Not sure which of the two i should get? I have the option of getting a brand new hds 5 from lowrance for $200. But I was wondering if there may be more advantages in just buying the 858di that I've found for around $800. Your thoughts?

Hds5!!!

Thats what I've been leaning towards since I can get it so much cheaper. However I just wasn't see which was the overall better unit.

200 to 800 is a big gap. It really depends what you're planning on using it for. For SI you'll need to get the LS-1 to get si with the 5 -- another couple of hundred bucks I believe. And for SI the bigger screen on the HB will make a big difference. So if you have the money to spend and you plan on using side imaging I'd go with the HB. Another factor is what you already have on the boat. You can't network HB with Lowrance.

Well the price isn't a big deal, see my dad had an older lowrance on his boat that shorted out. He called lowrance and they said they would upgrade it to the hds 5 for $200 but that's all they could do. So when I bought my boat, (with no electronics) he told me he would upgrade that for me or just give me the money to put towards another graph. So the HB would only cost me 600 but the 5 would virtually be free. The only thing I could think better about the HB is that it already is down scan equipped so I could still use it to find structure unless I was trying to find something under a dock right?

HDS5!!

You guys saying hds 5 because it won't cost me anything or because it's just a better unit? Also which unit processes faster? I've always been partial to lowrance because that's all I've ever used.

My suggestion for HB is based on it will be better for SI. So if SI's not a big deal you probably would do better with the 5. They're both good quality units. The 5 is too small for SI in my opinion.

Ya, how much would it be to have side imaging on the HB?

Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't the 858 have si? I have a 1097.

I think the 858 is DI only.

No it's di only, now to add another twist lol. What about the hds7? Is it basically the 5 with just a bigger screen?

Do yourself a favor and get the larger screen, even if you have no desire for SI get the larger screen. If you do want DI I would suggest you get the larger screen. Just in case I havent made myself clear, get the larger screen.

If you have to wait a while to put the money together it will be well worth the wait. A 5 inch screen is just too small and sooner or later you'll want the upgrade so just do it right the first time.

Anyone that tells you that size doesnt matter is just your girlfriend trying not to hurt your feelings.

with hds 5 your basically getting a hd graph till you put the navionics south chip another 148.00 now your up there buy the 858 or 898 wich i have its a big screen easy too use with easy menus lake master chip and your set the di is amazing on this strait outta box no adjusting just turn and go hope this helps free isnt always better

Definitely get the Side imaging or side scan. They are both great manufacturers. And get the biggest size that makes sense to your fishing needs. DI is just half the technology, you wouldn't buy a saw with no blade? You'll catch more fish, and love it, even if you have to wait an extra month or two for funds.