HummingBird vs. Lowrance

[BassTrooper]

I have recently experienced problems with all three of the Lowrance units that came with my 2007 Puma. The LMS-332, x135 and the 1440 flasher. I sent all three back to Lowrance. I bought the side imaging unit from HummingBird which is so far so good. The HummingBird is not as good with the GPS options but the side imaging off sets that. It will not read when on pad due to the mounting location of the tranducer but I still Love it. I dont know if Lowrance has started doing something new or what, but I am extremely disappionted with the quality of their product. ( plus as of now they have failed to respond to my complaint.) Just wanted to get others opinion on the two.

[basschaser]

BassTrooper -My 06 Puma had 2 332s on it and every once in a great while I would get a GPS module not responding error but normally if you turned the unit on and off it would fix itself (no, these 2 were not networked together so it was not a LNet thru the length of the boat). I never worried as long as they came back on after cycling on and off.My 07 Puma had Hbird 997 and 887. I decided after seeing some of the new Hbird technology that I had to give it a try. Boy was I impressed. I actually believe the GPS functions are better due to the simple fact the position of error on my Hbirds have been much smaller than the previous Lowrances.I LOVE the sidefinder, I have been without it the last 2 weekends fishing out of a rental (hehe) and feel like I am missing my favorite fishing rod. It is amazing how addicted I am to that thing.The differences in my opinion where the Lowrance is still a little better is the 2D graph. The Hbird will show you everything a Lowrance 2D graph will it just isnt as clear to me. The 1 thing the Hbird does show without question is the thermocline and when using the sidefinder that is valuable information.I ordered Hbird again for my 08 FTD. I really do think they are better than the current Lowrances. I am curious to see if Hbird adds features to their existing graphs without renumbering. That is a frustrating thing Lowrance does because it out dates units so fast you never can get one repaired because they have moved on to their next numbered unit and want you to buy it. Availability was horrible this past spring and I am sure that hurt a lot of vendors and boat builders. I know BCB mentioned on a post here they were buying some units this spring on the market rather than from Lowrance because they couldnt get them. That is NEVER a good thing for a company (both BCB and Lowrance).Well there is my 2 cents on the deal….take it for what you paid I will say my 997 has given me new confidence to get off the bank and out of the creeks to fish some stuff that I normally wouldnt.Judd Lasiter

[Bass Cat Boats]

I still think Garmin makes the best GPS unit…too bad theyve kinda forsaken the small pleasure boat market in favor of automobile and larger marine markets.As far as side imaging while on plane, Im not sure what SI at 70mph would look like but Im sure it wouldnt be pretty. I wish Lowrance still made the 1240A flasher. Thats the best high-speed sonar that there ever was IMHO and the 1440 doesnt even come close as a replacement.Deke[font=&QUOT]Deke[/font]

[Bass Cat Boats]

DJK3030, The Vexilar in dash flasher is an excellent unit.BCB

[basschaser]

Deke -I dont think he meant side imaging at 70mph but more 2D graph at higher speeds. With the transducer on the lower corner of the jackplate it makes that impossible. I havent went with a switch box as there is a flasher less than 6 inches from the graph that works fine at higher speeds.Sorry, just thought I would clarify what I believe he was talking about.Judd

[BassTrooper]

I dont get any readings at 70mph besides GPS. The transducer is out of the water so I am not even getting depth. With the Lowrance flasher out, depth is pretty important at 70 mph especially around here with the water levels LOW! Now this is rumor only or maybe a question.. Are the Lowrances now made in Mexico? I plead ignorance. The boat dealer I bought my BCB at said that another boat co. went to HummingBird because of so many issues with Lowrance. He might have been trying to make me feel better about all my problems but I was wondering if that was true or not.

[djk3030]

Is a kiddin him…note the wink (Im winkin at you now too.) Deke[font=&QUOT]Deke[/font]

[basschaser]

Sorry Deke…youve forgot more about electronics then I will know. I thought were were confused on what was happening…I shouldve known better. Judd (you had me laughing there)

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