I have had both and I believe they are both excellent products. I currently run Lowrances, but I wouldn't hesitate with another Humminbird.

They are different however, and the reason I went with Lowrance is because I like the user interface alot more. Not going to debate on which is easier to use, but the Lowrance is easier for ME to use. I have owned four different HDS units and never had a problem out of any of them.

I don't think you could go wrong either way, just need to figure out which one suits you best.

Just had a 1197c installed got it for $200 more than a 998. It is very easy to use and have heard nothing but good things about customer service.

The reason that Lowrance has a better picture on their 2D sonar is because it is a computer enhanced picture. What is displayed on lowrance 2d is not actually what is there.

Humminbird on the other hand is a true picture in 2d sonar. What you see on your graph is what is actually what is below the water.

Lowrance issues have been going on forever. If they get wet they are going to quit working. When you call them the model you have will have been discontinued and they are going to offer you pennies on the dollar to upgrade, because your 2 yr old unit is out of warranty and no longer supported. This is not a new problem that Lowrance is having with the Hd units. It has been around for every since NAVCO purchased them.

It truly a personal preference. Lowrance paints a prettier picture. But you will have more headaches IF you have a problem. Humminbird has much better customer service and builds a more reliable unit.

go with huminbird, $500 cheaper than a hds

not when you link multiple units.

"More reliable unit"....what survey or study did that information come from?

Good customer service is an everyday grind and without question Lowrance has had its share of recent challenges in that regard. However, it has improved dramatically in recent months.

"Computer Enhanced"....the entire image is computer enhanced...the computer converted sound waves(audible) to something visual, if that isn't computer enhanced all the way around then I don't know what is.

Make your decision based on facts and personal preference as many have suggested. Go out to Bass Pro or Cabelas and browse the units yourself and see which ones are more intuitive for you to use, etc.

I have had my trouble with Lowrance Customer Service, until Greg (Head of CS) called and got things going for me. I should have my new unit be Wednesday. I have 2 HDS 8's and love them. They work for me and are easy to use. I like Lowrance over Humminbird strictly because of the 2d sonar. Just my 2 cents.

I have had a 997 since 2008. HB just released an update which includes all of the 2011 features on their new units. For free. There not forcing me to buy an new one.

All I can say is I love my HB

I think I am going with the HB 998c, biggest reason its a little less money and also I have an 18 1/2 boat and I don't have a lot of extra room for the addition SI until. I dont want to have to worry about damaging it being in a compartment with a lot of other stuff...

Thanks for the input!!

I've had both,2d sonar is more crisp on lowrance & what i saw on bottom was just like the bird just crisper, the si was better on bird,I just like the keys on lowrance better, my neighbor like his bird.
never had any water problems, You need go with someone that has each buy the one you feel comfortable with.
my bussiness we have chevys, bussiness across street has fords
he likes them i like mine

Well, i purchased a 1198 and a 898 hb, installed them and mounted both transducers and as link. Went to Falcon lake and the 1198 would loose its gps and begin blinking sometimes in 1 min. sometimes in 2 sometimes in 5 min. After turning it off and on 30 or 40 times a day i was plenty po'ed. I called hummingbird the next after returning and after a very short wait, they sent me a return label where they paid for the return postage, I sent the unit in, asked for it to be returned by the 14th (today) it was received saturday the 12th. Great customer service, prompt, friendly, and I am a happy camper. The two nicest companies that I have done business with this year is Hummingbird and Transom Saver, I would highly recommend both.

I had demo units of both brands and went with the 1197. Much easier to use and picture is the same on both. Also with bird you don't have to buy a $500 add on to get side imaging. I used an hds 8 and 7 in a loaner boat for a few days and I was thanking God I went with humminbird. Lol

I had to wait almost 4 months to get my lms 520 back from lowrance. It was a nightmare. But I still went with hds 8 with side image. The picture looks better to me and it looks to b better built. Hb' s have always looked cheapley built to me