units

Trout, I thought the 200/83 combo didn't work anymore?

Originally Posted by GroutScout

Trout, I thought the 200/83 combo didn't work anymore?

Yep it works. Use Dual Beam with the most current software and use 83/200 with the older v6.49 software for those not interested in 360 Imaging, HS or iPilot Link.

Ahhh ok so it doesn't work with the new updates. Seems like a really neat & useful feature.

Get one of each!