thanks guys for all the info

bird will best bet, super easy to use

Either. They are both great.

I hope I'm not thread-jacking too badly but I'm looking to see if you guys can help pick which one is best? I have my own Humminbird v. Lowrance debate, and have used neither!

I'm looking at a Lowrance X-4 Pro ($100) for my little Jon boat. Seems like an alright unit. The Humminbird Piranha Max 170 is Humminbird's $100 unit. (I know, super low costs compared to some of your units!)


X-4 Pro: 1500 peak-2-peak watts, 188 rms
Humminbird Piranha Max 170: 1600 peak-2-peak watts, 200rms

X-4: 240x160 pixels, 4-level grey scale resolution
Piranha: 240x160 pixels, 8 level grey scale

X-4:
"Unique dual-search 83/200 kHz Skimmer� transom-mount transducer with built-in water temp sensor and up to 120� expanded fish-finding coverage "

Piranha:
"Dual Beam
83 kHz / 60� @ -10db
200 kHz / 20� @ -10db
Depth: 800 ft."

This is primarily gibberish to me, can someone elaborate on the best choice? It seems like the Humminbird has the specs behind it, I'm not sure what "up to 120* coverage means on the X-4, versus the 80* the Humminbird has. Also can you turn off the little "fish" icons on the Humminbird? That just annoys me!

If you watch the sales in the paper or online get a unit with 320 x320 pixels or you will regret it later.

Yes, on the bird's you can easily find the place to change from 'little fish' to just sonar arches.

I was a Lowarance person too, but just switched to the bird. I agree with what some of the others said and go out with someone and see what you think. They both are great, just depends on you.

I have an HDS 5 right now that I am going to throw in the trash soon and put my humminbird si units back in the boat

I will be buying the bird once I can save up enuf moola......always been a Lowrance guy. Customer service is huge to me.

Just bought the Lowrance HDS 7. Love it. Going to buy the HDS 5 for up front before the rebate ends.

back to birds for me. sold the lowrances.

how does that side imaging work? can you see the bottom in like 50ft+ deep water?

I enjoy pointing out the fact that bird is using technology pioneered by Lowrance years ago. They definitely beat them to market with it but Lowrance launched a new line of units and accesories. If you arent looking to spend some money SI isnt for you. Lowrance defintiely offers an amazing array of products to fill any need. Sirius Satellite radio and weather, Sonic hub radio system, not to mention that you get networking capability to network all your units with the purchase of the Structurescan LSS-1 unit. Yea Lowrance costs a little more but you will spend more on the birds in the end if you try to do all of the things that my Lowrance units can do.

lowrance

still trying to figure it out. i think it may be ford and chevy thing. im a chevy guy just dont know witch is ford and witch is a chevy. lol