Why did I switch from Humminbird to Lowrance? I didn't. I added Lowrance.

I Have both units on my console so I can use whichever one my customer has to teach better.

Which is best?
Side scan is about equal. Downscan on Lowrance is much better.
Lowrance will show more suspended fish in my opinion. Humminbird is more user friendly and easier to use. Lowrance has more menu's and is more complicated to program at first but will do more.


If I were buying my first unit I would buy Lowrance but if I already had Humminbird I probably would not switch unless I wanted a bigger unit anyway.

On the front of my boat I have a Humminbird 798.

As for linking the two units together I would NOT even is they were the same. I have seen the GPS files on one unit get corrupted and if they are connected you lose the data on both.

Which ever one you buy you will catch more fish by having sidescan.



This brushpile wasn't visable but the fish suspended over it gave it away.




This is a small tree with Crappie suspended beside it.

Great post Ernest

nice post

Great post and thanks for clearing some things up. I have never thought about problems with corrupt GPS cordinates but that is a good point about linking units.

One thing I read alot about is Lowrance's complicated menu's are harder to use. In my opinion Lowrance is simple to opperate, but not quite as simple as Humminbird. I guess it may have something to do with me being from a younger generation and growing up using computers and other electronics a lot more. Heck, my dad has had an HDS 10 for over a year and sometimes I still have to remind him how to save a waypoint or trail.

Been wondering myself on which units were better since I'm thinking about buying another boat.

Great post Ernest

I had a 898 and now i have a HDS 8. I hate it so much that I barely even pay much attention to it.

I made the switch to a Lowrance and am glad I did. I went from a 997 to a HDS-10 Gen 2. All I can say is wow...

I started with an HDS 5, then added a 7, then the LSS-1, then finished out my set up with an 8, all Gen 1 stuff. I have never regretted going with the HDS line up, even though my 7 shot craps the other day. My 7 was way out of warranty but with some cash to boot, Lowrance is replacing it with a Gen 2 HDS 8. I'm still a satisfied Lowrance customer.

Good post Ernest

To each his own, and I fully respect Humminbird lovers. Be honest, any side imaging is WAY better than none! And I'd gladly own a HB and love it if that's what I can find and afford...
Just an opinion of mine which usually doesn't weigh a whole lot anyway, but Lowrance graphics from SIDE to DOWN is by far much much better than Humminbird, period!!!!
For user friendly issue, no one has to browse thru all the extras on Lowrance unit has. Just set a few regular functions which being use most and use it. If one can post a photo on TFF, one can surely operate any graph...
Customer issue? Maybe back in the bad yrs of Lowrance and their management, but I personally never had a prob. Beside, how many posts have we seen now from the folks who are happy with Lowrance customer service?
Not to omit those who had bad experiences with Lowrance in the past, you guys have all the rights to ditch Lowrance forever if you choose so and no one can blame ya.

Good SI and down scan, explain so that I know why the second pic has auto range on and contrast increased to 76 from 67 ? Lowrance hds 8 or 10 ?

Ernest,
If you could only have one which one would be your choice the Hummingbird you have or the new Lorance?? Which Hummingbird do you have exactly. I believe it was the 1198c SI HD 10.4 in. screen. The wife might let me get one so I need you advice, Thanks Junior

I thought "Stealth Condos" were designed to avoid side scan detection? Guess the part about being able to see the fish without seeing the condo is important.

"The condo is almost impossible to recognize on sidescan. The verticals are too small to cast a shadow. They just look like a small group of fish." - Stealth Bucket Condo