$700 max

If you guys had $700 max to spend on a sonar unit what would you choose? Side image isn’t necessary. Down image would be nice but doesn’t have to have it. Just want your opinions. Thanks fellas

I use my side imaging much more than down imaging. A lot of units have them both but if you can only have one I would go with the side imaging.

I’m a Lowrance guy, but those new Humminbird Helix units seem like a lot of bang for the buck.

HDS 5 & 7’s can be found online for around 700$

i’d take a look at a Lowrance Elite 7. has a larger display and has downscan. the HDS’s are nice I run a 7 but you have to pay extra for the sidescan/downscan module.

Cabelas has the hds7 for $599 this week. The new elite7 chirp units are on the radar also. Si or di or both depends on how and what you fish for. I do like the di and use it all the time. I have never used si, so I don’t have an opinion one way or another. If price is more important than bells and whistles, the elite7 series is a good choice.

Another vote for the Elite 7. You can find last years units (Pre CHIP) for under $400.

-J.

I’m an H/bird guy….but…Cabelas has the Lowrance HDS7 Gen 2 combo on sale for 300 off ($599.00) through March 8th. At that price, I wouldn’t hesitate

I’d buy an LX-7 or one of the other marcum units. That way you could use if for both ice fishing and on your boat.

Joel

Where are you guys seeing the HDS 7’s for $599? I must have missed it?

Would like to add one to the back of my boat for cranking.

Thanks,
Andy

I had seen Cabelas was running the HDS 7 Gen 2 combo unit for $599 on-line last weekend or at least earlier in the week but now I see it is at $899. I have not checked a retail store price on this unit.

I like the screen and image quality of the new HB Helix models from what I saw at the store but it is a small screen and a very compact unit. This unit also only accepts the micro sd map cards and the cover is not attached and can be easily lost. The screen on these seem more like cell phone screens so it does have a sharp contrast. For the $300 of the standard sonar/gps combo I just might pick one up to replace my bow unit.

I have been looking at the Elite 7 and the HB 859 model for a new primary combo unit.

Dave

Yeah I’m seeing them at $899 as well now. Does anyone no if it is an in store deal?

Think someone just had a HB 898 in the classifieds for a pretty decent price.

bbcboards.net has a lot of great units for $700

Are the units on eBay legit? Cuz they have some pretty good deals on there right now

I purchased an HDS-7 gen 2 and an HDS-8 gen 2. I would never purchase the 7 again, I would gladly spend the money on another 8 anyday. Screen clarity and 3 screen capability is much better and the 7 is actually around a 5″ screen where the 8 is closer to 8″. As for staying under $700, with the new Gen 3’s out I know the hds7 gen 2s are priced to move fast, I would at a minimum compare them to other units. Remember too that hummingbird electronics can link with the new I-pilot link trolling motors, maybe in the future a new trolling motor will be needed and at that point hummingbird will make more sense if you go with a minnkota.

universalmania.com was good to me and has had good reports from others.

Andy Fiolka wrote:

Where are you guys seeing the HDS 7’s for $599? I must have missed it?

Would like to add one to the back of my boat for cranking.

Thanks,
Andy

Cabelas ad for Feb 26th -March 8th

I recently bought a terrova from universal mania and thought the price they advertised would not be able to deliver. Was pleasantly surprised and would not hesitate to recommend them .

Jeff Schomaker wrote:

Are the units on eBay legit? Cuz they have some pretty good deals on there right now

Just make sure they are not refurbished units.

milemark_714 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Jeff Schomaker wrote:</div>
Are the units on eBay legit? Cuz they have some pretty good deals on there right now

Just make sure they are not refurbished units.

OR in many cases, they are not “Dealers”. Therefore once they buy the unit, it is theirs. When you buy it, your the second owner and the warranty may not be valid. Caution – make sure you know who your buying it from. I think there was a post on here a year ago with someone that ran into warranty issues with a trolling motor. they thought they had a legit sale….only to find out later during a warranty claim that they didn’t buy through a dealer and they were on their own….