HDS 7/8 Gen2/3 vs Elite 9 Chirp

Moderator: Ken Sauret

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SoCalAngler
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 6:58 pm

HDS 7/8 Gen2/3 vs Elite 9 Chirp

Post by SoCalAngler »

OK.....So I didn't get much of a chance to use the Elite 7 I put on my boat last year so I can't really say if I liked it or not. Seeing as I am a novice FF user, my knowledge is limited regardless.

So I have a brand new boat (2014 17' Alum CC) and I am excited about outfitting it!

I fish primarily for Striped Bass at local So Cal lakes with ocean trips, near shore, along San Diego to LA/LB.

My budget for a FF/GPS Chartplotter is around $1000-$1500.


Opinions needed:

I am considering the HDS Gen 2 or 3 in the 7 or 8 inch version - OR - the new Elite 9 with Chirp.

I like the idea of the large 9" screen but not sure if that makes up for the loss of LSS side scan?????

I know I will get Chirp wit the Gen3, but is the LSS side can really the only difference? This will be used as a stand alone unit.

Thanks!
Ken Sauret
Posts: 776
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 7:39 pm
Location: Paso Robles California
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Re: HDS 7/8 Gen2/3 vs Elite 9 Chirp

Post by Ken Sauret »

Lots of choices there. Budget will be the only limiting factor. It's hard to give you a firm recommendation with all the choices. The Gen 3 units are all touch units. The Gen 2 units are being discounted now because of the release of the Gen 3 line. The Elite series is the best pure value for the dollar spent but the HDS units have much more customization.

Do lots of research. Go to your local West Marine, Bass Pro Shop or Lowrance Dealer where they have all these on display for you to play with so you can get a good "feel" of what unit would best suit your needs.

Good Luck,
Ken Sauret
Lowrance Pro Staff
Lowrance http://www.lowrance.com/
Yamamoto https://store.baits.com/home
Dobyns Rods http://www.dobynsrods.com/
Yamaha http://www.yamaha-motor.com/
Personal Web Site http://kensbassfishing.weebly.com/
SoCalAngler
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 6:58 pm

Re: HDS 7/8 Gen2/3 vs Elite 9 Chirp

Post by SoCalAngler »

Is the LSS-1 or LSS-2 side scan sounder a real difference maker? Or is the down scan imaging sufficient for most fishing? I don't fish tournaments, so I don't necessarily need every option available.
Ken Sauret
Posts: 776
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 7:39 pm
Location: Paso Robles California
Contact:

Re: HDS 7/8 Gen2/3 vs Elite 9 Chirp

Post by Ken Sauret »

Down scan is the most important of the three views in my opinion but it's hard to discount the value of the side views. It's a choice you will need to research so you can make an intelligent decision based on your needs.
Ken Sauret
Lowrance Pro Staff
Lowrance http://www.lowrance.com/
Yamamoto https://store.baits.com/home
Dobyns Rods http://www.dobynsrods.com/
Yamaha http://www.yamaha-motor.com/
Personal Web Site http://kensbassfishing.weebly.com/
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