This Question may have been asked before. I am looking at possibly upgrading my Eagle 480. I have an HDS-5 at the console and was thinking about buying an HDS-7 or Structure scan for my HDS-5. Screen size aside, what would be the better bang for the buck? An HDS-7 at the console and the HDS-5 on the bow and no structure scan or structure scan for my HDS-5? Thanks

Just depends on your type of fishing...but for me I would definitely get the LSS-2 now and down the road when finances permit add an HDS-7 or HDS- 8 to get to your final set-up.

Great rebate right now on the LSS1 (ends April 30).
Also take a look at the HDS7-Bundle and current rebate ending this month as well.

Take the rebate on the LSS-1 and upgrade the screen size later.

But Rob's right, if you can afford the bundle right now, that will be the least money spent total.

x2. What kind of fishing do you primarily do?

Take this advice. The LSS2 isn't worth the extra $$$ and a 5 with SS is going to be a real pain in the a@@ to decipher on that small screen. Sell the 5 for a 7 bundle if you can swing it.

If it was me, I would ask:
1) What would I gain from buying a bigger unit? Only a bigger screen size.
2) What would I gain from buying a LSS? Side scan and downscan images that show actual structure such as rock, trees, grass, and the ability to see size of bait in schools and fish in and around structure.

Looks like #2 has way more benefits than #1. You can always add another HDS unit later and the Gen2 units are even better. They are much faster and you get the structuremap capability, which you have to have the LSS for that feature. I started out with an HDS 5 then added LSS, then added an HDS 8, then an HDS 10. So you don't have to buy everything at once and you can still gain a lot of info from the HDS 5 with LSS.

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I'm not liking these choices.

I say save your money until you can get an HDS8 and an LSS unit together.
LSS-1 or 2. I haven't seen where it matters a whole lot, but I would get
a Generation 2 on the HDS8.

You are going to need the screen real estate to work well with
side scan technology. And you will likely want to split screens
and then you will HAVE to have it. Or be wearing diopter glasses.

But side scan is worth getting. Way worth it. A new world vs. 2D.

just my opinion, Chris

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Yeah I have to agree Xring.

What do you gain by having a bigger screen? Well, for one the ability to see what your looking at! The 5 is only big enough for one thing 2d sonar. I was going to buy one just for the chartplotter and it's too small for even that.

Yes the structure scan is better but it's also worthless if you can't see what your looking at. Even a 7 is tough but at least it is manageable. 5 with SS, next to worthless (unless you are really young with pinpoint eyesight).