I have a Lowrance Elite 5 HDI right now which I've had for a year or so I'm upgrading to side imaging. I'm use to the Lowrance set up but hear that Hummingbird is easier to use, side imaging is better, and the GPS doesn't lag behind.

As far as quality of imaging, accuracy and smoothness of the GPS boat location for way points...Which is better in your personal opinion I would like to get some honest feedback before I spend $600+?

From what I've seen/heard Lowrance has better 2d, bird has better si and di. Of course fine tuning makes a difference and YMMV

Here's a truck on my Humminbird 999 I think it's really simple compared to the lowrance units

I would try and stick with Lowrance if you are planning on moving your Elite5 unit to the bow and sync them. This is the most critical feature for me anyway. I have a bird and I love it, but if you can save some $ by only buying one unit, you'll be better off.

This is assuming that the Elite5 has GPS...I don't know.

I have two Lowrances and a Bird on my boat. The bird is far better SI and DI. The Lowrance 2D is better than the Bird, imo. I use the Lowrances for 2d, waypoints and navigation. I use the bird for the SI and DI. But agree with bogey on the linking. If you can only afford two, then they should be able to talk to one another so I'd go with another Lowrance.

Dang Lowrance is way to expensive and they'll deem units obsolete and you can't get parts anymore.. Big reason I use Birds only....jmo

Yeah, I need a a unit that says "cast right here, stupid". Either of them do that?

I've got fishing buddies to do that for me...

Lowrance is the best on 2d side and down scan but the bird cost less here is a side scan of 600 ft and a down scan of a crappie condo you can see the leaves on it

Humminbird Side Imaging:

Look at both out on the water before deciding. As stated above, having the same brand for all units makes life much easier.

Just switched from lowrance to a bird on the console. (1199)
There are things that I liked about my lowrance but I am figuring out the fine tuning on my bird thanks to guys like wayne.
Having used both, I find that the bird gives much better imaging in shallow water than the lowrance. I also think it's easier to just plug and play as far as side and down imaging go.

I realize this is your opinion but how could that be possible? You have to select scroll speed and whatever else there is to pick from. Lowrance is all automatic with no settings to adjust.

Humminbird is way easier to work thru to me. I also like the settings instead of all the auto stuff that lowrance has. I want to be able to fine tune. BUT, as far as di and 2d, lowrance smokes the bird and I can get the lowrance to show fish on side scan a little better, not structure, just fish. I don't mean schools, but say a fish by a log. It stands out a little better than the bird. If youre used to the lowrance and you can link what you already have then that's the route I would take.

I think I may know that girl, Wayne P.