IS HDS 5 unit big enough?

[striperjohn]

I'm looking into getting and HDS unit with Sidescan2. I already have and LCX111HD that I love, but want to add SS. If I got the 5 inch screen is that big enough so see the detail ie fish out away to the side, or would you guys recommend going to the 7? I'd probably only use it for Sidescan/Downscan.
Lowrance advertises the SS2 unit will scan 300 feet to each side, that's a total of 200yds side to side, are you guys seeing that as well?

[mwardncsu]

Honestly, I'd suggest spending a little more and get at least the HDS7 for Sidescan - you want as much pixel density as you can, and for size-scan, as much visible screen horizontally - the HDS5 is lower pixel density AND not as wide as the 7. Even if you are just using it for SideScan.

If you only plan to use the unit for sidescan, then think about picking up a gently used HDS7 Gen1 even - they are fine - and while the Gen2 is faster, if you are going to have it on SideScan and leave it there all the time, the speed is not an issue.....

[BentRod]

Get a 7,8,9,10, or 12 and don't look back. It's only money! Sidescan is the absolute bomb. It's made finding fish so much easier and just this year I've really found how useful it is in finding bait. Just incredible..I can see the whole creek
from bank to bank. Schools of shad off to my sides are clear as day on it. I need to get video of some this to prove it to you guys. It's a game changer for sure. Lowrance should be paying me to say all this but it's the truth! I'll sell you my HDS 8 for $10,000 but you could probably find one cheaper!

[striperjohn]

Thanks guys, I was thinking that. With me eyes going more each year that 111 is great. I was concerned about the sidescan. So I guess I'm going to a 7 or 8. Being retired in this economy is tough on the old wallet. I think finding a used unit might be the ticket and buy a new SS 2 to go with it. Is there much difference between the SS1 and 2? I've seen some good buys on the SS1 units. But with technology changing the way it is I figure the SS2 must have some benefits over he 1.

[mwardncsu]

The SS1 has a smaller xducer, which can be a good thing. In theory the SS2 has better detail / a little crisper image than then SS1 - but it's xducer is about a 1/3 longer, which *might* (or might not) cause an issue with blocking side view some from your lower unit - may have to trim up a little - often it is OK for many folks though.

[striperjohn]

Thanks Mward appreciate the info. Don't know if that's your first trip to Asia, but when I travelled over there it took me about a month to get my system back to US time once I got home. Night was day etc. Take care.

[mwardncsu]

Well, my first THIS year - but definately not my first - I usually go 2-4 times a year. Last few times I've had no issues with jetlag at all going over, but coming home takes longer to recover each time..... Just got back yesterday evening - slept ok last night - tonight will be the challenge.