My wife actually told me today that she would like for me to get a new graph for the boat so I need some help. I’m torn on garmin or Lowrance. I have a striker 7sv up front but haven’t really ever gotten a super clear picture on structure and the lowrance graphs my buddies have look great, but from my reading their customer service is no good. I’ve looked at the elite TI’s, hook series, and echo maps. Looking to spend about 1k or less, so right at a 9 inch graph. Could I get some pro’s and con’s. Also some personal experiences? Thanks guys

For that price ti9 is the way to go. Super clear, easy to use, sync with other devices (smart phone) but the all in one transducer is large so it won't mount on a minn kota because of their skeg design.

Look in the Trading post section

well i absolutely love my Garmins!! I made the big switch earlier this year after 35 yrs of Lowrance. I went with 2 93sv plus and the Garmin Livescope and it is awesome!!! the 93sv plus runs right at a grand and has great clarity. they are super user friendly as well.

What were the wife's exact words that gave you the go ahead? This could be a set up.

lol it’s not a set up, she’s a good one. Got a vote for lowrance and a vote for garmin.

Lowrance

Elite TI2 9.... $999

Garmin all the way.

I only have experience with Lowrance out of your 2 choices, so far not impressed. I know it’s not one of your 2 choices but I would choose Huminbird Helix.

Best value for your money graph!

I’m not a huge humminbird fan, I struggled learning and reading the 998 I had. It’s getting replaced cause it finally quit on me lol. It was a gift so I can’t complain one bit. Most of my buddies have lowrance and I could read them and they seemed much more clear to me. I have a garmin up front is the only reason I’ve considered getting an echomap. And I like the fact that I can get a 9 inch with side scan whereas I’d only be able to get about a 7-8 inch helix for the same cost. Not knocking them at all, I rode with a guide who had a helix 12, I just like look of lowrance and garmin better.

That’s what is so great about our country, we have many choices, including graphs to locate a fish! They are all good and I hope you get what you’re looking for.

The boat I sold had the Garmin's on them they were easy to use and very clear.
My current Skeeter has Lowrance front and back and I hate them.

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I’m not a huge humminbird fan, I struggled learning and reading the 998 I had.[/quote]

If you struggled with the bird, lowrance will be no easier to learn, have had several of both brands and Lowrance has more settings and customization. I have never used the garmins. Research and compare between models. figure out which features you most want to use or are most important. I had some 7" lowrance elites(not current models) that the GPS was too slow. I would actually outrun the map updating going across the lake. When on trolling motor I could do more than a 180degree turn before the mapping would update. but the sonar was spot on. Those had to go, because the mapping was more important to me. I wanted fast map updating and gps.

Whichever you decide, you will have better experience if you take time and research how to setup, read, and interpret the images. many places for learning this. Familiarize yourself with the different menus and most used settings and adjustments. Good luck