I posted this on the bass forum as well, to get a different perspective. I am thinking of upgrading this summer. Comparing similar units, is there much difference in the two?

In my honest and humble opinion,

Lowrance has much better sonar graphic (BY FAR)
Hummingbird has great technology rights to SIDE IMAGING.

If one wants to locate brush fast, then HB; but if one wants great details in sonar graphic, then LR

Of course, I am speaking of the current high ends of both products. If you are to go w/ the lower end, the Lowrance would beat HB in a heart beat. Better yet, go w/ Eagle which is made by Lowrance and much lighter on your pocket book.

I ony wish either LR has SIDE IMAGING or HB can come close to LR in sonar graphic.

I agree with SLABmeSILLY, if you want to spend $2000 and have a good color sonar unit maybe on the front you may want the side imaging of Huminbird. I don't have one, but would love to have the side imaging if I had $2k to spare.

I guess the image I saw that really made me want a side scan unit was a guy at another board that posted some bream beds and that was an awesome picture as you could even see the fish on their beds if you looked real close.

I saved the pic and here is is (hope he didn't mind, LOL)...

Identify your budget and then head over to Humminbird & Lowrance websites to research various units. Once you have a number of questions in mind get out your stop watch and call Humminbird & Lowrance tech support. See which one answers your phone call the quickest. Then ask your questions to the technicians. I would also recommend that you email your questions as well. When you have further questions on your new sonar or god forbid you have a technical issue with your sonar, getting a person on the line will become very important to you

What are you upgrading from? Are you wanting GPS and sonar in the same unit?

Upgrading from Eagle Fishmark 480.

I just upgraded from a LMS 480 to a LCX 27C and can't be happier with it. What a beauty it is and the color combined with a bigger screen makes it so nice. I will not have a side scan for some time I am pretty sure. LCX 27C is a $1k unit ans I love it! I do have the premium Gold Navionics MMC in it too though.

I use to have fits trying to see that 5" B&W screen in the sun so now I am spoiled for sure as it's easy to see this one!

If you ever get over to T-Bend I would be happy to take you for a ride in the new Lund 1700 and show you the LCX 27C at the same time.

Skip

I have heard that the side imaging units are not ideal for the trolling motor due to the constant change in directions. In speaking with a rep the other day, he indicated they are working on one now. I agree with the above that for pure picture clarity, the Lowrance is the way to go. I have a LMS 334 on the console but am considering moving it up front to make room for the side imaging capability. As with any new product, I was waiting on feedback and any bugs to be worked out. I am not aware of any issues though.

I have a Matrix 17 on the front and an Eagle 642C on the back. The eagle picks up a lot of brush, fish, stumps and all kinds of things but the Matrix 17 never knows they are there. It works good to find the depth of the water and that is about all. Both units are less than a year old. I have the sensitivity of the Matrix running near max and can't find most brush piles with it, and it almost never see's a fish. I wouldn't trade the Eagle for all the Hummingbirds made.

I can't see anything in that picture that makes me want to spend $2000.... I guess I'm just not smart enough to read things sideways.
The only advantage to the side scan is finding structure from a distance. I could care less about how clear the picture is. I can read my Lowrance and tell you if it is rocks, brush, bait or fish.

Interesting, keep it coming.

Your way ahead of comparably priced humminbirds with your 480.
I wouldn't put an HB on my kids paddleboat if he had one.

The only reason I haven't replaced the HB on the front of the boat is 'cause I can't afford the eagle/lawrance I want yet. It's a pihrana that came with the boat. I can barely rely on it to tell me the depth of the water I'm sitting in. When there's structure below, it goes from 6ft. to 300ft and back again. Can't wait to replace it. HB depth finder...what a joke!

Oh...do I sound bitter about my HB....you bet!

BTW...what's that in the middle of that 2kHB, a two lane road? Man that's clear.

R

kudzu,

What fish do you go after? Why are you upgrading from your current unit? What do you want your new sonar to do for you?

If possible, go out with a friend that has the sonar unit that you like. See what it can do on the lake and see if you can understand what the sonar is telling you. By reading the online manual for the new unit will reduce the learning curve. Plus this will generate questions to ask on forums or to the manufacturer. Since sonar is another tool in our belt, its a tool which has to be installed correctly and learned to be used effective.

I spent alot of time researching, reading manuals, download Lowrance Product Emulators, went to stores to get hands on, spoke with factory reps and various people on various forums before making my purchase.

Good luck on your purchase!

You are wanting to replace an Eagle 480? I was looking to replace an aging HB with an Eagle 320? Sounds like I need to keep researching...

I am also curious about the questions sabot asked "Why are you upgrading from your current unit? What do you want your new sonar to do for you?"

My answer: Replace very poor resolution. I want to be able to see what was mentioned by a couple of others and distinguish between rocks, brush, bait and fish.

oldmerc

I probably should post this as a new topic but you guys seem to ask/inform some good info on this thread.

I have an Eagle 320 at the console and another on the trolling motor. I now have an Eagle 480. Would you place the 480 on the trolling motor or on the console?

I'd appreciate your comments/experience - thanks.