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Fishfinder selection for sidescan #11792836 08/23/16 07:13 PM
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ShinerInTx Online Content OP
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I was hoping some knowledgeable guys might be able to help me out. My boys have just turned 2, and I was finally able to justify owning a boat again. I bought a 20ft fishing pontoon which came mounted with a Lowrance HDS7 Gen 2 finder with GPS and Sonar. It does not have the structure scan module or transducer. I've done a little research, and I believe I can buy the structure scan module with the transducer/mount for around $350-400. I'm not particularly thrilled with having to mount another transducer though, and since it is a pontoon would have to go on the toon the opposite of the fish finder. My other option is to sell the HDS 7 (I think I can get around $350 for it), and buy a hummingbird Helix 7 that has the sidescan built in and a single transducer (~$750 with Navionics and SS). Either way, im out around the same amount of money.

I like the Lowrance HDS 7, I like that the GPS responds quickly, I like the maps (Insight) that came with it. I'm ok with the menus/buttons and operation on the lowrance. But, again I am not particularly happy that you have to have another module and transducer to get side scan. I looked at the Lowrance Elite and wasn't as thrilled with it. I'm leaning towards the Humminbird Helix 7 based on playing around with it in the store. But, I have not been on the water with one. I want to make sure that it operates on the water the same as the demo. Ie, clarity. Also, I don't want to have a significant lag in GPS, that's important to me. I'm not trying to start a Lowrance/Humminbird war, I think they both make great units and i'd be ok with either one. But, I'd prefer a single transducer and less complication the hummingbird offers as long as im not giving up noticeable clarity, processing speed, etc. Can anyone help me out here?


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Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: ShinerInTx] #11792861 08/23/16 07:28 PM
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Chris_K Offline
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All I can contribute is you will want bigger than a 7 inch screen for sidescan

Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: ShinerInTx] #11792874 08/23/16 07:34 PM
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Wayne P. Offline
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If you like Lowrance products, they now have a single transducer that does it all------Total Scan.


Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3N and G4N, 1198c SI, SOLIX 10 SI G3,
Helix 8 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N, SOLIX 12 SI and G3, MEGA 360, MEGA LIVE TL, RC-1
Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: ShinerInTx] #11792947 08/23/16 08:16 PM
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ShinerInTx Online Content OP
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Thanks for the feedback. I guess I should mention though, that I'd really like to have side scan and i'd like to only put $3-400 more into this. I guess the impression I got from a lot of people was that sidescan on a smaller screen still beats no sidescan.

I did call Lowrance and the Total Scan transducer is not backwards compatible with the Gen 2. The LSS-2 structure scan module is my only route if I stick with the unit I have. Thanks.


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Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: ShinerInTx] #11793158 08/23/16 10:33 PM
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ShinerInTx Online Content OP
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The Simrad GO7 XSE has the total scan transducer and looks good. Does anyone have this


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Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: ShinerInTx] #11793427 08/24/16 01:13 AM
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IKELEVI Offline
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I bought the Garmin Striker 7SV. It is a 7 inch screen but for down vu, side vu, sonar and CHIRP, you can't beat $499.


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Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: IKELEVI] #11793435 08/24/16 01:15 AM
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Deerhunter8 Offline
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Originally Posted By: IKELEVI
I bought the Garmin Striker 7SV. It is a 7 inch screen but for down vu, side vu, sonar and CHIRP, you can't beat $499.


I have it and love it!
Great for the price!

Re: Fishfinder selection for sidescan [Re: ShinerInTx] #11793834 08/24/16 04:55 AM
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David Burton Online Content
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In your price range with a sale, and the interface you like...

Elite 7TI
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/lowrance...CFQuMaQodQLYD5w


David Burton
2015 Skeeter FX 21 +Ultrex +Helix 12 (x3) +Mega360 +MegaLive
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