Lowrance or Humminbird?

[lunker punker]

Which one is better and why?

[gofish42189]

I like the bird. They make awesome quality equipment. Their side imaging technology is also nothing short of amazing. A big plus is that their equipment has been out for a while and has already gone through all the little kinks. It is a proven product and their customer service is top notch. The bird is the word for me.

[ASD]

I like and use the birds But your ? is like the ford / chevy thing

[offduty]

I will be replacing 2 Humminbird 997C SI units with an 1197 & 998 soon. Love the 997's but the 1197 & 998 can both be hooked up to an external monitor. I have a 15" Argonaut TFLEX G615XL coming that I got a great deal on and these 2 units have faster processors too. Anyone interested in a couple 997C SI units?
Rich

[scottsweet]

Oh boy...here ya go .

People know I am sponsored by Humminbird...so I will put that up front.

Given that, I have used both graphs and both are good products. I like Humminbird better for the following:

1. Side Imaging (and Down Imaging) is in a single unit and has the Lowrance color palette available for those who like it. Lowrance's side imaging requires the LSS-1 as an attachment to the head unit. Side imaging was created and optimized by Humminbird for several years now and in my opinion, is still the best available.
2. The color saturation and resolution of the Humminbird unit, especially in the bright sunshine, is a bit better in my opinion. It is very easy to see even with polarized lenses.
3. The user interface of Humminbird is VERY easy.
4. The Quad-Beam capability of Humminbird, which few really know about, is amazing. It allows the cone width to be 2X that of your depth and see fish specifically to the right and left of you. I use this all the time and it is amazing how much more information you see as a result.
5. The latest software upgrade provides all 3 versions of sonar on a single screen (SI, Down Imaging and 2D sonar).
6. The Hot Buttons are a very easy and convenient way to choose any of the 3 possible views and make them immediately selectable with a single button. Programming is done by simply holding the button down for a couple of seconds and you are done.
7. It is very easy to choose which screens you want to have available in your selection or to hide them.
8. Customer Support from Humminbird is excellent and first class. It is very easy to get assistance and updates.
9. There is an unofficial usergroup to understand and learn about side imaging. This has some great threads and areas to download captured pictures of other people's experiences to learn how to use your Humminbird. The User Group is on Yahoo and called http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/.
10. Most recently, Kevin VanDam became the latest member of the Humminbird Prostaff after being a Lowrance user for quite some time. It is good enough for Kevin....so it will be excellent for you .

Hope that helps. Feel free to contact me with questions and I will be happy to answer them for you.

[lunker punker]

How much for the 997's Rich? Pm me with prices. Thanks for the input everybody.

[offduty]

Emails sent

Rich Lund (805) 407-3331

[tunaman]

Ain't goin' there yet...

May have an opinion to share soon, but am giving them plenty of rope right now. Thankfully (for them so far) they have Len on their staff - he is awesome!

Roger

[DOWDY]

I have both I run 4 graphs 2 Lowrance and 2 hummingbird. I like the picture of the lowrance better than hummingbirds, but I like the side imaging and the GPS better on the hummingbirds. The service is by far better at hummingbird. When I have called it rings 2-3 times before they answer and not put on hold. the service for lowrance is poor and long wait periods. I cant count how many Gps recievers I replaced on the lowrance, not one hummingbird. I do thank the picture on the lowrance is alot clearer though. I wish I could get a bird with lowrance 2d picture. Just my 2 cents..

[N.A.R]

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothre ... by-fishton

END OF STORY!

Lowrance HDS is what I own, and I would own anything else at this time!

[offduty]

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothre ... by-fishton

END OF STORY!

Lowrance HDS is what I own, and I would own anything else at this time!

I read the whole thread and it was very interesting. I have to admit that Lowrance seems to have more defined images.

Could you explain your comment, if you need to pm I would understand. I would really like to know more before my next purchase. I am now on the fence between an 1197 & 998 combo and an HDS 8 with LSS & HDS 10 combo.

Thanks
Rich

[gunnie2]

I'm on the fence about this as well. It seems most of the arguments seem to be over which has the better down scan imaging. From the pictures is seems Lowrance does the down scan better, but does HB have better side imaging? Do both units still require imaging to be shot at an idle speed with the big motor?

With the HB units a guy is required to buy both units, transducer switch, and network box. Doesn't the Lowrance just require the two units plus the $600 imaging transducer? It seem to me the over all cost and headache of instalation may be more simple with Lowrance.

But I have never seen a Lowrance work in person. Can anyone answer those questions.

[Chris B.]

I'm kinda surprised this has not been mentioned yet but...if you want the side imaging feature, you should be aware that the makers of Humminbird (Johnson Outdoors) filed a patent infringement lawsuit against the makers of Lowrance (Navico) on January 27 (http://www.humminbird.com/company/media ... px?id=1332)

What this means is that if Lowrance loses (seems likely even if it takes awhile to go through the process), they could be forced to stop selling their StructureScan products. Then, it could take them years to develop a non-infringing product which could be very difficult.

So, if it were me, I would consider the effect on Lowrance customer support if they were forced to stop selling their StructureScan products.

(I have no financial interest in either Humminbird or Lowrance)

[NoCAL]

I really doubt Lowrance would be forced to stop selling if found guilty of patent infringement. Deals are made all the time to share licenses and pay royalties. Lowrance isn't out of business yet and in my opinion they have used the headstart by HB to refine the side imaging. The pictures just seem clearer to me when comparing both side by side. I now have an HDS-8 with LSS-1 and am very pleased with it.

NoCAL

[Chris B.]

I really doubt Lowrance would be forced to stop selling if found guilty of patent infringement.

You are making a big assumption. I wasn't suggesting Lowrance would go out of business. My warning is for anyone who has not yet bought a side-imaging product anyway. I fully expect all the Lowrance-sponsored anglers to say this is no big deal. But in fact it is a big deal.

[NoCAL]

Well, I'm not sponsered in the slightest by anybody. I do however work in an industry where patents are issued and defended on a daily basis. All I'm saying is that there is always a way. It would make no sense for HB to force Navico to stop selling units when they could possibly garner a royalty payment from customers who would never purchase an HB product ie. loyal Lowrance customers. Patent infrigement cases can take up to 10 years or more to settle. By that time we'll all be using and argueing about something else!

NoCAL

[Chris B.]

Well put and you're right, this could be resolved by a royalty payment back to Johnson Outdoors. But it could also just as easily turn into a preliminary injunction against Navico where they are prevented from further selling of side imaging units until the case is fully resolved.

Anyway, buyer beware!

[scottsweet]

I'm on the fence about this as well. It seems most of the arguments seem to be over which has the better down scan imaging. From the pictures is seems Lowrance does the down scan better, but does HB have better side imaging?

So you know, the Down Imaging scans on that board is using Side Imaging technology, just painting a different picture.

Do both units still require imaging to be shot at an idle speed with the big motor?

To get that type of image, Yes for both HB and Lowrance. It has to do with the technology. Think of it as a CAT scan or MRI. You are using sonar to get a slice of data and the software is stacking the slices to give you an image.

With the HB units a guy is required to buy both units, transducer switch, and network box.

I don't know what you mean by "both units." There is the graph and the two transducers for the ideal side imaging/2D sonar. When you use the side imaging transducer, it gets a lot of noise from the prop wash when you go past about 20mph or so. Therefore to get your normal 2D sonar while running, you need to use a standard through the hull puck and a Y-cable. So you know, you do the same with Lowrance. But to be clear, there is only ONE head unit.

Now, if you want to network your bow graph with the console graph and share a single GPS antenna and waypoints, you use the Interlink which is a very small box (6"X4"X2") to connect each of the devices. I put mine under my console. BTW, this is MUCH smaller than the one from Lowrance.

Doesn't the Lowrance just require the two units plus the $600 imaging transducer? It seem to me the over all cost and headache of instalation may be more simple with Lowrance.

Actually the Lowrance has more boxes per se. They have the graph and then the LSS-1 for the Side Scan. To have one graph with sidescan, you will need 5 basic components, the graph, LSS-1, GPS antenna and transducers. To network the boxes, you will need their Ethernet networking box which is actually quite large in comparison to the Humminbird version.

But I have never seen a Lowrance work in person. Can anyone answer those questions.

Hope this helps...

[NoCAL]

Hey, this is kinda cool. I just went and read the patent. The HB patent references 50+ other patents that mention side imaging. They are very specific in their claims. Read this for instance:

"an electronic control head operatively coupled to the transducer assembly to control the side scan acoustic elements, the electronic control head including a user interface having a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying side scan sonar images based upon the first and second side scan sonar returns received by one or both of the side scan acoustic elements"

A clever lawyer could look at that and claim that the LSS-1 does not infringe because it is a black box with no LCD to display. The black box has the transducer attached not the head unit with Lowrance! You are correct though there are 2 possible outcomes but it's going to be a long haul before anything gets resolved. Good talking with ya.

NoCAL

[scottsweet]

Anyone who wants to see a Humminbird setup in action, feel free to contact me. I am happy to take you out to Castaic and show you the system and how easy it is to use.

Further, if you will be at Fred Hall, let me know a time on Sunday, as I will be there all day, and I will be happy to walk you through it.

[bigbass111]

Lowrance will still be selling better side imaging 20yrs from now. Do you honestly think Lowrance went into this without consulting their lawyers. They too have probably found loop holes in HB patents..Lowrance just has clearer shots and much better GPS mapping then HB, not to mention sonar quality..

[offduty]

Wow a lot to think about, I really like the dual Humminbird 997C SI set up I have right now. Only thing is I can not attach a larger video screen to it and I have a really nice 15" Argonaut screen now.

Lowrance has great detail in there structure scan & down scan and I was thinking of going to an HDS 10 and HDS 8 set up. Only thing is then I have to buy the LSS-1 setup for an additional $600.00 and if I want a transducer independent of the transom transducer for the trolling motor I have to buy 2 LSS-1 units to keep them independent.

I guess my dilemma is not having an independent transducer on my trolling motor and not being able to turn my trolling motor sideways and scan ahead which I love to do.

I am really on the fence on this one and brand loyalty does not work for me, I want my business earned. 2 LSS-1 units, an HDS 10 & HDS 8 is a big chunk of change.

I am undecided as to go with the 1198C SI and 998C SI or HDS 10, HDS 8 and 2 LSS-1 units. I really don't want to lose my independent transducer on my TM.

Rich

[j10b]

Scott... SIGMA owned by NAVICO whom owns LOWRANCE developed Side Imaging. So I really hope Navico body slams Humminbird for infringing on THEIR patents.

KVD got PAID to hawk humminbird.

[offduty]

Well it looks like I'm going Lowrance, I just bought the LSS-1. So I now have 2 complete 997C SI units with transducers, GPS antennas and all other cords including the interlink for sale.

Rich
PM or call (805) 407-3331 if interested

[Popper]

You will not regret your purchase of the LSS-1 Structure Scan module. I recently installed a HDS-7 and HDS-8 along with the structure scan and after several fishing trips I could not be more please with the HDS Broadband sounders, LSS-1 module, functions, software interface, and Lowrance customer service.
Lowrance GPS receivers are built into the units, and lock on to your position within seconds.
Unlike the Hummingbirds where the GPS antenna module is NOT part of the unit, and requires addition hardware, drilling of holes and cables to install.
The Broadband sounder images provide very......clear definition, bottom composition definition, and target separation. The images are awesome and impressive............I've not seen a product out there today that comes close to these HDS units. And yes, I reviewed the Hummingbirds before making my decision.

The HDS-8 or 10 softkeys provides easy access Main menu commands quickly, and I've found these keys extremely useful. Locking waypoints on Side imaging and 2D displays is awesome, and are not unique to just Hummingbirds. This feature was available before Side imaging and are not unique to any other brand. The GPS waypoint feature is incorporated to both HDS and Hummingbirds side/down imaging. Another nice feature of the Lowrance side/down imaging is measuring of objects. And I am not sure if H.B offers this feature, but this is another fantastic option with the Lowrance system.

In my opinion, the Hummingbird lawsuit will be thrown out of court.
Hummingbirds initial introduction of this new product was side imaging, and not side/down imaging along a 2D display. It was not until Lowrance introduce their Structure Scan in Feb.2009 with Side and Down scan imaging that Hummingbird upgraded their units with down scan late in 2009; therefore, the Lowrance initial introduction of side/down imaging is a different/improved product. H.B added this functionally in their units with a software upgrade after Lowrance introduce Structure Scan. This doesn't factor into the difference size of the side/down imaging transducer design between Lowrance and Hummingbird.
Lowrance side/down imaging transducer aerodynamic design provides 4 mounting configurations (bracket mount or direct mount with different locations) all with one transducer. The Hummingbird transducer offers only (1) configuration which is bracket mounted; however, Hummingbird now offers an option for a direct mount transducer, but you'll have to order this as an option [more $$$$].
The 2D sonar offered by Lowrance comes with a 83kHz/200kHz transducer (all in one). The 83kHz will cover all fresh water scanning environments with the increase cone angle. And this is nothing new to Lowrance 2D sonar imaging.

Lowrance LSS-1 Module is not a large unit. Currently, my LSS-1 module fits very nice in my rod locker with no loss in space to store rods, and this module could EASILY fit under my console.

Ed
I am not sponsored by Lowrance, but I am a very.....satisfied customer. Hope this helps......

[Nick_Barr]

I went with Lowrance. Yes, I was a HB guy, but the technology with Lowrance is amazing, the picture quality and power output are far superior to HB. The HB down imaging is a computer generated picture, Lowrance runs one crystal on the transducer to do it specifically.

I like HB's Service, but I believe the unit quality is on Lowrance's side.

[Cooch]

Did ya git all that Jeremy? Yer a topwater guy, wudda you care anyhow? HAR!

I'm kinda old school, I think if guys spent as much time watching their line in the water as they do these new high tech units, they'd be catching a whole lot more bass! HAR! HAR! HAR!

[lunker punker]

I agree to an extent Cooch. My hang up so far is everybody I know with a lowrance loves them when they work. When they flub up it takes forever to get them fixed. I dont ever hear of anybody with the same gripes about HB.

[Jeff Jewell]

OK So now I'm really confused, so when I'm at the Delta and my trolling motor hits the rocks am I still in 3 feet of water with side imaging ultrascan thingys?
Actually todays technology is pretty amazing, but seems the fish are still getting harder to catch...............

[Popper]

Hey Cooch,

I could not agree with you more on line watching as I am old school. Unfortunately, there's no sense watching your line if you're not on fish.
HAR HAR HAR..........

All kidding aside, today's electronics offer anglers unique visual tools to put the puzzle together. If used correctly, the information should translate into confidence fishing a specific area. And as you know, this confidence is a key element to catching fish. There are many ways of establishing confidence in fishing such as experience (time on the water), but new toys are always helpful.

In my opinion, the side/imaging has limited use on the river, but it will be interesting to turn it on occasionally in certain areas.

There's a place in fishing for graphing/watching your sonar, and it's the balance between using your tools and just fishing by using your experience and instinct that will result in those fantastic days on the water.

Ed

[offduty]

You know I am just going to go Lowrance this time. I really do not want to get down on either brand. Both brands have attributes that I like and dislike.
Rich

[offduty]

My 997C SI's with interlink and ducers have been sold.

[offduty]

Looks like I can not use my 15" screen with the HDS units. I talked to Lowrance customer support and they said that networking only applies to their units and they have no video out port. I Like they're side and down scan images but I am going 998 & 1197 Humminbird so I can hook up to the 15" Argonaut display. just a heads up to others that may want a video out option

Rich