OK, I have held off to allow the bugs to get worked out. I have read as many things as I can find. I am going to pull the trigger on one or the other and need to hear real world feedback. From what I can tell, it appears that the Lowrance HDS 10 with LSS-1 is $3,098, the 1197cSi is $2,999.99, and once you get to that point a hundred dollars is pretty much a rounding error.

I'd like to focus on the following:

Screen resolution?
Ease of actual use/menu navigation?
Mapping software?
Fishability?

I heard the Lowrance transducer has three crystals v. HB having 2, not sure if that is fact or fiction. Understand that customer service has been an issue with Lowrance, which is part of my consideration, so if you have had to recently or heard of others that have had to return multiple units recently please let me know.

I have a HB 728 on the trolling motor and like it. Have a Lowrance LCX-18 on the console with the Navionics Hotmaps on it and like it as well.

In my humble opinion the images will be pretty close, but, and it's a big one the ease of use will favor the Humminbird big time.

I don't know where you are located so I can't offer an opinion on the mapping, both will run the latest Navionics chip so that should be a wash, the Humminbird will update location information a lot quicker.

If you are used to a Lowrance screen you can change the palette to a screen that looks like a Lowrance.

Humminbird service is hard to beat, however, I have always recieved good service from Lowrance.

If you are located near a BPS or Cabella's look at them side by side, try to navigate the menus and see the difference.

I would also give this guy a chance to price these units:

www.shut-up-and-fish.com

Good guy and he knows his stuff.

Good post and sound advice.

I can't even turn a bird on so I went with the Low.

Look up BOE marine. I saved a bundle with them.

As far as screen resoluton, the HDS-10 and 1197 have the same size screen and the same screen pixel count. Zero difference.

With the Lowrance/LSS-1 you have 83/200 kHz frequencies with the HDS transducer and you add another transducer with connection box that has the 455/800 kHz frequencies for Down Scan and Structure Scan. The two Scans involve three crystals, one left ,one right, and one down.

With the Humminbird, you have one transducer that has 83/200/455/800 kHz. For the Down Imaging it uses the same crystals as the Side Imaging. The DI imagine is displayed via software using the two SI crystals. The hardware is all inclusive.

Some owners of both units have had issues that involved returning for service. The ratio of that to units sold is probably the same. Stuff happens !!!!!

As far a user friendly, for someone with no experience with any sonar products, the Humminbirds are easier to learn. For those that have and use sonar units, brand familiarity determines which is easier to learn to operate.
The Lowrance units are more Computer Geek oriented and the Humminbird units are more Bubba oriented.

As advised for a purchase, Google is your friend. Both systems can be purchased for several hundred less than the suggested retail that the respective company web sites or big box sporting goods like BPS and Cabelas sell them for. A marine electronics dealer is the best source.

Humminbird has a single transducer that produces all 3 Sonar Readings:

Dual Beam Plus 2D Sonar
Side Imaging
Down Imaging

All built in a single transducer. You can split the 2D readings out if you want to mount alternatively which allows you to mount the HDSI transducer higher for protection and ease of install then mount the 2D for all speed readings. Cost is about $80 for Transdcuer and Y Cable.

Humminbird GPS Receiver is 4x Per Second Refresh as Standard Equipment.

Humminbird has many added extra features for Side Imaging like Contour Mode, SI Enhance, SI Navigation Mode, SI and DI Zoom and more that are part of the features you get. 3 One Button Click Presets and 9 Total with two button clicks. Simple easy adjustments and experienced product knowledge of the technology can be found from Humminbird.

800,900 and 1100 Series units can sign up for Humminbird Select and get additional support from Humminbird and Extra 1 Year Warranty for a total of two years.

Thank you all for your feedback. I'll head up to BPS to take a look at each and to make a decision this weekend. Time to quit thinkin about it and get to fishin!

DONT BUY from BPS, i dont know if you are just going to check them out or to buy one, but you can get alot better deal than you will from BPS

In my opinion, the Lowrance HDS units have the clearest picture. Using the downscan/structure scan, I have actually seen the fins on bass and could tell which way they were facing!

The HDS units now have programmable quick keys for your favorite screens. The new software makes these units very easy to use and navigate through the menus.

The HDS 10 units come with several built-in mapping options. There is the Base Map, Insight USA, and Nautic Insight.

The key response rate and chart speed are excellent on the HDS units.

I have two HDS 8's with the LSS-1 and have never had a single problem. So, I haven't had to contact customer service. However, from what I've heard, Lowrance has greatly improved their service in the last few months.

Lowrance HDS units come with a 2 year warranty.

I'd highly recommend going with the Lowrance HDS!

I looked into buying an HDS / LSS-1 from an online retailer, but eventually thought better of it, and went with BassPro. If you're as slow as I am, it's very helpful to be able to call them, from out on the lake, and get a little "how to" assistance. I believe they will also install downloads, as upgrades come out, as part of their customer service. Did for me, anyway. I was also able to discuss mounting options with their service dept.

The Humminbird unit is very user friendly with a wealth of info avail, HB customer service and produt support is also better then the Lowrance However the picture clarity of the Lowrance is far superior many times over imo) to the HB

I've been amazed by the photographic detail I get on downscan with my HDS-7. No two ways about it though--you will need to refer to the users guide from time to time, until you get the hang of it. I haven't had any service issues.

If you decide to buy for BPS, print out a quote for one of the online retailers and see if BPS will mach it. I bet they will.

Seems like I heard somewhere that, if you buy a sonar with Amex, Amex will extend the warranty for a year. Might be worth looking into.