On the 1198 I use the 3 split with DI and 2D on top of each other and SI on the side. The HDS7 I usually go DI and chart. On the bow mounted 998 I use the 3 split also and like you said, it gets a bit crowded but you can still see it ok.

I run HDS10 and a HDS8 on the console. the 10 is split between DI and SI, and the 8 i split between 2d and map. Pretty much same on my trolling motor, i run HDS7 and a 5 up front.

I'm no expert, but have found using splitt -GPS map & side screen is a good way to look around and locate fish (HB998). Then switch over to down solar and GPS to stay on them. Switching back to side scan every now and then to see what has moved in from the sides. Side scan is definitely better with a bigger screen, its harder to read on a small one. It won't make fish bite but you won't fish empty water.

So from what I've read, and also input, bigger screen for the side imaging just makes it better. So if you plan on side image, save you're money a while and get the bigger screen.

I approve this message
Mike

In addition to the larger screen, the 1100 series has larger high definition transducer for better images.

For me a must have.

SI has made me a better fisherman. I really enjoy it for targeting fish in areas where they may be on the move and not holding to structure well. It's really cool to see it at it corelates to your map contours. Finding sunken boats and odd structure is also fun to look at.

SI is a luxury, like others said. if you really want side imaging, then save money for the bigger screen. i had a 798 w/ SI and I cant see anything on it. I upgraded to 998 and the screen for side imaging is way better. I only use side imaging for chasing school of fish, its better to tell if you looking at the right side or not.

I have a 798.I use the side imaging mainly to see how or what direction to present a bait to the fish from.

It's probably a luxury BUT I LIKE IT!! --LOL--

All "SI" systems are not created equal. If you want to see how a professional striped bass tournament angler uses "sidescan" technology to locate and stay on top of stripers, Google "Finding Stripers Using Structure Scan." This is a 10 minute video demonstrating Simrad / Lowrance "sidescan" and "downscan" to track stripers and bait. It is impressive. This said, and questions of display size aside, it seems to me by no means certain that either of the units here under discussion can deliver similar results. One simply can't depend on promotional hype and testimonials (much less what is displayed to you at the counter.) I would be inclined to hold off until more commentary from ordinary users becomes available, with examples of screen shots.

There is an entire boat load of screen shots on this thread, users that know what they are talking about via actual shots from the field. The lowrance-hummingbird tutorials are great in getting ur unit dialed in.

1198 on Texoma. 2D had too much sensitivity but DI and SI were pretty close.



I don't have any of the HDS 7 right now but I will once I install the new HDS12. My 7 looks much brighter and clearer than the one on that video. It looks like his motor is on the way and that's why it's so dark on the left side. He might have a LSS1 and not LSS2 on that also.

Perhaps I misunderstand. My comments are directed to the Elite 7 and HB 598. I'm not altogether persuaded that one can accurately predict their performance on the basis of reports on far more expensive systems, whether Lowrance or HB.

I see what you're saying duff, and I think you're dead on. Especially the Elite 7. Even though the down scan "should" look the same as mine with the LSS-2 module, there's really no telling.