|
|
Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Looking to upgrade electronics this spring and have always been a Lowrance guy. No real loyalty to Lowrance just a comfort thing and I have all my waypoints and icons that can be easily transferred to my next Lowrance unit.
I am intrigued by the hummingbird units with the incredible side imaging where you can see the actual silhouette of fish.
two questions....
Does Lowrance have anything comparable to the Hummingbird mega SI?
Can I load waypoints and icons from my Lowrance unit to a Hummingbird unit?
Thanks.
Ed |
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | yes, Lowrance has side imaging comparable to hbirds, I'm in a facebook lowrance group and what I learned was to get images comparable to the Hbird Mega imaging you have to have the 3d module and 3d transducer.... guys were posting pics from their gen 3 hds 12s that looked pretty darn close to, if not the same, as H Birds mega imaging.... but, you have to have the 3d module and 3d transducer, which together are about 800 bux...
Edited by BNelson 1/22/2018 1:34 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 150
Location: Appleton, WI | Eddie for the price you cant beat humming bird, to get the same features out of lowrance you have to buy a bunch of other equipment and network them all together. I am replacing all of mine this winter with hbird units. |
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | Ok let's compare the 2...mega imaging 12" solix is 2900. You can pick up hds 12 gen 3s for 2039 with no transducer, get the 3d module and 3d transducer for 899 from Hennessy Outdoors... $2938 for the lowrance hds 3 with the best module and ducer...
$2900 for HBird...so when you really look at the numbers they are very close... I prefer the Lowrance gps over hbirds any day....
Edited by BNelson 1/22/2018 2:56 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 199
| Helix 12 mega vs lowrance? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Thanks Brad!
Ed |
|
| |
|
Posts: 88
Location: Des Plaines, IL | An added benefit on the Lowrance, as was broken down above, is that you get 3D capability as well. Some may view this as unnecessary, but it’s great for getting a clearer picture of exactly where something (like bait, contour lines, etc.) are relative to your boat. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32892
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Humminbird Helix 12" Mega Imaging:
https://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/80519-532416/Humminbi...
https://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436538/humminbird... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 251
| The above link is DI only. SI is $2499 from the same retailer. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 135
| BNelson - 1/22/2018 2:51 PM
Ok let's compare the 2...mega imaging 12" solix is 2900. You can pick up hds 12 gen 3s for 2039 with no transducer, get the 3d module and 3d transducer for 899 from Hennessy Outdoors... $2938 for the lowrance hds 3 with the best module and ducer...
$2900 for HBird...so when you really look at the numbers they are very close... I prefer the Lowrance gps over hbirds any day....
The Helix 12 Mega SI is a better comparison than the Solix, it has an MSRP of $2500.
The Lowrance/Humminbird difference is apples to pears, they're similar and yet not the same when comparing them. Fact is, they're both pretty dang great. Think of what was on your boat only 20 years ago in 1998! I think a lot of people prefer one over the other "any day" based mostly on what they've had in the past so are familiar with in terms of how it looks and how the menus operate.
For me, the 3D imaging on the Lowrance is more "gee whiz" than something that directly helps put fish in the boat. The Humminbird follow-the-contour feature actually does make fishing easier and more efficient.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 134
| All boils down to personal preference. I run the lowrance because touch screen is a must for me. Lowrance 2d seems a little better. The mega compared to the 3d seems a little better. The user interface on the lowrance seems much better to "me" I like how easy it is to customize and dial in exactly how I want.
Last year I ran a HDS12gen3 and a Humminbird Mega12 on the dash side by side to try and get a comparison and feel for both. I sell them both and wanted to be able to know what I was talking about. The Humminbird certainly wins on take it out of the box, turn it on and its going to work. The lowrance is ok out of the box but far easier to get dialed in the way you want. Humminbird can be dialed in quite well but you really need to know what your doing.
-Older generation that doesn't need touch, and just wants to turn on and go- then I sell them the hummingbird.
-Customers who are on these type of sites I sell them what 20 people who can't go muskie fishing because the water is frozen say is the best locator.
-All other customers I basically sell them what they are used to. |
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | from what I read, (and guys posted pics of) the 3d transducer simply provides a better side imaging image... most guys said they weren't really using the 3d feature it was simply that the 3d module and that particular ducer provides a comparable image to Hbirds mega side imaging... hbird seems to have a good marketing campaign for the mega imaging... I was unaware Lowrance had such good quality side imaging until I did some researching...which you'd think Lowrance would try to get the info to the consumer....
personally I like the 2d sonar of Lowrance, I love their icon system, laying down icons is a breeze, and just the overall use to Lowrances GPS ... I question whether switching to Hbirds mega would put any more fish in the boat, when you really look at the numbers, ease of use, and what you are familiar with...they are pretty darn close
good info here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qhs5UNHI6k
Edited by BNelson 1/24/2018 9:23 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 546
Location: MN | BNelson - 1/22/2018 1:34 PM
yes, Lowrance has side imaging comparable to hbirds, I'm in a facebook lowrance group and what I learned was to get images comparable to the Hbird Mega imaging you have to have the 3d module and 3d transducer.... guys were posting pics from their gen 3 hds 12s that looked pretty darn close to, if not the same, as H Birds mega imaging.... but, you have to have the 3d module and 3d transducer, which together are about 800 bux...
Yes, you can convert waypoints from Lowrance to Humminbird. These are a few images from a Humminbird MEGA unit. I have not seen the same level of detail without MEGA. Contrast, definition and clarity play a big part in being able to capture such images. It comes down to the fact that MEGA is utilizing 1.2 mHz, a frequency that is currently only offered by Humminbird.
In using 1.2 mHz, it allows for the unit to create more refined pictures of what is below by pinging the objects below with a narrower beam that equates to more precise data. If you look below, you'll see two diagrams that break down the difference between 455kHz and the 1.2mHz MEGA frequency. Because MEGA is able to "collect more data" in the same interval as 455kHz, it is able to track and display more subtle changes in sonar returns, aka detail and target separation. You'll notice this in the first image in how we can see the changes in bottom composition and crisp shadows of the cribs and detail of things like little rocks on the bottom.
Edited by mtcook16 1/24/2018 7:32 PM
(Mega_Muskie_While Casting_Small.jpg)
(Mega_Muskie_While Casting_Zoom.jpg)
(455kHz Ping Interval.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 Mega2-Small.jpg (113KB - 896 downloads)
Mega3_Small.jpg (82KB - 1079 downloads)
Mega_Muskie_While Casting_Small.jpg (44KB - 590 downloads)
Mega_Muskie_While Casting_Zoom.jpg (45KB - 908 downloads)
455kHz Ping Interval.jpg (64KB - 544 downloads)
MEGA Ping Interval.jpg (89KB - 522 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | here are a couple Lowrance images guys posted
Attachments
----------------
l1.jpg (84KB - 538 downloads)
l2.jpg (73KB - 727 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 546
Location: MN | I'm not saying that others don't make a good product. 455 kHz or 800 kHz can make a good picture, especially when utilizing CHIRP to filter returns for the best image. However, 1.2 Megahertz is better suited and more capable to capturing detail when scanning narrower ranges to the sides of your boat (<125').
455 kHz is offered by all and is a great coverage frequency. Its wavelengths are wider and will sacrifice detail in exchange for large coverage ranges that excel in covering lots of water and finding structure. However, they will not necessarily be able to pick it apart in detail. That's why 455, 800 kHz are still options, despite MEGA's detail and clarity.
Can you figure 8 with a 7' muskie rod? Absolutely. But I'd rather figure 8 with a 9' rod because it is better suited for the purpose I'm using it for.
Edited by mtcook16 1/24/2018 7:24 PM
Attachments
----------------
S00072_.jpg (195KB - 551 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
| I have used side imaging along time and feel I am fairly good at interpreting the data that is displayed. I also know I do not need to count the twigs on a branch to know its a tree. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | BNelson - 1/22/2018 2:51 PM
Ok let's compare the 2...mega imaging 12" solix is 2900. You can pick up hds 12 gen 3s for 2039 with no transducer, get the 3d module and 3d transducer for 899 from Hennessy Outdoors... $2938 for the lowrance hds 3 with the best module and ducer...
$2900 for HBird...so when you really look at the numbers they are very close... I prefer the Lowrance gps over hbirds any day....
Thanks everyone for the input!
I did find a HDS-12 with the 3D package (includes 3D module and 3D transducer) for $2,889.99
Either way both Lowrance and Hummingbird have great units!
Ed |
|
| |
|
Posts: 135
| Matt Cook works in promotions for Johnson Outdoors, something that should be considered when reading his comments. I wish pro-staff, employees, or others with business relationships would identify themselves as such.
I have used side imaging along time and feel I am fairly good at interpreting the data that is displayed. I also know I do not need to count the twigs on a branch to know its a tree.
Exactly! Comparing the differences in level of detail on SI images is foolish at this point, imho. It's a "great vs greater" debate that gets falsely presented as if it's a "good vs bad" argument.
I think the differences that matter to actual owners lie in other functionality: Screen speed, ease of screen navigation, sonar target separation, ability to network with a particular trolling motor, mapping features, recording maps on uncharted waters, etc. For me, the combination of Humminbird/MinnKota/Lakemaster for follow-the-contour and map depth highlights are some of the most muskie-fishing-useful features available.
Edited by Glaucus_ 1/24/2018 3:36 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 546
Location: MN | I have no hidden agenda and I really enjoy talking about fishing and those topics related to fishing.
I have been muskie fishing and visiting Muskie First for many years, long before my relationship with the company was even a distant thought. I started visiting the forum to learn more about this great sport and to be able to share my passion for muskies with others. That is still my goal when contributing to this site. I provide information in areas that I am well-informed so that I can contribute to threads that will hopefully be helpful to others. I enjoy sharing with others because it real information and real images that others have the opportunity to replicate for themselves and enjoy success.
Regardless, this thread lead to the original poster finding something that suites his needs and will provide him a better and that's what this is really about.
Edited by mtcook16 1/24/2018 7:27 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | mtcook16 - 1/24/2018 6:44 PM
I have no hidden agenda and I really enjoy talking about fishing and those topics related to fishing.
I have been muskie fishing and visiting Muskie First for many years, long before my relationship with the company was even a distant thought. I started visiting the forum to learn more about this great sport and to be able to share my passion for muskies with others. That is still my goal when contributing to this site. I provide information in areas that I am well-informed so that I can contribute to threads that will hopefully be helpful to others. I enjoy sharing with others because it real information and real images that others have the opportunity to replicate for themselves and enjoy success.
Regardless, this thread lead to the original poster finding something that suites his needs and will provide him a better and that's what this is really about.
Thanks for all the information! You are correct in that I think we all try and offer our expertise and knowledge to help others out on this and other forums. Sometimes guys take it personally and can be offended which leads to the original poster not always getting the answer he is looking for. But in this case users of both products made great points and it's obvious that both manufactures have a great product. The last thing anyone wants is to discourage people with tons of knowledge to be silenced. I chose to go with Lowrance because of familiarity with the product and it's compatible with my trolling motor. Thanks all for all the great information!
Ed
Edited by MuskyTime 1/25/2018 8:21 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 135
| I have no hidden agenda...I provide information in areas that I am well-informed so that I can contribute to threads that will hopefully be helpful to others.
Your information is good and helpful, Matt, and I hope it continues. At the same time, I think it's appropriate for an employee of Johnson Outdoors who works specifically in promotion and marketing to identify themselves as such - especially when commenting on JO products in comparison to other brands. It helps the readers to understand both the expertise that you offer on JO products, and for them to be aware of the potential bias in your point of view. If you don't want the agenda to appear hidden, then be out in the open about it - a simple inclusion of your work title in your post signature would accomplish this - aside from the transparency piece, I think there's a huge upside to people knowing that there's an "in house" muskie fisherman who can offer them some expert insights on JO product use.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 546
Location: MN | Fair enough. Hadn't considered updating the profile, as 50% + of my time on here is for my own fun. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | Have you noticed that there are tons of guys switching from Lowrance to birds over the last few years but you never see any posts of guys going from bird to Lowrance? I switched from Lowrance to Humminbird about 5 years ago and have never been happier. Although I do not run a mega unit, I will say I much prefer everything on the bird over the Lowrance except the 2d sonar like BNelson had mentioned. |
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | Quite a few guys in the fb group went from bird to lowrance... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1727
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | I also have converted 5 friends from bird to lowrance. You may not hear about it, but it happens more than you think. Every person I converted runs HDS units.
I used to have a portable HDS gen 1 5”. I mounted a transducer on the suction cup mount on the transom. We would look at one at a time. Birds would not read the bottom over one of the shad clouds we found. My lowrance would read the shad, tree, and the game fish under the tree. It was too hard to argue with those results. |
|
| |
