Looking at getting either the
Lowrance HOOK2 5 SplitShot US/Canada Navionics+ Map Bundle Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo for $280
or
Hummingbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 NAV+ for $350

not looking at spending over $500 but the $70 difference between the 2 isn't really playing a factor just looking at the better product and open to hear other options.

After looking at reviews Helix 5 just looks more clear and really easy to operate so that's why I'm leaning towards that.

Check out the new Lowrance Hook Reveal series.
Nice.

Lowrance Hook Reveal

There are some things I really don't like about the Hook series.
I own three different/older Elite units and a Helix G2

--The way the power and transducer cords connect to the Hook units--requires an unnecessary amount of force to connect properly
--The buttons and housing look cheaply made (as compared to the previous generation Elite units)
--The processing speed could be better
--The microSD slot swallows microSD cards making them difficult to remove
--The DI is better on the Hook series than the Elites, but not as good as the Helix

That being said, the 2D is very good and the screen display is nice and you get a lot of modes/function/features for the money.

I have 2 Lowrances and one Humminbird on my boat and If I was buying new I'd get humminbird.

I've owned Hummingbird and Lowrance, I went with new Lowrance HDS Live

I have a Lowrance Hook. It is a good unit for the price.

Bird’s.......

Go to a retail store and play with them, buy the one that you can work!

Lowrance for great service.