New graph....I cant decide which!

[stillina99pro]

I want to buy a new graph in the range of 800 to about 1400 no more.
I've had a Lowrance for years and every one I've had I ended up a lil frustrated. I have been wanting to try a Humminbird but my buddy has one and from what I saw I didnt like the clarity of the pixels compared to Lowrance. Whats the diff. between the Gen 2's and the Gen 3's, I read that Gen 3's have the structure scan integrated in it. I dont like the fact that on Gen 2's you have to buy the structure scan seperate and with the Humminbird you dont. My other deal is I already have an Elite 7 unit. so if I get a humminbird I wont be able to share waypoints among other things.

[rickyshabazz]

There are a lot of great units on the market right now. I am partial to Lowrance but I have been impressed with Garmin, Ray Marine and Hummingbird. Which ever you decide to buy I would suggest either getting one with a Navionics bundle or researching getting a Navionics card for your mapping software.

[kmah]

The gen 2amd 3 HDS touch units have structure scan (SS)built in. If you buy it new look for the bundle that includes the SS transducer.

The main differences in gen 2 and 3
-pinch to zoom in/out on gen3
-chirp broadband sonar gen 3
-built in wifi gen3
-faster processor gen3
-full keypad operation gen 3
-uses micro SD card only gen 3

-both allow map sharing so you only need 1 chip.
-both touch units have SS built in

Theses are just some of the practical differences.

both brands have pro/cons it's just which ones fit what you are looking for the best.

I love the touch units because they are so easy to use and interface well with technology challenged people.

Good luck
K. Mah

[scott h]

I want to buy a new graph in the range of 800 to about 1400 no more.
I've had a Lowrance for years and every one I've had I ended up a lil frustrated. I have been wanting to try a Humminbird but my buddy has one and from what I saw I didnt like the clarity of the pixels compared to Lowrance. Whats the diff. between the Gen 2's and the Gen 3's, I read that Gen 3's have the structure scan integrated in it. I dont like the fact that on Gen 2's you have to buy the structure scan seperate and with the Humminbird you dont. My other deal is I already have an Elite 7 unit. so if I get a humminbird I wont be able to share waypoints among other things.

Pretty much answered your own question, it sounds like you trust lowrance and are comfortable with it but having thoughts about other brands and haven't seen enough to make the jump, if you buy another brand and do not like it there is money lost and you end up with what you have had prior, get the lowrance. The new units are pretty amazing, I have gen 1's and chomping the bit to get gen 3's!

[mark poulson]

Any of the newest HD units will be great.
Bass Pro has them on display. If you have one near you, take a road trip and check them out.

[stillina99pro]

Thanks guys it all helps. Does the Gen 3's have any major issues at this point. So far my Elite 7 graph has not had the issue of losing bottom like the older X-18,19's do these Gen 3 units do that at all?

[norcalracer]

Well im no expert but i have two hds gen 2 units that seem very easy to use. I took a couple sonar classes in which they brought new hummingbird units for use to learn basics with. And they seemed very confusing to me. I have heard that the new garmin is unbelievable, super clear on the imaging and easy to use !

[FinesseKid]

save money and get the Gen 2s.

[blkdog812]

look at the lowrance elite 7 HDI. its got gps, downscan and regular graph triple split screen and the new chirp technology

[stillina99pro]

Well I already have an Elite 7 HDI and I dont wanna pay for a seperate structure scan unit with buying the Gen 2 so with that Im gonna get the Gen 3. Thanks Guys!

[mark poulson]

Cabela's has the Lowrance elite 7 CHIRP HDI on sale right now:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/LOWRANCE ... 999&rid=20

[Rich hamilton]

Never an easy decision. I started running Hummingbird on the console and Lowrance up front. It is always an option. As I learn more about each unit my comfort zone in general has expanded. I understand the disadvantages but it is interesting seeing the differences in unit interpretation.

I keep thinking KEEP IT SIMPLE! RR