Can't go wrong with Lowrance

You are getting caught up on a bunch of finer points that you hardly ever going to use

Honestly, I'm surprised anybody is interested in Humminbird these days compared to the other 2 brands

That's what I'd like to know, does anyone use those features? Is it worth the cost? Your telling me I won't use them but then saying don't go with the cheaper option that doesn't have those features.

I'd just like a little more info than X is better than Y. I like to know why or if I'd be paying for stuff I'll never use.

Best thing you can do is go to the big stores and play around on the demos after you get all the feedback

If your fishing a smaller lake that isn't on most of the map software the garmin quick draw is a cool feature. I did all the same comparison that you have done and ended up buying garmin and have been very pleased.

I am a Lowrance guy because thats what came on my boat.
But you will not go wrong taking direction from David at Shut Up and Fish.
I have bought other stuff from him. He really knows what he is talking about.
Wont cost you anything but a phone call.

I had a HDS 9 and 12 on order, but after talking to David about the Helix......he sold me. I cancelled my order on Lowrance and I'm gonna be a 'birdman now. Ease of operation, one transducer, more functional for my simple mind, etc, etc.....and David's excellent customer service, professionalism, and attention to detail sold me! Can't wait to play with my new Helix 9 & 12.

I went to BPS and played with the Helix and Lowrance before I made this post. I wish I spent more time on the Garmin.


All the lakes I've been on are mapped but they have back areas that are poorly mapped. Mainly I want to be able to find the creeks on them (Gibbons mostly which I think most charts should have). So the mapping feature is cool but not necessary.

Is this feature out yet? I thought it was coming out with the chirp models? Do you know if the non chirp will be able to do this on software update? The 73SV is on sale this week at BPS. I really want a 9" but that is tempting at that price.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone. I don't have anything against humminbird it just seems to lack features. That is why I originally made this post. To see what features you actually use on the water(live chart updates, depth highlights, and StructureMap). If in reality I'll never use that stuff I might as well get the most cost effective one. Otherwise I'm just taking folks word on who has the best imaging and trying to justify that cost.

You will be pleased with the Lowrance. My old boat had Lowrance which I loved, my new boat had Humminbird. I just made the switch back to Lowrance. I keep hearing how user friendly Humminbird is, honestly I feel totally different. Im of the computer age I guess. Something about tapping a touch screen to mark fish vs, stopping it, scrolling over, and marking, just makes it a lot easier for me. Humminbird is not even in the ballpark IMO on sonar. Side imaging is very good on the Humminbird though. Honestly, I would keep getting insight from FISHERMAN. In the end its all about what you like and what you can afford. IMO I just feel like Humminbird has dropped way back in the electronics game. But I never had any issues with one... So that's my spill.. Universal Mania will beat any price you get.....

BPS will have the new Lowrance Elite7 ti next month for $699-799. Has all the features of the HDS including touch screen. You may can even order it now. I talked to the Lowrance rep Monday and he was raving about it as was the tech at BPS. Check it out. One other thing, starting tomorrow thru the 16th if you purchase the Lowrance HDS Gen2 or Hook you get a free install and rebate and triple rewards. Can't beat that deal.

I've looked into that one. If I decide to go down to a 7" I'll consider it. I saw that sale at BPS but I didn't see the free install. I guess I'm just left putting my priorities in order between screen size, cost, and features.

The bigger the screen the better. If you get the 7 you will wish you got the 9. And after you get the 9 your going to want the 12