Down to two

ncp · 27 April 2012, 06:40

I've whittled it down to two choices for electronics. I mostly dive and do some close to shore (2-3 miles) fishing.

1. Got dealer pricing through a friend. Garmin 720s $1120, Airmar P79 in-hull $110, g2 Vision Card $224. Total $1454 (I don't know if I can can get the $200 map card rebate w/out a retail receipt)

2. Lowrance sale pricing, respected internet retailer: HDS-7 $803, LSS-1 Structure Scan $509, Airmar P79 $130, Navionics Platinum+ map card $171. Total including $300 rebate is $1313

Lowrance rebates and sale end in a matter of days. I need to decide! (and I'm one of those people that over analyzes everything!)

Which way should I go??

Ian M · 27 April 2012, 06:47

I know it is slightly subjective, but for me the quality of Lowrance displays would swing it in their favour

jambo · 27 April 2012, 07:23

Yes I have to agree with Ian it's Lowrance for me.

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Erin · 27 April 2012, 08:43

Ah, but the Garmin is touch screen isn't it? I wouldn't go back from touch screen now.

oracle · 27 April 2012, 10:03

I had exactly the same dilema and actually ended up with both.

So this won't help very much. The ease of use of the Garmin is superb with its touch screen BUT the Structure Scan is pretty impressive too.

I've not been using mine (Structure Scan) for very long but it performed pretty well on its first outing looking for an 11m fishing vessel sunk in 25m when searching on a sea running a moderate swell. (That said the Lowrance is refusing to power up so far after the winter break but I'm hoping that's just a bad connection)

The Garmin so far has been faultless. I'm running fuel flow sensors on that too which seem to be pretty accurate so far.

Oracle

martini · 27 April 2012, 10:22

I'm sure Garmin and others will come up with an answer to structure scan in time and could be added on after. As it is their fish finders are pretty good.

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ncp · 27 April 2012, 14:30

All good points.

Yes, Garmin is sporting a 7 inch touch screen while the Lowrance is only 6.4 inches non-touch. Both will take radar if I decide to go that route.

I've been leaning towards Lowrance Structure Scan seems cool for diving) but everyone says the quality & customer service of Garmin is better too (just not as much fun. They don't have a Sonic Hub available!)

It's Friday morning here in the states... I need to order by Saturday morning (for Lowrance: ~$100 sale savings & $300 rebate). I hate making these decisions!

jyasaki · 27 April 2012, 16:22

I do like the Lowrance Broadband radar. No frying your brains if it's mounted too low. Don't know if Garmin has an equivalent.

I'm used to the Lowrance menu system, as semi-intuitive as it is. That's a personal issue though. They both make good units. Not much help, sorry.

jky

ncp · 27 April 2012, 17:49

And I was just thrown for another loop... Take the Garmin prices and another 25% off. I was so set on Lowrance.....

JKY, yep, from what I've seen & read, the Lowrance/Simrad Broadband Radar beats anything else out there for small radars.

ashbypower · 27 April 2012, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian M

I know it is slightly subjective, but for me the quality of Lowrance displays would swing it in their favour

What he said !!

Structure scan is awesome on our HDS 10

ncp · 27 April 2012, 21:32

I was dead set on Lowrance this morning...now I realized I need to factor in 25% off the Garmin prices but add in 7.75% tax.

Looking at current cost:

Garmin 720s + Airmar P79 + g2 Vision card = $1176.20
Lowrance HDS-7 basemap + Airmar P79 + Navionics P+ Card + LSS-1 = $1294.31
Difference $118.11 Winner = Garmin

In the next year and half when I add radar:
Garmin 720s + GMR18HD + Airmar P79 + g2 Vision card = $1951.99
Lowrance HDS-7 basemap + 3G Radar + Navionics P+ Card + Airmar P79 + LSS-1 = $2217.42
Difference $265.43 Winner = Garmin

I'm an accountant...can't you tell?

Lowrance Pros: Structure Scan & Broadband Radar
Lowrance Cons: The $265 more expensive than Garmin. Smaller screen (6.4 inches versus 7). Non touch.

Garmin Pros: PRICE Screen size. Touch screen.
Garmin Cons: No structure scan. Old Radar technology.

Still talking my self into Lowrance....

njensen · 28 April 2012, 00:32

I really like Lowrance. Have an old LMS350A.. still running after 14 years...

I have been loooking into the HDSx + structure scan as well. Looks very nice.. however i think the HDS7 is a bit small to fully utilize the structure scan. I ended up wanting the HDS8.. and then the G2 version came... it's much faster and smoother in the menus.. G1 seemes so slow... and now i didn't buy anything after all... stuck with my 14 year old system ;-)

captnjack · 28 April 2012, 00:51

The lowrance HDS is much better for finding dive sites. Really

ncp · 28 April 2012, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by njensen

However, i think the HDS7 is a bit small to fully utilize the structure scan.

Hopefully, the 7 isn't too small!!! I couldn't justify the jump from $808 for the HDS-7 to $1445 for the HDS-8

Thanks all! Ordered HDS-7, LSS-1, and Airmar P79 (trying to limit things on the transom)

[if jky & captnjack approve, I must be doing ok!!!!]

oracle · 28 April 2012, 08:07

My HDS7 is fine for size even on split screen. I use chart and Structure Scan split for a couple of runs to get lined up on the Waypoint the Structure Scan full screen to finally lay the shot line.

The detail is fine in both those set ups.

Oracle

ncp · 08 May 2012, 02:00

One project ends and another begin:

New dash to be constructed out of aluminum (I think), flushmount HDS-7, Sonic Hub Dock and 2 speakers, then wire up the P79 in-hull & the LSS-1.

(and my phone put the picture upside down)