Partner has a bird, it is pretty easy to navigate around in. I've had my HDS for a few years now and I can navigate most of the time without looking at the screen so I think it is what you get used to...
We both actually like the switchfire on his bird, makes the definition 'tween bait,fish and cover very noticable for us. SS/DS seems to be a wash

I like the way the navionics chip looks in the birds over the lowrance and that's why I run both. Lowrance mapping software in my HDS and the bird that came w my boat runs the navionics chip on gps only.

My post from a few weeks ago:


In my last boat I had Humminbirds and my current boat I have Lowrance units (HDS 10 Gen 2, HDS 10 Gen 1 and HDS 5 Gen 1). I will compare the units in the areas that are most important to me, but I would encourage you to compare them based on your most important features:

IMO, the biggest feature difference between the two units is the 2d (traditional) sonar. Lowrance is much better, it's not even close. For me, this is very important as I utilize the split screen 2d and down imaging almost exclusively. LOWRANCE - big advantage

Ease of operation and needed factory settings adjustments. LOWRANCE - slight advantage

Down imaging and side imaging. WASH

Navigation, map card options and update speed of GPS. HUMMINBIRD - medium advantage.

Good luck with your decision, I'm sure you'll be happy with either manufacturer. Although complete networking wouldn't be possible, I'd consider keeping the bird and adding a Lowrance.

I had an 998 and recently purchased a boat with HDS10 & HDD8. The HB was easier to navigate thru the screens and definitely didn't have the lag between changing of screens BUT I'm more about the level of definition on the side and down image. I'm a Lowrance fan all the way.

Supposedly the new touch screens don't have the lag so that would be one negative issue resolved for Lowrance.