It looks like the GPS on my Humminbird 598 has taken a dump at 18 months. Humminbird will fix it for $254, but I don't see pumping that money into fixing the 598. I think it would be better to bite the bullet and move on. I can just use the 598 on my kayak since everything else works and GPS is less of an issue.

The three units listed are around the same price point and have side view. I threw the Humminbird 1199 in the mix since Shut up and Fish has them on clearance. I'm a little hesitant about going back to Humminbird since the 598 just lasted 18 months, but it is a consideration. Obviously there are pros/cons to each choice. HDS 7 has Chirp, Garmin 93 has a bigger screen, Humminbird has biggest screen, etc. Not looking for the Ford vs. Chevy debate, but rather functionality, specs, etc. that should be important decision points to help me think through this.

Thanks for any thoughts anyone has to offer!

1199!

I recently put two 93SV's on my boat & absolutely love them. They are very simple to use & the image quality is amazing. The only point of reference i have is that my tournament partner has a 998 bird at his console & in my opinion the imaging of the Garmin unit is superior. I have no experience with the newer lowrance units.

Garmin 93SV s on my boat. I would not have anything else.

I have the 93sv, great.

Interesting. 75% for Garmin out of a sample of 4 responses. I should have made a poll to keep track of the percentages. Keep them coming.

I'm partial to Lowrance but if the biggest I could afford was a 7, I might look at other options. Or wait until I could afford a 9 or 12

You should be able to get by without side imaging for a few months

Humminbird, A no brainer at 1249.99 for a 1199, best SI in depths up to 20 feet, 2 yr warrenty

I just ordered the Garmin 93SV and 73 DV

I hear you. It's more of a question of what I'm willing to pay versus afford though.

I have a 999 and am considering the jump to 1199. I am surprised at your experience with the 598 as Humminbirds are generally pretty reliable and last. Humminbirds are also very easy to setup and use in my opinion. but they are all getting pretty easy to use compared to SI units of 3-5 years ago. I have had terrible luck with Lowrance with my 2 previous literally just black screening and quit working. I have zero faith in Lowrance reliability. With that said, I have heard great things about the Garmin, but have no first hand experience to speak of. I too have considered switching to Garmin, but frankly, it such a hassle for slightly better imaging. Just don't see the clear cut difference that would persuade me to make the switch unless someone could convince me otherwise. If so, then I will have a 999 with 3 hours on it for sale.

With Lowrance's wifi module you can use iPads and iPhones as extra screens and control your electronics with the Lowrance app. That means you can have additional 10" screens for about $250 each.

Garmin 93 get my vote and is what I run, ask David what type of deal he can work for you on this unit so your not comparing a closeout price on the 1199 to a retail price on the garmin. Plus no need to buy a map card for the garmin is something else to consider. I just sold a 1198 off of my new boat so I could install my garmin, but it's just a personal preference.

Interesting. So, does that mean with a HDS 7 you could connect a 10" tablet and display maps, sonar, or side scan windows on the tablet?

Correct.

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Wireless/GoFree-WIFI-1-Module-en-us.aspx