I am looking to purchase a new unit and am wondering if anyone can give me thoughts on these two units. Not looking to spend lots simply because I don’t feel I would use all the bells and whistles that come with some of the more expensive units. Pros and cons if you have either.
Hummingbird 597ci HD DI GPS/Fishfinder
Lowrance HDS-5 Gen2 Fishfinder/Chartplotter
My nephew has the elite 7 and really likes it. 2″ makes a big difference
Can’t help u with the bird but HDS5 has been a very solid unit. R U looking at the Gen1 or Gen2? The only suggestion would be to look at the HDS7 for a bigger screen. Right now Reeds in Walker Mn has the HDS7 gen2 for $859…. One heck of a deal!
I purchased the HDS-7 replacing a lowrance LMS-350 all I can say is WOW I did not know what I was missing, this purchase has definitely helped me with my fishing success. My friend has the HDS-5 and loves it. Extra screen space is nice if you can stretch a little.
Well duh, a LMS-350 is at least 3 generations and 15 years of technology advancement away. Anything you would buy would seam incredible in comparison. Your perspective maybe isn’t the best in answering the original question.
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I am looking to purchase a new unit and am wondering if anyone can give me thoughts on these two units. Not looking to spend lots simply because I don’t feel I would use all the bells and whistles that come with some of the more expensive units. Pros and cons if you have either.
If you are running a stand alone unit look at the Elite 7 HDI
Hummingbird 597ci HD DI GPS/Fishfinder
Lowrance HDS-5 Gen2 Fishfinder/Chartplotter
As a stand alone unit between the two units the 597 gives you more for the dollar (DI), HDS is more valuable for adding accessories and networking imo. If you haven’t checked out the lowrance elite 7 yet you may want to. Its essentially got the same features as the 597 (internal GPS, di, great sonar) with two inches more screen for 100$ more.
I just purchased the Humminbird 597 and it is really user friendly and easy to use. I especially like how it synchs with the Lakemaster chip to show depths. Nice to be able to color code the depths under a certain depth for safety of the motor! The downinmaging is pretty cool as well. Price around $699 but you can find online for $529 at Digital Oasis… Good luck
I own the 597DI and love the unit. Can’t compare it to other brands BC it is really the first nice unit I have owned. Very user friendly and menu options simple to scroll through and switch settings. I say this to everybody who is looking at purchasing a unit if you can rustle up the extra dough to get side imaging I would. The DI is really nice for distinguishing structure but SI takes it to another level. Either way good luck to your new upgrade! 
That bird will not not give you accurate mph at low speeds. The internal antenna in them is the reason for this. I know the Lowrance units with the internal antenna don’t have this problem. If you troll keep that in mind.
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That bird will not not give you accurate mph at low speeds. The internal antenna in them is the reason for this. I know the Lowrance units with the internal antenna don’t have this problem. If you troll keep that in mind.
Correct. It jumps all around. But I believe it is fixable through means I cannot remember I think an external puck, which is extra $$. But to hit 1.3 mph pretty much just keep it between 1.5 and 1.1 jumping around and it works out fine. But them again if you drop $600 on a unit you may not find it acceptable.
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