PM me if your interested, I am selling an HDS10 Gen 2 with structure scan

I am in the same boat as you, Joe. Very helpful infos given here. But everybody knows Joe can catch em even with the old flasher!

Chase,
Why are you moving to Lowrance instead of HB?

Agree Todd, lots of good feedback here. I appreciate all the help.

BigDad, I did not know that. I always just assumed my downscan was awsome!

I have on my current boat an HDS8 next to a HB 1197 on console. I had the his hooked up to structure scan but sold it because I didn't need both and the interface and was much better on the HB. Combined with the fact the HB is an all in one unit compared to the LW. However when you throw in the new lowrance touch the interface problem that I had with the HDS is gone� I can switch between the screens I want very easily. This could also be said for the HB Onix� My reason for the switch is the accessories that I am wanting to add via: radar, autopilot, weather etc� this makes much for sense with the Lowrance over the HB� HB doesn't offer xm/sirus weather for the gulf. Plus I am use simrad accessories with the Lowrance. If I was strictly fishing freshwater and never going to put in salt� I would still be looking hard at the HB. But for my purposes the Lowrance makes more sense. They both work and they both work well� it depends what your intended use is. I needed something that will find structure and sand bass on RC as well as work 50 miles offshore.. lol.

I have a HDS-9 Touch on the console and a HDS-7 Touch on the bow and wouldn't trade them for anything out there.

For open water, I use the side scan to locate fish more than the downscan/2d. I use the downscan when I am crappie fishing to find and keep on the structure.

For those with the Touch running 2d, try turning down your ping speed to 7-9 for better pictures on 2d. Also zoom in on the fish/depth that they are holding on for better picture separation.

Lowrance/HB = Ford/Chevy but those who say HB is easier to learn needs to run a touch. I agree that the HDS Gen 1/2 have a lot of buttons to push to get what you want but not so on the Touch. The full keyboard on the Touch is the bomb for entering/naming waypoints.

Another interesting thing happened to me when I switched from the Elite 7 to the Touch on the bow. I was getting really bad interference on the Elite 7 from the TM but the Touch-7 is a clear as can be. Only issue with the Touch on the bow was that you have to use the LSS-2 transducer on the TM (only wanted downscan) but now I have sidescan up front too and have used it a few times (can't be sitting still).

These units are expensive but you really do get what you pay for. I know some who buy cheap and do catch fish but once you show them what they are missing, they do have buyers remorse. Get the best that you can afford. My time on the water is valuable to me so I want good quality and not cheap junk when I get a chance to fish.

Give my friend David a call at Shut-up and Fish and he will hook you up. He is a great guy to do business with.

I bought a new boat 2 years ago. I put on 2 elite 5 units. I know now it was a waste of money. Last fall I started looking and studying up on the new units and looking on youtube video etc... I knew I was using a unit that was old technology and like looking throw a straw. I finally settled on the HDS10 gen 2. Broke down and spent the money. I thought I must be crazy. Now I can not imagine not having it. The side scan is a fishing game changer. The biggest one of all. I usually use split screen on DI and SI and use my old elite 5 unit for 2D. I am still learning to use all of its functions, but one thing I can say is my time on the water has improved drastically. I have no regrets except not buying one first. Hind site is 20/20. And with somethings we have to learn ourselves, the hard way. Our own trial and error. Whatever unit, or brand you buy be sure and get side scan is my two cents, unless you like looking throw a straw.

If you want to see how the quality on the Huminbird is, pm me I will take you out and show you. Its all in the setup.

Thanks for the kind offer Forkfish but I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a HDS-10 from David at Shut-up-and-fish.

I'm close to lake lewisville. You're welcome to come and check out both units. Have the lowrance touch and also the HB onix.

Hang on BD. Gen2's are now outdated. Great units but all the new software is on the touch. For example, if you want to add spotlight scan you have to also buy another "box". Additional $500ish. Touches have it built in. Also on the touch is no need for the structure scan box. It's now all built in similar to HB. I'm about to add a HDS12 touch. It's the cats meow.

Wow, I thought they were they same except the Touch just allowed for easier use via the touch screen. Didn't know about spotlight scan, what does that do? I'll look at the Touch.

good choice, you will be happy and amazed the structure you find now

Spotlight is Lowrances answer to 360. U can put the transducer on the TM and scan forward. Check it out