Does the Lowrance HDS 5 do side imaging and down imaging?

you have to have te lss module for side/down imaging.

You have to buy the lss1 package but the screen is to small. IMO

Thanks guys. I run humminbird myself but a high school kid was asking and I didn't know but told him someone on her would. he found them at academy pretty cheap on clearance was reason he was asking. I think he better save up and get a bird.

nothing wrong with the hds5, only downside is u have to buy the xtra lss module for the downscan/sidescan. for 2d sonar it is great. if i hadnt just got a lcx27c i would be buying the hds5 deal at academy.

Yes you do have to purchase the seperate LSS1. But, once you buy the LSS1, and later decide you want to upgrade (HDS7,8,10) you can use the LSS1 you already purchased.

This is, IMO, the biggest advantage to the Lowrance units. Upgrades are cheaper. I just got an HDS 5 with the LSS-1 and it is a little small for running side imaging plus another panel with your GPS or down imaging at the same time. But if you're running SI only, it's not too bad. Running down imaging and GPS is no problem at all, and I think down imaging will be more useful anyway.

The other way to get around the small screen size is to run one side of your side imaging only, if you know which side of the boat you're really wanting to look at. It's very easy to change that view panel from both sides to left side only or right side only. And that really makes efficient use of the 5" screen.

Yall talking about the sale price at Academy...keep in mind that there are some rebates out there that can take off an extra $$ off the price....

http://www.lowrance.com/specialoffers/Lowrance-Getaway/