Lowrance HD’s

  • tonyscully
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 44
    March 9, 2009 at 2:27 pm #1261972

    does anyone know if the new lowrance 7″ hd’s are worth the money, I am looking to buy a new lowrance wondering if i should go with the hd or go with the older style and get a bigger screen for the money.

    ottomatica
    Lino Lakes, MN
    Posts: 1380
    March 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm #756340

    It probably depends on what’s important to you. If I was to buy a new unit I would go with the HD because of the new GPS icons are expanded and offer a few more features plus the unit has expanded capabilities like it will be able to do side imaging with a couple add ons. You probably need to go to a store and demo one to really make your decision.

    tonyscully
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 44
    March 9, 2009 at 2:40 pm #756341

    do you know what the add on costs would be roughly to get side imaging or what you need to buy to get side imaging.

    booner
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 61
    March 9, 2009 at 3:03 pm #756357

    I was told yesterday by a Lowrance rep that the transducer for side-imaging is going to run $400 or less when it is introduced. The unit also comes with a gps puck that reads the sattelites 4 times faster than the older puck.

    fishthumper
    Sartell, MN.
    Posts: 11923
    March 9, 2009 at 4:25 pm #756402

    I was in the same position as you this offseason. After some research I decided to go with the Older style unit in a larger size screen for far less money. I was just not that impressed with the new HD models for the money. I would have had to buy one with a 5″ screen for the price range I was looking at. I ended up buying a 27C that was 2″ larger and cost me almost $250.00 less. I also did not want to be the test person on a totally new unit. Just my $.02 worth. I’m sure you will be happy what ever way you go.

    hookem_9
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 320
    March 9, 2009 at 5:04 pm #756418

    Same here, Bought a boat last fall, and updating the Electronics on it. With the closeout prices, I couldn’t help buy buy last years equipment, too good of prices!

    jd318
    NE Nebraska
    Posts: 757
    March 9, 2009 at 5:48 pm #756448

    Quote:

    I was told yesterday by a Lowrance rep that the transducer for side-imaging is going to run $400 or less when it is introduced. The unit also comes with a gps puck that reads the sattelites 4 times faster than the older puck.

    Don’t the HD units have a built in GPS receiver? I am considering getting the HD unit myself. Problem is, I will have to update everything in the boat then.

    dandorn
    M.I.N.N.E.S.O.T.A.
    Posts: 3207
    March 9, 2009 at 6:04 pm #756460

    Quote:

    Don’t the HD units have a built in GPS receiver?

    The new HDS units are available with an internal or an external antenna.

    bob schroden
    Cold Spring, MN
    Posts: 281
    March 9, 2009 at 11:02 pm #756605

    Quote:

    The new HDS units are available with an internal or an external antenna.

    I have not seen any HD units with external antenna.
    I thought they were all internal.

    I bought the HDS 5. I have used it on the ice a few times and it works great. The GPS lock on seems really fast compared to the LMS 522.
    I like the new menu system also, seems like endless options with many different overlay options as well.
    The biggest reason I upgraded is because I was having extensive problems with getting depth soundings in weed cover. I have downloaded all the upgrades with little or no improvement.
    The new HDS units have built in broadband sonar feature that has totally eliminated the shallow water weed problems.
    I have used mine in thick weeds thru the ice and it worked great.
    The real test will be when I get it mounted on the boat this spring. So far, so good!

    dandorn
    M.I.N.N.E.S.O.T.A.
    Posts: 3207
    March 9, 2009 at 11:23 pm #756613

    Quote:

    Quote:

    The new HDS units are available with an internal or an external antenna.

    I have not seen any HD units with external antenna.
    I thought they were all internal.

    From the Lowrance site under HDS High-Def Systems:

    HDS Redefines ‘Ease of Use’
    Stylish and Retrofit-Ready
    New, Easier-to-Use Menu Selection
    New FlyWheel™ scroll dial and soft command keys
    High-sensitivity 16-channel GPS reception – available built-in or as external LGC-4000 module
    SolarMAX™ PLUS display for the best detail in bright sun and with wide viewing angles
    New 2-year Protection Warranty (Americas)

    You many need an external antenna if you want to flush mount an HDS unit.

    bob schroden
    Cold Spring, MN
    Posts: 281
    March 9, 2009 at 11:32 pm #756620

    Quote:

    High-sensitivity 16-channel GPS reception – available built-in or as external LGC-4000 module

    I stand corrected.
    I think the LGC 4000 module is a seperate purchase as a add on.

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