Posts: 676
Location: Wisconsin | One big advantage Lowrance has over Humminbird right now, with the SS or SI, is Lowrance can be networked with that one transducer into three units. Meaning, if you run a HDS-7 and a 5X up front, each can be ethernet networked into the StructureScan transducer via the expansion box and you would see SS on both screens. And any HDS can see the signal where as the HB units, you have to buy a SI unit.
Both units are excellent and very close in features, mapping, etc. If you plan on building a network in your boat, the Lowrance network is much more robust than the Humminbird (with HB having one advantage with the ability to link to Cannons). That will probably change because one company can not let itself slide on this battle.
Why I prefer Lowrance is for the customizations that can be done to set up the locator to how I want to see it, easier to get to screens, Sonar tends to be better, mapping has been stepped up and now has the same Lakemaster shading as the HB does with the new HDS Chip, and networking as stated. There customer service is less to be desired for sure, but I can overlook that.
Now, for HB, I do like the Navionics loaded units which are better in detail than the Insight units. Insight is not where it should be with detail. HB can network Downriggers which is nice. There customer service is top notch and communication from the company is better, and if they do (and a big do) come out with MinnKota communication, that will be a big advantage. But right now, I would say the advantage swings to Lowrance. |
