I am thinking about buying a SI unit. Probably Humminbird. If you look at "leftover" or last year models and then this year's models - it is very confusing about why one is a lot more money than another when they look pretty much the same and do the same thing.

Is there anywhere that a person can look at the models side by side and compare features? Maybe on a chart with features and check marks. I am looking to buy the best value I can for the money and still stay within a logical, reasonable budget.

I love my Humminbirds, love their Customer support. However, their website is not the best, it looks great but the functionality and navigation are poor at best. The specs are hard to find especially on what they term 'legacy' products.

The thing is right now with them phasing in the new models, it's kind of in limbo. It's hard to say which way to go as far as pulling the trigger on say a 997 vs. a 998. The 998 is the new model, and it has a faster processor and a couple of new 'outputs', i.e. the Ethernet and Video out port. So I don't really know what is on the horizon or what is coming down the pipe. The basically have 3 series in the SI. The 7's, the 9's and the big momma the 11. The 7's and 9's have new models. They didn't come out with a 'new' 11. (however, the 11's already have the outputs and the newer procesor).

Now, that being said Humminbird is EXCELLENT in supporting their older products. I bough their first model for Side Imaging the 987c. I bought in in 2006 and it still works like a champ. They have released several software updates for all the 7', 9's, and 11's, my model has been included every time. I got the new colors, I got the 'recording' feature that didn't originally come with the unit, I got the downscan update. I couldn't be happier with a company supporting a 4 year old unit.

Sorry for being long winded, but I'm hoping that it helps you in understanding how they function with model numbers and phasing in the new.

I have 2 997 SI and love them. My partner has a Lowrance. Both work very well but I have to give the edge to the 997 because of the blue background color. It is just easier to see everything especially fish. On top of their great customer service there are sevearl good forums dedicated to the Side Imaging units and you can get any question answered on them. Just post a screen shot and ask what you need to do to make it better and you will get an answer that works.
About the only place you could look at them side by side would be at a bass pro or cabelas and they are in demo mode which shows a perfect picture. Find someone who has one and ask to go out and look at one. That is what I did at a local tournament before I bought.

Joefishin said it perfectly and echoes everything I would say.

I just installed the Humminbird 998. I love it. I had a Lowrance X25 that the case cracked on. I emailed them to see if I could get it put in a new case, since everything still worked in it fine unless I was fishing in the rain and it got water in it. It took them so long to answer my email, that I went and bought the Humminbird. From what I have experienced with the customer support of Humminbird versus Lowrance, I will only buy Humminbird units from now on. They did offer me a trade in on my X25 for other units at a great discount. But, the customer service is dead now that Linda is gone.

The 998 is awesome!! The ability to change colors of the screen was one of the selling points on it too. The Humminbird is by far the best in my opinion. Customer support means a lot to me and Lowrance just doesn't have it anymore. They seem to discontiune units constantly and then you can't get them repaired at all.

If you look at their design every thing is in one unit.

The hds has two units a control head and a structure scan box mounted separate.

You can take you unit with you and not have a thief set your structure scan box

I have sent my old 727 out of warenteie back for service at a fixed cost and it was home in 12 days.

Humminbird has great service at a fixed price for their older units.

HB's are my pick. units, customer service is top notch plus all the free updates when you register your unit. I run a 1197c SI at the console and a 997 SI at the nose and I love my setup.

got the hds and love it but have not used hb , dont know about service because everything works great so far ( knock on wood ).

My Humminbirds are the older models that link via an Interlink module mounted in my port side rod locker. For me one of the most important feature differences between Humminbird and Lowrance is the transducer. I have the Humminbird on my boat at the trolling motor and console with a side imaging transducer on the trolling motor and transom. This allows me to view real-time SI images from the trolling motor or console. I share my waypoints through the Intelink module. Lowrance will allow you to link two head units to the StructureScan module but while on the trolling motor you will be viewing the structure 20 feet behind you. This is great for the coangler but not so much for the one running the trolling motor. You can add another $600 StructureScan module to view real-time trolling motor images but you then have to find somewhere to mount the module. For me the simplicity of side imaging rigging configuration gives a distinct feature advantage to Humminbird.

I have a 997 and a 798. If u can get last years model for cheaper do it, you wont be disappointed.