I bought my hds-5 a week ago and already I can use the menu's much easier. If you had problems before, the Hds is much more user friendly.

HDS units are not that hard to use. The main menus work just like the older units, just a few more options to chose from. Once youre set ups are good, turn the unit on and let it run

All humminbird have a menu system like a pc.

The bird side imager have a down scan feature just by pressing the

down cursor to change the view it has not been advertized.

Their is one main differance the birds will cost less.

Then you have the ford vrs chevey thing!

The thing I have seen from owning both they both work well!

When I have bought one, check the specifaction vrs cost.

WOW, I did not know this! BIGDOG1956, you have any pics of that? You know just for verification?

I've had an 1197 for about one year, happy with the sidescan,
not happy with the sonar or gps.

I have Lowrance on the bow, I like ( and always have) the
sonar image on Lowrance. Gps is faster than HB. I will buy lowrance sidecan when it comes out.

the selling points for the lowrance system will be
better sonar
run up to 3 units on one sidescan module
better gps
downscan.

I will get a module and run it to the hd 5 on the bow,
and will at some point replace the 1197 with an hd 8 or 10
for my console.

You are welcome to submit bids by PM for my 1197,.

MO

I'm researching the new lowrance and came across the following.
Assuming the below is true. The HDS7 may be the better buy over the HDS5.
"The HDS-7 is a sizable jump in price over the HDS-5. The screen size increase is minimal and outside of that, on the surface it might seem hard to justify the HDS-7 as their specifications are very similar. There is a discrepancy in the HDS-5 product description however, where Cabela's states that the screen of the HDS-5 uses LED back lighting. This is only correct for the control buttons on the HDS-5.

One key failure with LCD displays including computer monitors, TV's, etc is often the failure of back light. One might consider the HDS-7 for the LED back light that illuminates both the display and the control buttons. LED's are more shock and vibration resistant compared to the fluorescent and may be a better choice for the long haul. The fluorescent typically does a better job to illuminate the display as LED's typically have lower light output, but but both types of back light should be adequate for this application.

When comparing the HDS-5 next to the HDS-7, screen size as well as back lighting should be considered with both models."

I've been seriously considering buying a SI sonar, but am still on the fence. Is it that great of an addition and resource to have? I've been looking at HB because they have had it out for a little while. If I get that, it will make 3 sonars on my boat, so hopefully that won't be too many and have them start conflicting with one another. I just haven't seen anything specific about the Lowrance ones out yet, both of my current ones are Lowrance.

Here is an image taken showing humminbird scan showing overlap on this bridge.
This is not the same as a down scan but the results are similar.

Both setups are too rich for me. I spend most of my time in 15 foot or less. I just can't justify the cost.

They both look cool, and I can see where that can be helpful.

I can buy alot of rods and reels for the cost of either set.

I didn't have a lot of interfence with the HB997 and lowrance units with both on the console and running a foot apart at the back. Was surprised though. I think the Structure Scan will be worth the wait. Should be out a little sooner that Advertised. I think that the Prosaffers my already have.

SkeeterRonnie,

Do you have a side imagaing unit on your HDS? Which one? I might want to take you up on that for a sneek peek at it. I am trying to decide what I want to do HB or Lowrance.