I am looking at these two units. They both appear to have the exact same functions. The only difference I can see is the .5 inch bigger screen and $150 more for the 597. Do any of you have any experience with these or have any input to my quandary? Thanks!

The .5 inch doesn't seem like much but for us older guys 5" is about the minimum we can go. Also, the .5 is 640x480 pixel vs 640x640 on the 597. Simply means better and larger pic quality on the 597.

The 597 is also more powerful (watts), different transducer with wider angles and more kHz, again, simply meaning better quality picture. But the 587 appears to be able to switch to a larger cone for 2D.

However, the big difference I see, is the subtle difference used for describing Down Imaging (in blue). In my analysis, the 597 is using a 'true' down imaging' transponder, whereas the 598 is using 'down imaging technology', which I think is the same or close to the regular transponder using software to interpret 2D (even if 'slices are razor thin') signals as compared to the 597 using a true DI transducer. This is conjecture on my part but I believe this to be some of the price difference.

All of the above is just my .02 cents.

I'm getting the 597 ci HD DI combo but I think most would be happy with either. Just depends on the $ budget.

Good luck with your choice.


597ci HD DI Combo Features:

Color GPS Chartplotting & Fishing System
5" Color TFT Display - 640V x 640H
50 Channel GPS/WASS Receiver
Internal Antenna
Pre-Loaded UniMap (More Details)
Transducer Included
- Model: XNT 9 DI T
- Mounting Type: Transom
- Temperature: Included
SwitchFire Sonar (More Details)
Single Beam, 20�
Frequency
- 200 kHz/20�@-10db
Depth Capability:
- 250ft (DI), 1000 ft
- 4000 W (PTP), 500 W (RMS)
Down Imaging
- 455kHz / 86 degrees @ -10db
- 800kHz / 55 degrees @ -10db
Single SD Card Slots
Fully Waterproof

587ci HD DI Combo Features:

Color GPS Chartplotting & Fishing System
4.5" Color TFT Display - 640V x 480H
50 Channel GPS/WASS Receiver
Internal Antenna
Pre-Loaded UniMap (More Details)
Transducer Included
- Model: XNT-9-20-T
- Mounting Type: Transom
- Temperature: Included
SwitchFire Sonar (More Details)
DualBeam PLUS (More Details)
Selectable Broad 60� & Precision 20� Beams
Down Imaging� Technology
- Scans the Water w/ Razor-Thin High-Frequency Sound Waves
Dual Frequency
- 200 kHz/20� @-10db
- 83 kHz/60� @-10db Depth Capability
- DualBeam PLUS 1000ft
- 3,000ft With Optional 200/50 kHz Transducer For Deepwater Use
2400 W (PTP), 300 W (RMS)
Single SD Card Slots
Fully Waterproof

Both is them do the Down Imaging with a dedicated Down Imaging crystal.
The 587ci HD DI is a limited production model and was produced for a special sale with some still being available.
It is not even listed on the Humminbird web site as a current model or a legacy model. The 2D version of that model is still in production.

587ci HD DI is smaller rectangular shape screen and less power only 2400W by the specs posted above.

Thanks for the input guys. Ordered the 597ci HD DI combo with a ram mount. Cant wait to try it out

You made the best choice.
Additionally the posted specs have the typical errors done by some advertisers.
The 597ci HD DI has dual beam 2D sonar with Switchfire 200/455 kHz.

The 587ci HD DI comes with a DI transducer not a regular dual frequency 2D transducer as shown.

You're right about the advertising specs. The comparison I did for him came straight from HB's Outlet store. I just rec'd my unit tonight and the Switchfire specs are as you stated. I kind of wondered about that when I saw it, but nonetheless, I fully expect to be happy with this unit.

Now to mount it on a Terrova because US2 is useless for this unit. I hear MK is working on it though. I hope the installation is as easy as described on the Crappie.com site.

Good luck to you black312 with your unit.

Jimmy, bring it down to Livingston tomorrow, I can help you out with it.

Awesome look forward to hearing how you like it. Can you pm me a link to the thread you are talking about?

Humminbird does not have an Outlet Store that is an independent company and the name of their business. Becareful from them in the past they liked to advertise a cheap price and not have all the accessories included. Just make sure you are getting everything that is standard package from them. Outlet Store is a little misleading.

Didnt buy from them - just used their information incorrect information to try to help with the question asked.

here is the link that I think he was talking about


http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishing-e...ucer-mount.html