I obviously don't have much experience with either brand, but I'm currently looking at an HDS5 gen2, Elite 7HDI or any comparable humminbird.

I currently have the standard mark5x-pro, monochrome sonar. Anything would be a major improvement.

I'd like to have SS or downscan, but not sure I can afford the LSS2 and HDS system in one purchase. My concern is that the Elite 7 may have an inferior downscan as compared to the lss2. SS may be pointless on a 5" screen too. Any current owners of either one have any input?

Texs44 showed me his humminbird and showed me how you can select certain depths to find humps in a lake. This sounds like it should be standard on Lowrance models, but not sure. Can any Lowrance owners chime in here?

My budget is currently about $800. Any help would be appreciated!

With the new touch units out there may be some really good buys on some Gen I or Gen II Low units. I run the HDS 8 units and would not want anything smaller.

My bud has a Bird. His side scan may be a bit clearer than my Low but his 2 d sonar is way inferior.