I agree I was just looking in the same budget. If you want a larger screen the helix 9 si is the only one that will get you that for $1000 not counting the map. I stayed away from the helix 9 because it's bulky for a 9 and my console is small. If you want navionics the Elite Ti 7 (which I bought) will give you that and some nice features but I don't think it's much of an upgrade from what you have. Go to a store and play with them.

Do you use Lake Vu ultra HD? Also get hot maps and it's on.. total cost $250 but well worth it.

If you want an LakeVu HD Ultra Map chip I have an extra I'd be willing to sell.

Joey, sent you a pm

I happy with the Garmin, especially being my first unit, just disappointed in the maps and from what the examples I've seen of the LakeVu, it doesn't seen comparable to Navionics. I may have seen some poor examples but so far, there just arent many examples I've seen yet.

I will post a screen shot of my lake map

I'll give you 350 for the sv if all works.

looks good to me

HB easier to use. Lowrance has better scan image quality. For me, I'll take the one that sees the fish better all day long.

I've got Lowrance at my console and HB at the bow. Neither are bad, but I'd take Lowrance all day long in the high-def units.

Agree the Lowrance 7 Elite Ti is a great choice. It has the same processor as the Gen 2 touch and if you are not going to link the unit with another unit and if you are not requiring radar it is as close to a touch unit as you can get for a lot less money. You can also purchase this unit with the new Lowrance total scan transducer which provides chirp sonar, downscan and side scan all in one transducer.

I have had all 3 brands and Garmin is the easiest to use out of the box hands down. Garmins 2d is better than Lowrance 2d but there down image is better. I will put my garmin 2d against anyone's.