I now have my power pole installed and my last big thing for my Ranger Z21 is good electronics. I have only used Lowrance in the past and have had good luck with them but am open minded as to getting the one most suited for my fishing Toledo Bend, Rayburn, or Fork.

I would appreciate any comments on the pros and cons or advantages and disadvantages of the above two units. I would like to improve my deepwater fishing and would like the best unit for that purpose. Thanks in advance.

i would have to go with the lowrance it will have the side imaging later this year!!!! Lowrance all the way just my 2cents!!!! Better Maps also with navionics all i use is lowrance

I have a Hummingbird SI and LOVE it but, have been really impressed with the new 2D HD sonar that Lowrance has come out with and can only imagine what their Side Scan is going to look like. The 2D on my SI right now doesn't have anything on the 2D sonar that Lowrance had on the previous models.

partial to humminbird for the console, lowrance for the front

you do the update on the bird? my bird(997si) on the console can now see just as much as the LCX28cHD up front i have the sens turned up a little though. takes some tweaking.

I run the HDS 10, the graph is unbelievable, cant wait for the side scan

I got a 997 and it works awesome!!!

I have a 798 SI. Waited since last Fall for the Lowrance SI but the date kept getting pushed back. I plan to put a 798 SI on the front deck too.

I was in the same boat you are in deciding what to get. I have always been a lowrance guy but did not want to wait for the SI lowrance. I bought two 1197s and it was the best decision I have made. I have been above and beyond pleased with the units. I was skeptical about the SI but its AMAZING. As far as the 2D sonar it wasnt as good as the lowrance but.......There is a free upgrade to download to your unit that makes it just as good as lowrance. There are a bunch of die hard lowrance guys out there that will tell you otherwise but I would not trade the Birds for anything in the world.

1197si on the console

1157 on the bow

platinum chips in both

there is no upgrade for this setup, regardless of what the L guys want you to wait for.

Humminbird! they are out and have all the kinks worked out and perform flawlessly. The Lowrance units have been "coming out" since they were supposed to be released at the 2007 icast show. then the 08 classic then the 08 icast then the 09 classic. When I talked to the guys in the Lowrance booth at the 09 classic they told me they were working out a few "kinks" and it would be release in May or June. Now they are saying the 09 icast. Where is this fantom sidescan unit? You can't believe what this technology will do for your search and practice time on the water. regardless of which one you get---they are unbelievable.

I know off topic, but can you see your lure on the hb si ? If so, how far away can you pick it up ?

Well here is my 2 cent. Now I have been using Lowrance for about 20 yrs. Humminbird side scan has been out over 5 yrs. Now Lowrance is Coping this which is good but a new company that building there unit started w/ the 520c and bigger units 3 yrs ago. Lot of problems, so that why lowrance is puting a 2 yr warrenty out on these new HDS units. If flush mounting units in bow of boat keep this in mined water has been getting in through the screan frying the unit. If water is standing on screan and not draining off. This happened to me and others now as a guide I'm on the water 2 to 5 days a week. So take your pick no matter which unit you buy if it goes down you'll be w/o. Good fishing Be at Choke tomorrow.

no

I have been wanting the new HD units but heard that they have had alot of problems with water getting in them. I think I'll wait until they get that fixed to get a new one.
Karol