In that price range all the finders are pretty much equal. Go for the one with the bigger srceen and more power. I certianly wouldn't pick one sounder over another becouse of a name.
The HB has a smaller screen and 40% less power. A no brainer in my book.
Garmins area of expertise is GPS, Humminbirds area is underwater sound. My HB (597CI HD DI) has great GPS behaivior. I went with a HB over Lowrance and Garmin. No complaints. Read the reviews and the user comments. I sent you a PM.
