Need recommendation on features

  • Ben Weise
    Prior Lake, MN
    Posts: 9
    February 23, 2012 at 2:52 pm #1307010

    New guy here, so take it easy on me!
    I’m planning on purchasing a new HDS 7. I want to get last years model, as I already have a couple of Lakemaster chips that I plan to use with it. With all of the different “packages” that the unit comes with, my head is spinning. What do I need?! If I’m reading everything correctly, which could be a long shot, I think I could get away with just the base unit with the 83/200 ducer. Since I have the lake chips, do I need the Insight or anything else.
    Thanks for any help!

    John Schultz
    Inactive
    Portage, WI
    Posts: 3309
    February 23, 2012 at 3:08 pm #1042053

    Welcome aboard.
    Are you wanting the side scan / down scan functionality?

    If you are only looking to use the HDS as regular 2D unit, you would only need to get the base map 83/200khz one. You don’t need insight mapping if you plan to use a map chip.

    If you want side scan, you would want to look at the bundle that includes the LSS-1.

    out_fishing
    Moorhead, MN
    Posts: 1151
    February 23, 2012 at 3:34 pm #1042059

    I noticed they bumped back the $200 mail in rebate to may 31, im sure your aware but dont forget that!

    Ben Weise
    Prior Lake, MN
    Posts: 9
    February 23, 2012 at 5:56 pm #1042112

    Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, and for the info!

    Quote:

    Welcome aboard.
    Are you wanting the side scan / down scan functionality?

    If you are only looking to use the HDS as regular 2D unit, you would only need to get the base map 83/200khz one. You don’t need insight mapping if you plan to use a map chip.

    If you want side scan, you would want to look at the bundle that includes the LSS-1.

    As much as I’d love to have the side scan and all, I don’t think it’s in the budget right now.

    Quote:

    I noticed they bumped back the $200 mail in rebate to may 31, im sure your aware but dont forget that!


    I saw that. Just one more reason to go with last years hds vs. hummingbird!

    buckshot
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 1654
    February 23, 2012 at 7:13 pm #1042137

    I bought an HDS10 for the dash last year and then an HDS7 this winter to put on the bow. The HDS10 is awesome and did everything I was hoping it would and I am sure the 7 will be just as good.

    I did not buy the insight or structure scan on either unit and they both have the 83/200 transducers.

    I was kicking around the structure scan but after talking to a few people decided not to.

    jd318
    NE Nebraska
    Posts: 757
    February 23, 2012 at 9:44 pm #1042199

    Quote:

    I was kicking around the structure scan but after talking to a few people decided not to.

    I would say you talked to the wrong people. I got an 8 and a 7 with the StructureScan. Wouldn’t go without the SS anymore.

    Ben Weise
    Prior Lake, MN
    Posts: 9
    February 23, 2012 at 11:28 pm #1042224

    I think I plan on just getting the base unit to start with, and then down the road I can always add the struct scan. I know it would be really nice, but for an additional $600, it’s just not in the cards right away.
    And along the same lines, I’d LOVE to get the hds10, but I can’t justify that either. Oh well, baby steps.

    Ben Weise
    Prior Lake, MN
    Posts: 9
    February 23, 2012 at 11:32 pm #1042226

    Since I’m on the subject, has anyone used both the Insight mapping that you can get with the unit, and the Lakemaster chips? Have you found one to be superior to the other?

    KirtH
    Lakeville
    Posts: 4063
    February 23, 2012 at 11:46 pm #1042229

    Lakemaster gives you more detail, check out the new mapping chips form Lowrance, they cover a huge area with lotsa High Def lakes!

    Ben Weise
    Prior Lake, MN
    Posts: 9
    February 24, 2012 at 3:50 am #1042314

    My Lakemaster chips are probably at least 5-7 years old. I use them with my H2Oc. Taking that into consideration, am I way out of date? Do I need to upgrade anyway? They still seem to get me where I need to be.

    KirtH
    Lakeville
    Posts: 4063
    February 24, 2012 at 10:16 am #1042338

    If it gets you their stick with it, I don’t know what the changes are to the current chips, but Lakemaster did stop making map chips for lowrance so if you want a current you better find one quick, Doctorsonar.com has them

    John Gildersleeve
    Frazee,MN
    Posts: 742
    February 24, 2012 at 11:35 am #1042349

    With all the rebates going on,I think the structure scan has a $300 rebate. I am really thinking hard about purchasing it. I just ordered to HDS 8’s gen 2’s last week.

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