OK guys - I know this is like asking which is the best boat / motor / lake etc. but...

I will soon be buying new electronics for my boat and want some opinions, pros and cons. Will be buying big screens 9-12 inch. I've always had lowrance and will probably keep the 7" at the console and 5" on the bow as they are built in. Will be adding a larger screen at both locations.

Let me have it
thanks

i will go with garmin my next time around lawsuit or not they have some of the best technology

I bought a Humminbird Helix 7 DI and a Helix 10 SI/GPS for less than what most 7-8" screen units cost. Very impressed with them. The 7 is going on the bow and the 10 at the console. Personally I thought they were an incredible bargain. Total was well under $2000.

Since you already have the Lowrance I would stay with them.
Put the biggest you can afford at each location and I would say go ahead and get the gen 3.
I run a 12 and 9 touch at console and a 5 and 9 touch on the bow. Also I suggest getting the HDI transducer that's for the elite series and put on the unit on the bow. This will give you down scan.
I run sonar on the 5 and split the 9 into down scan and chart.

Much more value in Hummingbird units, especially with the Helix series. I moved from Lowrance to Humminbird and don't have a bit of regret.

Had Humminbird, going with Garmin

bump

I went with Lowrance this time but it was do to the deal I got on them. With that said I have had two touch 12s go out last year and my neighbors 9 just went out. All where replace with no problems but this year I have two back up units.

Best advice I can give you is go to BPS, not to buy them, but to check all 3 of the major brands out, Remember, Lowrance requires an extra transducer...... go with what you like, you can test them all out at BPS, then buy from somewhere that sells them at a reasonable price.

I've got Lowrance and like their performace. I've had to send them back 3 times in 2 years. Customer service is good and turnaround is prompt though. I would go back with Lowrance just because I know how they perform.

When you buy, be sure to look at www.universalmania.com. They will have the best price plus you won't have to pay tax.

I've always said that Lowrance has a little better picture for side/down scan and a lot better picture for regular sonar. However, with that being said, I have always run Humminbirds because I haven't been able to get a Lowrance screen to last more than a year or so. It's frustrating always having to have them repaired or replaced. My Birds may not give me quite as good a picture, but I rarely have to send them in for repair. To me, that is worth the difference in the quality of the picture.

I just ordered a brand new Helix 10 SI from David at Shut Up And Fish. That's the only place I buy electronics and other boat items like my Talons and such. Best service in the industry and usually good on prices as well. Awesome guy to deal with.

Garmin for me I have had all 3 brands and imo garmin is more user friendly comes with lake maps preloaded and is the best bang for the buck. Several people that have fished with me since I installed my garmin units have made the switch. Hard to beat the 93sv for the price David at shut up and fish can get the garmin for you at a great price.

My HDS-5 is almost 4 years old and my HDS-7 is a year old and I've never had a problem with either one. I am on the 3rd transducer for my Hummindbird 597 that I keep on the bow. So I've definitely had the opposite experience with quality as some on here.

The Lowrance I had before I got the HB 597 was new with the boat (1997 model), and still worked fine when I replaced it in 2010.

To answer your question: the HDS-9 or HDS-12 touch are both great units. Expensive, but top of the line as far as picture quality and customization capability.

HB and Garmin both make very good units and all of today's modern units are light years ahead of what we had just 5 years ago, but HB & Garmin are playing for 2nd place when it comes to seeing & distinguishing fish.

I put birds on my new boat, Helix 7's, and they are great. David at shut up and fish is the only place in town to do business. Just my thoughts and just my money. LOL

later...don