Still waiting on someone to sell me their 997 when they swap to Lowrance. That way I can put my 987 up front! Yeayuh

I never said SI is bad, it is amazing. I use the hell out of my SI. What I said was crazy is that you don't think you need your 2d sonar. By not using your 2d sonar, you are missing a TON of information. There are just some situations that do not call for SI or absolutely do call for 2d sonar. As for Structure Scan, it looks better then the Humminbird version. I've used both HBs and Lowrances for years and I just favor the Lowrance. That's all, not a knock on Hbird, you, or anyone else. However, I do think you are crazy for not using 2d sonar but I guess that is what a lot of the new generation of bass fishing thinks. Out with the old, in with the new! I'm here to tell you that some things dont need fixing, and 2d sonar will always be a huge tool in my boat.

Joe, already have a buyer for my unit. Thanks though.

I apologize for the misreading of your post. I use the 2d looking for baitfish on or around cover or structure I find in deeper water. Yes it is still a good tool.

i think it's funny all these people talking about HDS "structure scan" being better than HB...when it isn't out yet? when i see one on a boat, and can compare it directly with what i have, i'll judge. until then, it's just hype.

don't believe the hype.

James you are gonna wish you had that SI when you come to Dardanelle to find those 10,000 brush piles....lol

Birds.... all the way!! 1197 and Matrix 67 on console, Matrix 97 up front, Interlink.. Have experience with Lowrance. The birds do every thing that I need them to do for my style/type of fishing and thier customer service is 2nd to none. "Lowrance" and "Customer Service" dont' belong in the same sentence.. Nuff said.

I dont ever remember Lowrance ever saying that it was going to release the SC unit. It was all of us knuckleheads out here including myself hoping that it was going to be release in Dec when the HDS was released, just didn't read between the lines. This has been a very informative post so far that not only Lowrance , but HB is also having problem. A lot of poeple admitting the facts. Hope that HB and LEI is listening.

Mr. Bumble Bee, you can also install a switch so that you can switch from one transducer to another. I have one on my boat.

drharvey, You are correct the problem is most people don't utilize the upgrades much less know how to use them. They think if they do the upgrade the changes should happen by themselves when you turn the unit on. If you have the TVG upgrade and know how to utilize it there is no way you can say Lowrance has a better 2 d sonar.

For those of you that have upgraded and have the TVG option (aka Split Fire technology) if you are in less than 20ft of water turn the TVG ON.. If you are looking in water over 20ft turn the TVG OFF. The difference and crispness of the image is night and day.

Customer service hands down Humminbird. You got folks like Eddie and Greg Walters (Humminbird Greg) whom are Humminbird employees over almost every forum in existance including the BFHP, TTF, Bassboatcentral and not to mention the coutless smaller sites and also several Side Imaging forums trying to help. Heck I asked Greg about geting a power cord via email a few days ago. 5 minutes later a Humminbird customer service person calls me LOL

When the structure scan comes out I am going to feel sorry for Lowrance Customer service dept and all the incoming calls they will be getting.

Mike

yes just go to hb and enter your model and it will tell ya what updates are available.

I run 997's front & back, also have a 8" lowrance on the back ( I havent turned it on since installing the HB's)

The HB's will show you what you want if you play and tune enough, in auto modes they are simple, takes a bit of tweaking to get them close to the lowrances sonar.

SI speaks for itself.