Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

[ngt]

looking at either the Humminbird 597ci HD DI Chartplotter Fishfinder Combo or the Lowrance elite 5 DSI. Why? They're for sale at Best buy and I have a best buy card. I'm trying to get something that will tell the difference between the debris and fish rolling under me on the local rivers. Not sure if these are overkill for my needs. They are both between $555-$600. There is also a color Garmin echo 550/500/300 that range between $450-$220. I don't need the best of the best, I just want something that can get that thurmo scan image and help me find bait balls etc....

advice?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

I use the Elite 5 DSI and really like it but there are a lot of places that sell them for less than $400.

 

[ngt]

Re: Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

Cool. Thanks.I'll keep an eye out elsewhere

 

[dingbat]

Re: Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

Cabela's has the Lowrance on sale for $399

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

I have the 597 and I am pleased with it. However, the Lowrance does have better built in maps. That is the only negative I can give onthe HB unit. Other than that I much prefer the HB 597.

TerryMSU

 

[Triton II]

Re: Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

I have the Garmin 550S and it's been really good in the three and a half years I've been using it. Great features and really intuitive to use.

TII

 

[Tracker69]

Re: Anyone used either of these fishfinders? Opinions??

Sorry I'm late in posting this. I am going to purchase a Humminbird 4089501 598Ci HD SI Combo Side Imaging/Down Imaging DualBeam Fishfinder and GPS after doing considerable research. Actually I am waiting for a Christmas sale. I saw a three day sale recently for $669.00. I have read that the 597ci is a good unit but I like the SD and DI after viewing a video by Humminbird on the 598ci. It's worth viewing for sure. If you purchase a Lowrance, from what I have seen, they do not include the transducer which run $60 to $80 depending on where it is ordered. The last important thing is the customer service, Humminbird vs Lowrance. Lowrance products, on many fish forums I have viewed, complain about the poor customer service, where Humminbird has superior service. Many of my fishing friends have Humminbird fish finders and are very happy with the product. Just a few thoughts you might consider.