HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

[ozenine]

Hi guys,
I am trying to figure out what it better between these 2 GPS/Fishfinders. This is going to be the main (and only) unit on the boat. I currently have b/w fishfinder el-cheapo model. The budget is max 600 for the unit. I am not sure if I need Down Imaging or not.
Also i do not know which maps do they come with out of the box. I know that i probably need hotMaps Premium for Canada, which will give me 80% of the lakes that i fish, but I am not sure what will be shown for the ones that are not listed - just contours or blank space. Please help

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

I made that decision last year. I bought the HB unit because I thought it was a better unit. The maps on the HB are basic outlines. The maps on the Lowrance are better, but not as good as the Lakemaster maps (for Michigan) that I finally bought.

Down imaging is good for structure fishing. The HB unit has true down imaging.

Suposedly HB has much better customer support. Have not had to use it so I cannot say. I sent you a PM on another web site with some great info on this subject.

TerryMSU

 

[ozenine]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

Can HB switch between DI and regular mode? I was told that Lowrance cannot....

 

[R Socey]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

If you find that they are comparable - I would go with the customer servise.

 

[John_S]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

Can HB switch between DI and regular mode? ....

The HB has a view sceen for 2D and DI, and believe the 597 can show both in split screen.

 

[ozenine]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

The HB has a view sceen for 2D and DI, and believe the 597 can show both in split screen.

For me that is the key moment, if HB can switch, then I will go with HB. It is just so hard to see features, so i wanted to hear from someone who used it before.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

For me that is the key moment, if HB can switch, then I will go with HB. It is just so hard to see features, so i wanted to hear from someone who used it before.

HB 597 can switch and/or combine most any two of the displays.

TerryMSU

 

[ozenine]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

HB 597 can switch and/or combine most any two of the displays.

TerryMSU

Thanks Terry,
Do you use DI? In other words, would you pay extra 100 bucks for it?

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

it is a cool feature. If the fish you target are stucture related, then go for the DI. Otherwise, consider putting it toward a map chip.
TerryMSU

 

[John_S]

Re: HumminBird 597 vs Lowrance Elite 5

it is a cool feature. If the fish you target are stucture related, then go for the DI. Otherwise, consider putting it toward a map chip.
TerryMSU

+1

If you are new with a FF it will help you ID what the 2D sonar is showing you. It provides fine detail to see if it is weeds, rock, logs, brushpiles, etc. IMO, it is best used with the split 2D/DI screen.