Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I run the HDS 7, along with a couple LCX units. The HDS took a big leap forward in many regards. It now has so many more capabilities with the lss add ons, better ethernet links, great new triple screen split feature, and a neat radio add on feature for folks.
As someone only looking for a great 2D sonar with quick gps refresh speed, I feel Lowrance took a step backwards here. The unit takes alot longer to power up and switch between screen and menus. I've gotten over this as I've been told there is so much more that these new units compute, taking more time. Next, I still don't like that the icon feature was done away with. Call me old fashioned, but that is one of the reasons I went with my first Lowrance hand held 13 years ago. Since its a computer, why not allow for/offer it? Last, the refresh rate on the maps of my new HDS unit is pitiful. If you like to troll slowly or work your trolling motor towards waypoints and pinpoint areas and are used to the quick response of the lcx units, good luck with the HDS 7. Also, it is not the antenna speed and will not be improved with the 4000 puck as proven in many instances. The screen itself is not updating at the claimed once per second that the antenna affords. Still working on this issue, but from what I read/have been told, it is something Lowrance is aware of and is trying to remedy which is good.
I plan to try the new 4.0 update in my unit, but unless that completely cures the refresh rate, I'd suggest checking into the bird.
Edited by Reef Hawg 5/10/2011 5:21 PM
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