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Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Guys, I'm looking at upgrading to an 8" screen (or bigger) Whats the best units out there and an idea of costs. Jerome |
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Location: Iowa Great Lakes | I'm partial to the Lowrance units, best pricing I have found is from Pro Fishing Supply... |
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| Are you going to use the bigger, heavier unit on the bow to help break ICE ? I am sure you will get lots of good feedback here.
PS is it over? and how did you do the last few times out? |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Ya, it's over here..... 0* last night, 17* today. Talked to L last night and he and his guys broke 4 reels yesterday in the icey water. SUCKS.
disipointed that the Fat Lady missed the net,..Again !
Soooo, how much would a 8-10" screen S.I. unit cost, installed? |
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Location: Iowa Great Lakes | Just looked them up, $2100 for the 8" with LSS, $2600 for the 10" with LSS, instalation not included...
Edited by shaley 11/20/2011 4:09 PM
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Posts: 133
Location: Wausau, WI | I have two years on a Humminbird 998. Without getting into too much detail, I would highly recommend the Humminbird over the Lowrance because of the ease of use. I have a couple of buddies with Lowrance units and it is difficult to switch screens, navigate through the system, and adjust settings compared to the Humminbird. This is by no means a dig at Lowrance so I hope my post doesn't get deleted. The Humminbird unit is truly better in all aspects IN MY OPINION. An 8" screen (898) will run about $1,200 - $1,500. If you have the cash, get the biggest screen you can. I though the 998 was more than enough until I fished with my buddies 1198. |
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Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | So in your opinion is the Hummingbird an easyer unit for an "Older Gentleman" to use and figure out ?
And is there ever any GOOD "used units " out there?
Thanks. |
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Posts: 29
Location: Chicago | want to buy my lowrance LCX-28HD that i bought two years ago? I want to switch to a hummingbird! |
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Location: Sycamore, IL | I also like my Hummingbird 898c si and find it easy to use. I have not used the Lowrance system so can't compare the two. They sometimes come up used on Bass Boat Central, but seem to go fast. Si technology is really cool and helped my trolling game quite a bit this year. Have fun picking out your new toy!
Matt |
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Location: Iowa Great Lakes | We have both HB and HDS, my HB friends like the display of the graph of my HDS alot better than their HB... I do to.....Deals can be had off of Bass Boat Central more birds than HDS units though, the HDS sell fast....
Edited by shaley 11/20/2011 4:42 PM
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Posts: 133
Location: Wausau, WI | Yes, I would especially recommend the Humminbird for someone who isn't "tech savvy". There is also TONS of info on the internet on how to properly set up and fine tune Humminbird Side Imaging units. You can really learn a lot on a crappy winter day just by reading Side Imaging Forums. |
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| G Rome...just do what i do...get a young guy who can read my old black and white electronics....navigate the boat...and net my fish when the clicker wakes me up from my cat-nap.....fish on....lol... |
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Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Good one Rick !
My biggest problem is......How do I hide a $2,600. "TOY" for the Boat from the C.O.???
It only took Her 2 weeks to discover my Off Shore account last year..........
Jerome |
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | H2O, your already a Lowrance guy, the HDS isn't that much different. You'll have it down in no time. When I switched from the LCX units to the HDS units it took me two good outings and I had it pretty well figured out. As much as you fish, you'll have no problems. The main difference is the menus, there are more options, There are a few more keys and that's a given when you add the capabilities they did. I'd go HDS because the ability to add other features like Sirius weather/radio, Sonic Hub Marine Audio and StructureScan to name a few.
Plus, you just might have someone who would be more than happy to give you free on the water tutorial of the units and how all the features work;). |
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Location: Iowa Great Lakes | Forgot Lorance does have a $200 rebate going on the HDS 8 and 10.... |
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Location: Mayville, WI | As someone who used to run Lowrance and currently runs Birds on my personal boat and HDS on the work boat - I prefer the birds. As already stated, much easier navigation and use. They have a great feature where you can save different screens - such as all sonar, sonar/map split, all map, or however you want and all you have to do is hit 1 button and boom, you're there! You can get an h-bird 998 w/ down & side-scan for $2,000 + tax. A similar HDS unit (HDS-8) with stucture scan is $2,300 + tax.
If you do go with the HDS, I'd suggest getting it with all the goodies right away - adding later as options isn't cheap - $600 just to add structure scan.
sc |
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | scmuskies - 11/21/2011 11:31 AM
They have a great feature where you can save different screens - such as all sonar, sonar/map split, all map, or however you want and all you have to do is hit 1 button and boom, you're there! You can get an h-bird 998 w/ down & side-scan for $2,000 + tax. A similar HDS unit (HDS-8) with stucture scan is $2,300 + tax.
If you do go with the HDS, I'd suggest getting it with all the goodies right away - adding later as options isn't cheap - $600 just to add structure scan.
The 4.0 update for the HDS adds the ability to save screens just like the Humminbird. I'm not sure of the technical name for the feature, but your able to save 6 screens so you can flip to your preferred screen in seconds.
As for the price of the Lowrance, I would expect it to cost more, the HDS can do three times as much as a bird. SonicHub, Sirius radio/weather, radar, StructureScan and a whole lot of other engine readouts.
Best thing is, if you don't want any of those add-ons for that matter or you can't afford them right away, then you can add them at a later date. It'll cost you no more money later if you choose to not by the StructureScan as a package. It's $600 if you buy it with or without as a package.
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 11:44 AM
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | Oh, don't forget about the $200 rebate on the HDS units going on RIGHT NOW!
Here is the link:
http://www.lowrance.com/specialoffers/Lowrance-Getaway/
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 11:46 AM
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| the HDS can do three times as much as a bird. SonicHub, Sirius radio/weather, radar, StructureScan and a whole lot of other engine readouts.
3 times as much as the Bird? lol.
the Birds have satellite weather too, they just added radar, can read/display engine data, and manage to display the structure via standard/down/side-imaging.
Lowrance has satellite radio control.
Humminbird has Lakemaster chips and can control Cannon downriggers. (you know, "fishing stuff".)
Edited by lambeau 11/21/2011 12:49 PM
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | lambeau - 11/21/2011 12:47 PM
the HDS can do three times as much as a bird. SonicHub, Sirius radio/weather, radar, StructureScan and a whole lot of other engine readouts.
3 times as much as the Bird? lol.
the Birds have satellite weather too, they just added radar, can read/display engine data, and manage to display the structure via standard/down/side-imaging.
Lowrance has satellite radio control.
Humminbird has Lakemaster chips and can control Cannon downriggers. (you know, "fishing stuff". )
Good to hear Bird is catching up, bout time I guess. |
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Location: Mayville, WI | Even with the rebate, the HDS's still cost more $$$ and sonic hub is overpriced. You can get a good cd player w/ MP3 input and speakers with money left over to buy an iPOD, plus less stuff to mount. |
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| Good to hear Bird is catching up, bout time I guess.
yeah.
good they're catching up with Side Imaging. oops, they had that before Lowrance.
and it's good they're catching up with sales. oops, they're #1 in the market.
but hey, Lowrance has satellite radio so i guess that equates to doing "three times as much as a Bird" right?
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | lambeau - 11/21/2011 3:01 PM
Good to hear Bird is catching up, bout time I guess.
yeah.
good they're catching up with Side Imaging. oops, they had that before Lowrance.
and it's good they're catching up with sales. oops, they're #1 in the market.
but hey, Lowrance has satellite radio so i guess that equates to doing "three times as much as a Bird" right?
Lambeau, we've already been through this. Steve pointed out in an earlier thread they maybe #1 in sales but it's easy to be that when your selling a whole bunch of the $100-200 units. Obviously, the big push for Lowrance the last couple years has been the the LCX and now the HDS units, quite the opposite for Humminbird. It's just been the last couple years Bird has made a push with some "real" units.
Oh, what about Down Imaging, who had that first? Oh, that's right, not Bird!
As for the side imaging, funny how Bird has radar, funny how they have Sirius weather, radio and the so called capability of engine readouts. All of which those things were long available through Simrad, sister company of Navico and their leading saltwater marine electronics. Ask ANYONE who has used Simrad products, they are by far the best, that I assure you of. I know this from the the last three saltwater events I've been at over the past few months.
Ever heard of the Green Box? Where did that originate? I think it starts with an L and ends with an e.
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 3:32 PM
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Location: Contrarian Island | Sled, you bring the popcorn I'll bring the beer.... 
last time I checked being the first to market with something doesn't mean it's better... or the best... even having the most sales doesn't mean it's the best...it usually means they have a bigger marketing budget...
what would be interesting to me is of the 2 which one is #1 in units over say $900 sold...
I just follow my trails anyway.
Edited by BNelson 11/21/2011 3:42 PM
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | BNelson - 11/21/2011 3:34 PM
last time I checked being the first to market with something doesn't mean it's better... or the best... even having the most sales doesn't mean it's the best...it usually means they have a bigger marketing budget...
I agree completely. Funny how Mr. Lambeau likes throwing that useless fact out there on a question like this.
I've seen and used both units, from my experience, I like the Lowrance performance overall.
Units sold over $900, that's a no brainer. I can't even imagine how many 1000's of LCX units were sold before Bird even had a competitive unit on the market. The LCX line started early 2000's, Bird finally got a competitive unit in like what, 2007 or so?
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 3:48 PM
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| "maybe #1 in sales but it's easy to be that when your selling a whole bunch of the $100-200 units."
Ummm... the Eagle Cudas didn't fit here? What about the X-50s, or now the X-4s, or... I've seen and will see plenty of them on boats as starter packages.
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| Ever heard of the Green Box? Where did that originate? I think it starts with an L and ends with an e.
did you just go "Green Box" as evidence that Lowrance beats out Humminbird?
really?
here's my observation: there's an awful lot of people i know switching over to Humminbird. (who aren't pro-staff and don't work for a website on which Lowrance advertises.) just like me, they usually say the reason has to do with seeing Humminbirds work on the water and liking them better. also like me, they comment on the dependability and reputation for superior customer service.
of course, if you like Lowrance better, buy one of those! just don't try and claim some complete crap about how they do 3 times as many things.
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Location: Contrarian Island | TJ, I'd like to know who is selling more high end units as of 2011...not 2007... today...
Edited by BNelson 11/21/2011 3:48 PM
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | BNelson - 11/21/2011 3:48 PM
TJ, I'd like to know who is selling more high end units as of 2011...not 2007... today...
It would be interesting, but I personally don't care. Obviously Bird has done a tremendous job on getting considerable market share, but the market share Lowrance had was huge, I don't think they lost that much to the point they were taken over on that part of the market. Lowrance is still the dominant sonar units for anglers on just about every tournament circuit we cover each year. Things have remained very good for Lowrance from the things we've heard.
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 3:55 PM
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Location: Contrarian Island | well of course they didn't get taken over..there are basically 2 choices..any time a consumer is limited to 2 very similiar choices chances of 1 ending up with an overwhelming share is slim.... sI would imagine Lowrance has taken a hit on the high end units ... both seem like solid units...I know guys who love their HDS units and guys who love the HBirds....
Edited by BNelson 11/21/2011 4:03 PM
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | lambeau - 11/21/2011 3:46 PM
Ever heard of the Green Box? Where did that originate? I think it starts with an L and ends with an e.
did you just go "Green Box" as evidence that Lowrance beats out Humminbird?
really?
here's my observation: there's an awful lot of people i know switching over to Humminbird. (who aren't pro-staff and don't work for a website on which Lowrance advertises. ) just like me, they usually say the reason has to do with seeing Humminbirds work on the water and liking them better. also like me, they comment on the dependability and reputation for superior customer service.
of course, if you like Lowrance better, buy one of those! just don't try and claim some complete crap about how they do 3 times as many things.
You brought out the whole thing about being #1 in sales and bringing Side Imaging to market first so I referenced where a lot of the technologies began and who began it. So yeah, I did bring in the Green Box. Wonder where Bird was then?
Your observation maybe correct, not saying it isn't. However, the people you see and know are a fraction of the overall market. Basing your observation off that is a complete joke if you ask me. Those that you know, I'd bet you may have had something to do with persuading them to switch, just like I may have persuaded or showed others why Lowrance is my choice.
As for dependability, it'll certainly be interesting the day Bird makes a switch like Lowrance did going from the LCX to the HDS units. Until then, we won't know how they will handle it. Obviously Lowrance experienced some CS issues, but call them now, it won't be any different than calling Bird CS. Every time I've ever had to call, usually a couple times a year assisting friends they have been great.
As for 3 times better, I honestly had no clue Bird had or supposedly has engine readouts nor radar capability, I still can't find anything on it. I'm pretty up to date on all things like that but it's apparent I'm not if they have engine monitors. Either that's bogus or Bird doesn't promote the fact their units have those capabilities.
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 4:14 PM
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | BNelson - 11/21/2011 4:00 PM
well of course they didn't get taken over..there are basically 2 choices..any time a consumer is limited to 2 very similiar choices chances of 1 ending up with an overwhelming share is slim.... sI would imagine Lowrance has taken a hit on the high end units ... both seem like solid units...I know guys who love their HDS units and guys who love the HBirds....
Wow, never thought I'd see the day we agree on something. |
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| Nice job Jerome you really like starting fires don't you. Do you have any gas to throw on this one? |
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| As for 3 times better, I honestly had no clue Bird had or supposedly has engine readouts nor radar capability, I still can't find anything on it.
supposedly? bogus? Nice.
It's an accessory that connects NMEA2000 data via the Ethernet connection. So if your motor supports it, the Birds can display it...which will save you a bundle in special gauges.
I'm pretty up to date on all things like that...Either that's bogus or Bird doesn't promote the fact their units have those capabilities.
OFM covers industry product releases at the iCAST event, right?
http://youtu.be/PhHfU-QpdEM
Edited by lambeau 11/21/2011 6:45 PM
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Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Anyway back to the discussion.
I'm a Bird convert and I'm loving it! I did have an issue with a powercable going bad and all it took was a phonecall (they picked up on the first ring) and in 5 minutes they shot me out a new one just like that. No fuss, no muss!
A very cool thing that the bird has is the ability to highlight certain water depths on the Lakemaster. For instance, on Tonka I set it at 15' (the general weedline). This way I can run right to the weedline easily and it's MUCH easier to read at night. For this option alone I would say to get the bird over the Lowrance.
A friend of mine has the Lowrance and he told me after seeing mine that the screens refreshed MUCH faster then his as well as the fact the bird didn't let the boat outrun the map like the L did. There's a guy on this site that would probably sell you some HDS units so he can get some birds this winter.
For the record I'm running a 898 at the helm and an 858 networked at the bow. You can drop waypoints and have them show up at the helm or vica versa. |
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| I am just warming up by the fire. Rudy or Ryan can you get me another half a beer? |
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Location: Iowa Great Lakes | I have never outdrove my GPS, I find the HDS units easier to see both in daylight and at nigh, even the 1100 series to me are hard to read..... |
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | lambeau - 11/21/2011 5:09 PM
As for 3 times better, I honestly had no clue Bird had or supposedly has engine readouts nor radar capability, I still can't find anything on it.
supposedly? bogus? Nice.
It's an accessory that connects NMEA2000 data via the Ethernet connection. So if your motor supports it, the Birds can display it...which will save you a bundle in special gauges.
I'm pretty up to date on all things like that...Either that's bogus or Bird doesn't promote the fact their units have those capabilities.
OFM covers industry product releases at the iCAST event, right?
http://youtu.be/PhHfU-QpdEM
I know how it works on the Lowrance, it's been available with the LCX and HDS's for some time, I assumed it was similar with the Birds, but heard nothing about it. Just so we're clear, there are no special gauges you talk of, it's all done through ethernet with the gauges being on the unit itself. Since they just added the ability of these monitors in JULY, radar, engine monitors and SonicHub which they still lack, well look there, 3 times better! I guess I wasn't completely wrong, it's not even on their website yet.
OFM covers as much as possible at ICAST, however, in three days of ICAST, you can't possible cover all the booths and conduct business meetings with clients and cover the full show, it's impossible, way too much under one roof to even think you can cover the whole show. We cover as much as possible and still leave a ton behind. Hmmm...and who's copying who now?
Edited by TJ DeVoe 11/21/2011 7:05 PM
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Location: Iowa Great Lakes | Heres some good pricing for ya Jerome..
Black Friday Sale Starts NOW !
Lowrance HDS-5X Finder 83/200khz (140-27) -$487.00 $50 Rebate.......... Lowrance HDS5 Insight 83/200khz -(140-19) -$659.00 $100 Rebate......... Lowrance HDS7 Insight 83/200khz -(140-12) -$1039.00 $200 Rebate........ Lowrance HDS7 Basemap 83/200khz -(140-05) -$869.00 $200 Rebate........ Lowrance HDS8 Insight 83/200khz -(140-07) -$1629.00 $200 Rebate......... Lowrance HDS8 Basemap 83/200khz -(140-09) -$1449.00 $200 Rebate....... Lowrance HDS10 Insight 83/200khz-(140-13) -$2129.00 $200 Rebate................... Lowrance HDS7 Insight bundle w/Structure Scan -$1369.00 $100 Rebate............ Lowrance HDS8 Insight bundle w/Structure Scan -$1959.00 $200 Rebate........... Lowrance HDS10 Insight bundle w/Structure Scan-$2459.00 $200 Rebate.................... *Prices include shipping and are BEFORE rebates !!!.................. Phone orders only please. Supplies are limited................... Brian......... BBGmarine.com ........... Board Sponsor............. 888-570-0916
Date: 2011-11-21
Location: Acworth, GA
Seller: Brian Leiva
Phone: 8885700916
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| Just so we're clear, there are no special gauges you talk of, it's all done through ethernet with the gauges being on the unit itself.
that's true when networked to GPS/sonar displays. i was comparing it to other NMEA2k displays such as the SmartCraft, i-Command, or Command Link (all of which are gauges). these are expensive and now essentially irrelevant since it became available on these units instead.
Since they just added the ability of these monitors in JULY, radar, engine monitors and SonicHub which they still lack, well look there, 3 times better! I guess I wasn't completely wrong, it's not even on their website yet.
sigh.
we're discussing this in late November, not last July.
also, 3 times something is a wee bit different than 3 more things. math, doh!
you're correct on one thing Lowrance has over Humminbird, the critical SonicHub. so you can play music on your gps. have fun.
OFM covers as much as possible at ICAST, however, in three days of ICAST, you can't possible cover all the booths and conduct business meetings with clients and cover the full show, it's impossible, way too much under one roof to even think you can cover the whole show. We cover as much as possible and still leave a ton behind.
you said you stayed "up-to-date" on these things and referred to my information as "supposedly" or "bogus" since you didn't know about it and couldn't find it.
you found time to interview Lowrance, but then they're paying the bills.
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Location: Stevens Point, WI | lambeau - 11/21/2011 7:23 PM
Just so we're clear, there are no special gauges you talk of, it's all done through ethernet with the gauges being on the unit itself.
that's true when networked to GPS/sonar displays. i was comparing it to other NMEA2k displays such as the SmartCraft, i-Command, or Command Link (all of which are gauges ). these are expensive and now essentially irrelevant since it became available on these units instead.
Since they just added the ability of these monitors in JULY, radar, engine monitors and SonicHub which they still lack, well look there, 3 times better! I guess I wasn't completely wrong, it's not even on their website yet.
sigh.
we're discussing this in late November, not last July.
also, 3 times something is a wee bit different than 3 more things. math, doh!
you're correct on one thing Lowrance has over Humminbird, the critical SonicHub. so you can play music on your gps. have fun.
OFM covers as much as possible at ICAST, however, in three days of ICAST, you can't possible cover all the booths and conduct business meetings with clients and cover the full show, it's impossible, way too much under one roof to even think you can cover the whole show. We cover as much as possible and still leave a ton behind.
you said you stayed "up-to-date" on these things and referred to my information as "supposedly" or "bogus" since you didn't know about it and couldn't find it.
you found time to interview Lowrance, but then they're paying the bills.
These gauges will not make smartcraft and the others irrelevant. Smartcraft offers more features that those gauges won't represent or readout. An OFM contact for Lowrance works hand in hand with Mercury and other companies to help make all these gauges work with each motor, so no, they will NOT be irrelevant.
We've touched base with Minn Kota and Humminbird numerous times, they've had their opportunity to have our full attention. Bogus and supposedly refer to the fact that there is no information that was easily accessible on their website. Typically that kind of information is on their website immediately following a show like ICAST. Since when do you go to YouTube first to find out information like that? |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | sigh.. my hinder.
We have VERY solid friendships with folks from both brands. Both build good units. I think 'Bird was lacking in the PR department with the brand, and I bet they won't be now. We never received a press release directly from them, and although we do mine releases when we can, they know who we are and should have sent the release....and didn't. They will in the future, I bet, they have a guy who will make sure we get the information, and he is a decade long friend of OFM!
As far as 'paying the bills' Lowrance is a new promotional partner for us. The true value of what we do for them is not in the process of internet banners, that's for sure.
We are happy to be working with them. If that's a problem for you, Mike, I suggest you take a look at your membership fee for OutdoorsFIRST, and appreciate the cost to you. It's folks like Lund Boats, Frabill, Lowrance, Lindy, Mercury Marine, Tuffy Boats, Tracker, Nitro, Fishouflage, Tackle Industries, Aqua-Vu, Jiffy, Shock Master, Sportek Innovations, Ol' Drop Tyne, and all the rest of our promotional partners who make this place possible. Use your mouse (please) if that bothers you.
By the way, Lowrance contacted US for the releases and interviews and made staff available to us to get them done...something despite repeated requests over the years, Johnson has not done. We hope that will change in the future!
We were happy to do what we could for our friends at Lowrance, and it led to a mutually beneficial relationship. Funny how that works.
Want to see an interview or two and press releases from 'Bird in the future? I suggest you stand by.
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S.I. Sonar units.