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Post by footballgoody on Jun 4, 2015 17:38:50 GMT -5
I haven't been on here in awhile. Ive been too busy. I am looking to update my electronics. I am stuck between the Elite with chirp and the HDS. I mainly fish SML for striper and the river for catfish. I am not good when it comes to this stuff so im looking for advice on which to get. The prices are about the same. Ive done a lot of research but still stuck between which is better
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Post by mwardncsu on Jun 4, 2015 18:23:51 GMT -5
Does the Elite w/ Chirp have downscan? I'm pretty sure it does not have sidescan. The HDS gives you more expansion capability and the option for sidescan. Not sure which HDS you are looking at the HDS Touch and the HDS Gen3 Touch have StructureScan integrated, and then you just need the side/downscan transducer.
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 4, 2015 19:31:49 GMT -5
Does the Elite w/ Chirp have downscan? I'm pretty sure it does not have sidescan. The HDS gives you more expansion capability and the option for sidescan. Not sure which HDS you are looking at the HDS Touch and the HDS Gen3 Touch have StructureScan integrated, and then you just need the side/downscan transducer. Yes the chirp has downscan. I am looking at the gen2 that's not touch. |
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 4, 2015 19:33:24 GMT -5
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Post by mwardncsu on Jun 4, 2015 20:11:15 GMT -5
OK - so with the Elite you do not get Sidescan - which in my opinion is a lot more valueable than downscan - though downscale is useful as you learn your sonar and what a tree looks like vs. bait.
The HDS Gen2 that you are looking at does NOT have the StructureScan (for downscan & sidescan) but you can add it - it is a separate module that connects over Ethernet and has a separate xducer. To be honest, due to the pixel density & screen size of the HDS5, sidescan has marginal value. If you can find a way into a 7" screen you will be much happier over the long term. The 5" is OK when just looking at regular (or CHIRP) sonar.
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 4, 2015 20:45:58 GMT -5
OK - so with the Elite you do not get Sidescan - which in my opinion is a lot more valueable than downscan - though downscale is useful as you learn your sonar and what a tree looks like vs. bait. The HDS Gen2 that you are looking at does NOT have the StructureScan (for downscan & sidescan) but you can add it - it is a separate module that connects over Ethernet and has a separate xducer. To be honest, due to the pixel density & screen size of the HDS5, sidescan has marginal value. If you can find a way into a 7" screen you will be much happier over the long term. The 5" is OK when just looking at regular (or CHIRP) sonar. I am still in college at this point and I was just looking at a 5" for now and in a year after I graduate I am looking to get a new boat. So if you had to buy the 5" which would it be? And I appreciate the help I look at most your posts and they are very helpful |
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Post by mwardncsu on Jun 4, 2015 20:49:23 GMT -5
Given the fact that the 5" has minimal value for side-scan, the expansion option value is reduced. If you think you might add an HDS7 or bigger unit in the future, then you could network the 5 with that down the line - but it not, or unsure when that could be, I would probably go with the Elite since it has a good sonar & downscan.
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 5, 2015 8:29:48 GMT -5
Another question should I get the navionics gold for 70 extra dollars or just stick with the basemaps?
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Brian
New Member
Posts: 611
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Post by Brian on Jun 5, 2015 10:08:01 GMT -5
IMO Basemaps are fine
You might take a look at used units too. Bass boat central has a good electronics section and you might be able to score a used HDS with structurescan within your budget.
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 6, 2015 22:13:31 GMT -5
Found a HDS 8 gen-2 combo today for 649 used from cabelas. It does not come with structure scan but does have the option to add so I think I may go that route.
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Post by mwardncsu on Jun 6, 2015 22:22:14 GMT -5
You'll be much happier with the larger screen.
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 8, 2015 16:42:14 GMT -5
I found a even better deal today. I found a Lowrance HDS 7 gen 2 that has SSI and lake insight and HDS 5. He wants 1000 for both and transducers. So now I am wondering how bad it is to buy a used fishfinder? Is it safe or should I just buy new Lowrance HDS 8 and wait for Structure scan a year or 2
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Post by mwardncsu on Jun 8, 2015 16:46:36 GMT -5
The regular xducers do "wear out" over time - but a regular 83/200 xducer is only like $70 or so. Don't know about the sidescan/downscan - I guess they would do the same over time but not sure. They are not as cheap....
Mike
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Post by footballgoody on Jun 8, 2015 17:29:05 GMT -5
Each of the units and transducers are 8 months old. I know the owner.
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Post by mwardncsu on Jun 8, 2015 22:07:32 GMT -5
I'd not be worried about that amount of use then
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