Lowrance HDS-5 or 5x or 5m ??

WackySenko · Post by **WackySenko** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:03 am

I am looking at getting an HDS-5, Christmas present from the wife. Which one would be better and why, the HDS-5, HDS-5x or HDS-5m. Any info is much appreciated. I fish the Delta, Clear Lake, Oroville, Shasta, Berryessa, Don Pedro and more.
Thank You

Garrettt · Post by **Garrettt** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:15 pm

Dont get the 5x. you can't set waypoints, sideimaging or connect 2 units.

Hugh_M · Post by **Hugh_M** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:28 pm

My understanding is that the -5X is sonar (fishfinder) only and has no GPS, the -5M is a GPS/Chart Plotter only and has no sonar, and if you want BOTH sonar & GPS then you need the -5. I have a -5X on my bow and a -5 on the way for my cockpit.

WackySenko · Post by **WackySenko** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:47 pm

Thank you all for your response. I will be getting the HDS-5.

Jim Moulton · Post by **Jim Moulton** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 4:56 pm

HDS-5 with Insight, That way you have mapping also.
Jim

rxfish · Post by **rxfish** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:40 pm

I just found on line a HDS-5 Lake Insight with structure scan for 1097.69.
I want to take out a LMS 520c from the front of the boat and replace it with this unit. I have a 520 at the back as well. Can I use the same transducer from the 520 on the front and will it hook direct to the 520 on the back, or do I need additional cables?

PeteD · Post by **PeteD** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 9:57 am

I have a HDS-5 on the console and a HDS-5X on the bow, I did put a ethernet cable between the two and I am suppose to be able to share waypoints between the two.
they do share info between both units.

Peted

Ken Sauret · Post by **Ken Sauret** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:32 pm

The mapping packages that come preloaded into the HDS differ so be sure to make the right choice so you get the mapping and information needed for the water you fish. The Nautic Insight is mapping for navigable waters only, like the Cal Delta, Colombia River, Coast line. The Lake Insight is mapping for inland lakes only, no Cal Delta. Insight USA is the combination of Nautic Insight and Lake Insight together. If you fish the Delta AND lakes then the Insight USA would be the best choice.

The transducers used from the LMS, LCX and HDS units are all compatible with each other, all have a blue connector.

As for the question concerning sharing waypoints between an HDS 5 and an HDS 5x there are a couple things to address. First an HDS 5x is a sonar only unit and not a GPS unit so it cannot display a map of any kind let alone any waypoints on a map. Second, an ethernet cable is for the transfer of sonar data only. A NMEA backbone is for sharing waypoints between two compatible units.

Hope this helps,