Thread: Humminbird Chirp Mega vs. Garmin Echomap Chirp ?

Originally Posted by TeeDee

Brian, thanks for the post. This viewpoint coming from you, an unbiased source, is more meaningful than if I were to have said the same thing--being that I am running Garmin. I agree with everything you stated, not apples to apples. And also anyone who can't be impressed by the pics from the Mega is hard to please. Pretty awesome returns.

Not sure if that was meant for me, never said the Mega images weren't impressive. Honestly haven't even looked at them very close, I am content to run the cheap Garmin, they do what I ask of them. I am sure the Mega is fabulous.

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pab1981--Sir, ABSOLUTELY NOT a zing in your direction. Sorry if I was less than clear in my statement. I, too, am running Garmin and am very happy with what I have. Hopefully this will be my last unit. All I was saying is that the HB pics are awesome--at least in the forum I was viewing. Not here to defend any brand, nor to bash one. Just trying to make an honest statement based on the personal observations of shots provided by others. Sorry if you misinterpreted my intent, or if I was less than complete in the manner I stated it. Hope you have a wonderful day

I have the lowerance with lss box and have been looking at the Garmin 73sv and 93. I have not saw the HB mega yet. I been kinda thinking about buying 1 of all the ones I like and seeing how they are. Used of course.

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I have the Garmin 93sv Chirp. I paid around $740 for it and I believe that I am getting every penny's worth from the unit. Granted, you will get prettier pictures on the MEGA unit, and it is better at spotting individual fish on either side of the boat, the Garmin unit has no issue finding logs, stumps, and brushpiles. A quick pass over the structure with the 2D Chirp and you will know with out a doubt if anyone is home.

I also agree that the other features are a wash.

So, if you are wanting to look for individual fish, with the side scan feature, suspending in open water or under docks and what not, the MEGA unit has it beat. If you want to count how many windows the sunken tug has or how many pieces of rebar that old bridge still has the HB Mega WILL give you prettier pictures. But if your looking to find new cover with the side scan and such then the Garmin is by far the better deal. I love my Garmin over the MEGA simply because I cannot justify the price difference in my budget. The Garmin serves all my purposes fishing wise and I don't think the the additional $100's of dollars for the MEGA will account for any more fish in the boat.

However, do research the mapping features. That alone can be worth some money depending on how it plays out.


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Very well put, Mid Ms. I agree with all points. Wish I would have made my post as eloquently and completely as you. TY

Thanks, TeeDee.

I will say that I believe Garmin has Humminbird beat across the board in one aspect. Customer service. They have been more than helpful every time I have spoken with them. Being my first side scan unit, I was way behind on the learning curve. After one single round of questions regarding mounting the transducer, I was given a phone number and asked to call the tech the next time I put my boat in the water. They walked me through the simple setup procedures and then stayed with me and helped me set-up and dial in the unit as well as offering other general and advanced tips for the unit. Not saying the guys at birdland wouldn't do that, but I have never heard of it.


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Thanks, TeeDee.

I will say that I believe Garmin has Humminbird beat across the board in one aspect. Customer service. They have been more than helpful every time I have spoken with them. Being my first side scan unit, I was way behind on the learning curve. After one single round of questions regarding mounting the transducer, I was given a phone number and asked to call the tech the next time I put my boat in the water. They walked me through the simple setup procedures and then stayed with me and helped me set-up and dial in the unit as well as offering other general and advanced tips for the unit. Not saying the guys at birdland wouldn't do that, but I have never heard of it.


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Originally Posted by MidMsAngler

Thanks, TeeDee.

I will say that I believe Garmin has Humminbird beat across the board in one aspect. Customer service. They have been more than helpful every time I have spoken with them. Being my first side scan unit, I was way behind on the learning curve. After one single round of questions regarding mounting the transducer, I was given a phone number and asked to call the tech the next time I put my boat in the water. They walked me through the simple setup procedures and then stayed with me and helped me set-up and dial in the unit as well as offering other general and advanced tips for the unit. Not saying the guys at birdland wouldn't do that, but I have never heard of it.


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Not sure when's the last time you had any dealings with them but based on my recent experience with them I would strongly disagree with your statement. HB customer service has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable with helping me try to get through some issues I thought I had. They gone above and beyond for me.

Do garmin products have their own version of the autochart live feature where you make your own maps? I cant overstate how transformative that has been to my ability to find spots and start to put the pieces together as far as staying on fish through the seasons.

Quickdraw. Works very well