I am finally going to upgrade my electronics! The second job (BPS Marine Dept)has really paid off and I can finally afford to spend a grand on electronics. I know all the specs on both units but I have not talked to very many people who use the side finder. Any input would really be appreciated. I really like the 3d look of the lake bottom BUT I also want to get a good reading at top speed. The 27 has a much bigger screen than the 797 but the ability to set excact waypoints on the grass edge, and really view roadbeds ect is such a draw.... HELP!

The screen on the L is much better. The 797 gives you so much more information though that I would choose that. In fact I did.
You can drive over an area and waypoint several points along the creek or drain and go back and feel like you're fishing right on the edge. Try that with a Lowrance without winding back and forth across the creek.

We have a 997 and it is incredible. After using it I wouldn't want anything else. I would go with the SI.

the 997 is out of my price range. what do you like about it? can you see grass?

I've run nothing but Lowrance electronics on my boat for twenty five years because nothing better was out there, but the Side Imaging Humminbird is the schnizzle. Unless Lowrance can at least match or exceed what Humminbird is putting out now, they're in for a lot of lost sales.

Humminbird Side Imaging will be my choice for the next boat.

I have the 797Csi and even though the screen is small, I'd choose it over any Lowrance graph. Can't believe I just typed that. I was 100% Lowrance before I got the side image. Now I will be 100% Humminbird.

Per your question, I am not sure that the x27 is in the same league as any of the side image finders.

I've got both. If Humminbird could come up with a cleaner screen they would maybe be the best. The SI is a good unit, but-- be prepared to spend a little more money than advertised to make if operate properly. You will have to buy another Transducer to read at any speed above 5mph. I'm not sold on Humminbird yet.

The only reason I bought the 997 is that Lowrance IS NOT coming out with an SI anytime soon. This is my second unit. Got rid of the first one and them got a very good deal on the second unit. Not happy with the Navionics mapping. Just got it back for HB for repairs to the SI, wentt black for the third time and never got the screen back as resetting.

Thanks ya'll, can any of you tell me if you can see the grass on the side finder?

Yes you can see grass, my buddy has an 1197 on his boat, and it shows all the grass edges, pockets, and rock voids. It is sweet, but for deep structure fishing, nothing beats the picture a lowrance gives you. Plus both suck in terms of quality. My buddies 1197 has gone back twice, my last three out of four lowrances have gone back. I don't know if it is poor quality, or hard work that is putting these units under.

the only problem that I've had with my Lowrance units is what I've probably caused--I submarined a wave in 30mph winds and shorted out the gps module and pulled some wire ends off. the Lowrance unit probably sheilded the HB from damage.

What you have to remember is that the units are mini computers exposed to the elements. I don'ttake mine off the boat at any time but I always keep them covered.

I'd listen to Mrppl2, Humminbird is garbage, and you guys should stick with Lowrance.

yeah.. humminbird and navionics.. NOBODY should use them...

i agree. more brushpiles for you and me...and heath...lol

thanks for the help!