That will be interesting to try. I use my boat finder on the ice as well. It is always different still versus trolling but still works well. Later J
I have been looking for a fish finder in this range for my boat also. If you get the elite 5, get the elite 5 HDI instead of the DSI. The HDI has both DSI and normal sonar.
Thank you very much I was aware that the Lowrance didn’t have the old type sonar on some units, but I didn’t know which and how to tell the difference so I appreciate that piece of info very much… I sure wish the local stores carried this model, they have the high end and the lower end units, but none in this range of capabilities… It would sure be nice to go through the options before you committ to buy… Thanks again for the info… J
It’s hard to compare all the units at the same time. I made this chart to help me decide. Maybe it will help you too.
Great idea and the chart is very useful. You really need something like that to keep everything straight. Thanks for sharing that. Did you go ride with anyone with those finders before you got your new one? I also wonder if I’m getting more capability than I will figure out how to use. I’d hate to spend more than I’ll use. Thanks again for the matrix it’s great j
Seen the 597 ci HD DI tonight at Sportsmans (Logan) and it rocks, but the sale on it is over, guess I waited too long… But the 788 ci HD DI is still on for $429, my book says this model has 2 slots and Ipilot capability + the all the same stuff the 597 ci HD DI has… So does your’s have the switch fire old style sonar, real time imaging, down imaging, GPS and a HD screen with LED back light? Looking at Amazon I can’t tell what they have and I see reviews of people expecting some features because the add says they have it and get the finder with out those capabilities… Just want to make sure I get what I think I’m getting if I pull the trigger… Thanks J
I have always thought that Hummingbird made some good units, this looks like a great one for the price:
http://www.gosale.com/5445337/humminbird-788ci-hd-di-gps?gclid=CLDYoviX-7oCFZGTfgod_xYAMQ
I wonder what Lowrance charges for a comparable unit, my guess is a lot more[;)]. Maybe I need to invest in some new imaging.
Thanks Curt that one even saves you postage over the Amazon one I’ve been following. Thanks. J
I have all Lowrance equipment on my Bass boat, but on my other boats where I got to choose the electronics, I use all Hummingbird. Main reason: Made in USA. Great customer support also.
I have the 597 ci HD DI on one of my saltwater bay boats, it takes a beating and has been great.
Sounds good, I sure like the look of that demo, if it will work that way on the boat it would be nice. Thanks again for your input. J
I run the side imaging on a 997c SI unit. similar to the 998 here: http://www.thedigitaloasis.com/Humminbird-898c-Hd-Si-Combo-2013-Model_p_25812.html#.UpFWG77n-1s
The prices are coming down on these units. The sonar is powerful and wide. The GPS is good. Only grip I have is sharing the gps screen with the sonar. I would get a stand alone gps if you use it a lot. The 597 is as good as it gets with out investing the xtra money in side imaging. Side imaging is worth waiting for if you can. regular sonar will show a hump. Side imaging shows a road. That simple. It allows you to read a 200 to 300 feet of lake as you scan through an area. 80% of the fish are really in less than 20% of the lake.
I went and looked at them again tonight to check out the side finder and I guess I don’t understand how that shows you fish off to the side. It seems like it would be used more to find structure. Am I missing something? From what I was seeing, I don’t think it’s worth 2 to 3 hundred dollars more to me. I’m pretty happy with that 597 or 788. I think I can run them. But thanks for the thoughts I enjoyed checking it out and I’m glad I looked serious before I bought a finder so I don’t second guess myself. Later J
SkunkedAgain wrote:
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So does yours have the switch fire old style sonar, real time imaging, down imaging, GPS and a HD screen with LED back light?
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Yes has all that. You can adjust the sensitivity on the regular screen. It has a small side bar with real time flasher. This will let you see your bait or jig in the water.
Down imaging is for structure, fish show up as a very small white dot.
Thank you. J
Did you ever buy a finder? If so which one? You have had me checking into new fish finders as well and I also like the same finder. I was curious if you can by the portable ice fishing bag separate, do you know if you can?
I still haven’t pulled the trigger on buying the finder. The 597 is $399 again on Amazon and the 788 went up $30. I’m pretty sure you can get that bag separate. Seems like I seen it for $99 one time, but I really haven’t followed it much. I have a redneck rigging on mine that fits nice in my ice fishing tote. Not as fancy as the bag, but it works and is a little less of an investment. I designed it so it mounts on my toon, boat and ice rig with two bolts so its a fast switch. Anyway good luck on your quest after a finder, I think it looks like some great technology to add to the armory. Let me know how it turns out. Later J