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Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | Question to Humminbird users, I have always been a Lowrance guy but I've found a great deal on a 858c HD new. I currently have a Lowrance elite 7 as my bow unit and I like the sonar and size but the mapping seems to be lacking. I've been using navionics premium north for a chip and when I plug the same chip in my hds 5 it shows a lot more detail. I'm looking to replace the 5 and before I get another elite 7 I would like to know thoughts on the 858's mapping end. Some guys I fish with say that just the ability to use lakemaster alone is worth the switch to bird. Any thoughts? |
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Posts: 537
Location: Gilberts IL/Rhinelander WI | Whatever trolling motor you are partial too may have some bearing on your desicion in the future. |
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Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | Terrova is what I have and have no plans on going to motor guide |
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Posts: 574
| I started the year with an 858c HD and a lowrance elite 7.. Ended the year with a 858c,and a 998c SI.
To be honest I never even tried putting a map chip in the elite 7, and it gave me a headache or 2 trying to get my waypoints from my last graph onto it..
The waypoint transition was simple on the bird, and I can say the Navioncs I have on the one unit, and lakemaster on the other both show pretty good detail.. If the HDS shows details that the Elite doesn't I'd be shocked if the H Bird didn't show it too.
I'd buy it, or look on ebay and grab one of the side imaging 998s Like I did.. Last years models that arent "led" are around $1200 now instead of $2000 |
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Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I have 998c SI. Very nice sonar. I am using Navionics and am very happy with the detail. I bet you would like the 858c and am really sure the 998 will impress.
You will note I didn't say ANYTHING about either brand being 'better'. |
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Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | Haha thanks sworral.
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Posts: 90
| Did you update you Elite 7 in July when a software update came out? If not, they aren't capable of showing 1ft contours. After the update they will.
If it was me, I would wait for an 859 that will be released for this coming year. They will be lower in price then last year. I forget what the 59's will be, but the 899SI, will be $1000. |
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Posts: 42
| I made the switch from lowrance to birds and do not regret it. I have the 858c hd and run the navionics chips. There is plenty of detail on the maps and very user friendly. |
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Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | Well I found a 859c for $599 on eBay. Just bought it. Hopefully it's legit and no problems. Decided to go with the 859 because of the internal GPS. Gonna run the 59 at the bow and an elite 7 at the dash. We'll see the comparison come spring. |
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