I am trying to decide between a Humminbird 788C and a Lowrance HDS5.

I can get the 788c for $485, complete with the transducer. The Lowrance is $625 without the transducer.

I would appreciate any input on which of these models are superior to the other. I'm not opposed to spending the extra money, if it is worth it. I just bought what I thought was a bargain, and less than a week later I am trying to replace it.

I would wait for the 2011 models to come out.



Both companies are releasing models in that price range that will have down imaging included. There are several threads on here about the newer models.

i have a humminbird 997 and love it, from what i ahve read they are alot more user friendly and lowrances customer service is garbage. just what i heard, but i know i would never move away from humminbird

do you have to have a LSS-1 for the lowrance elites like you do for the HDS? if you do that will add another 600 to the cost, where as humminbird comes with DI installed

What are you replacing?

I'm no expert, but was recently in your same shoes shopping in this price range so take it for what it's worth. That lowrance can be updated (for an additional $600, although probably less down the road) with the LSS-1 structure scan module, but the pretty sure the 788 won't ever be upgradeable to SI, at least according to the specs posted; don't know if it would ever be upgradeable with a firmware update or something later, who knows.

You can however get the quadrabeam transducer either through HB's exchange program (I believe no cost) or if you buy separates just buy the quadrabeam transducer, it's the same or almsot same price. The quadrabeam will give you 2D side-imaging to see structure and fish to the sides of your boat (not to be confused with the pretty life-like 3D detail of SI or structurescan).

Your Lowrance quote there doesn't include ANY transducer, if you want a comparable just dualbeam DI it'll set you back an extra $130. If you go with the single beam it's about $60, i.e. the same price as HB's dual and quadrabeam transducers (which looks to be included in your HB quote already). I'd go with the HB unless you want to maintain some "upgradeability" and you really think you might want to add that LSS unit later. Of course there's always new technology coming along by all the manufacturers, sometimes it's easier to sell your used unit and upgrade to the new model altogether.

I like my 788 and that's a good price. Just my 2 cents if you're in the market today and not 6 months from now.

Adam,

I am replacing a Garmin 178C. Not really sure how much I care about side imaging. I'm more concerned about GPS and Navigation capabilities since I do periodically fish some very large and complex lakes.

In that case, they're both combo units, at that price you simply can't go wrong and I don't think you'll be disappointed in the HB 788. I do recommend the Quadrabeam, it's a free upgrade. You may think you're not going to use it but you'll find yourself getting useful information, the extra scanning range alone has it's benefits when you want it.

Go with Humminbird better units IMO.

Thanks for the responses, just bought the Humminbird 858C! 699.00! Figured that was a much better deal than a used Lowrance without a tducer for $625.

Good deal! If it's unused you can exchange the dualbeam transducer for a quad on that model as well. Either way, good luck and enjoy your new unit.

http://www.humminbird.com/support/FAQ.aspx?faqid=66

Yes it's new! Cabelas had one on display, but it was out of stock. They found ONE in Conn. It'll be here in three days!

I'm stoked!

Thanks for the info on the quadbeam...I'll certainly be exchanging that!