Upgrading from LDX-26C HD, Hook-7, Elite 7 or HDS 7

[TheChad]

Hey all,

I currently have a Lowrance LDX-26C HD, that I purchased and installed back in 2007.

It has NEVER really worked right, the sonar always cuts in and out, whatever.

I took it to my local Lowrance Certified Installer and they said it could be the Transducer OR the unit itself and the only way to know is to replace the transducer, and see if that fixes it @ $250.

So it's not worth part swapping and still possibly having it not fixed/working, that said I have been looking at a new unit.

I am use to the GPS mapping of the Lowrance, I have looked at Humminbird's but until you get to the $1k+ units, the buttons feel really cheep/flimsy and the sonar looks really low resolution.

I have been looking at the Hook 7, Elite 7 and HDS 7 models. I don't really need/want side scan because I don't think I will ever use it or understand how to use it, but if it's there, great!

The Elite 7 seems to be the closes to what I have now, except that mine now has full NEMA 2000 network and Radar capability, I don't need/use or will ever need/use Radar so no real loss there, the NEMA 2000 network I only use because my LDX-26C HD came with it and has an external GPS antenna. But otherwise, I'm not sure I would ever need/use it?

This is on a 17.5' Fish and Ski, I do have a 2nd unit up front with the trolling motor, but it's a Humminbird with DI. Basic unit.

I do have a fuel flow sensor currently connected to the NEMA 2000 network, though I've never really been able to get it to work right with my current unit, If it would work with the new unit that would be great, but if not, no real loss..

The Hook 7 was my original Go To, but when comparing the mapping vs the Elite 7 and even the DI and Sonar, the Hook 7 looked extremely low resolution and crappy graphics vs the Elite 7.


The HDS 7, I think I over kill because I *think* all the extra features it has, I wouldn't nee/use any of them... Also my understanding is it's a lot more money because the $800 unit still needs an upgraded transducer to get DI?

So I'm looking for input from experts, maybe even people whom have these units, Am I missing something with the Hook 7? or is the Sonar/DI just that crappy? Does the HDS 7 have some magical power that would make it worth spending the extra $$ for me?

Thanks for the help!

-TheChad

 

[dingbat]

Lowrance and Humminbird are notorious for their lack of long term support. New models come and go faster than Spring and Summer, along with the support for the units.

I would recommend you look at Garmin and Furuno as well. Sonar wise, It's a toss up between Garmin and Furuno for the best sonar on the market. For GPS, nobody can touch Garmin for ease of use and support.

 

[TheChad]

My Local Sheels is clearing out the Garmin echoMap Chirp 93sv, They have it priced at $699 (Origionally $1,199.99).

I looked at it but there were several things that drew concern for me, the Sonar looked all granny and low resolution (maybe it's the screen resolution?), but it didn't look sharp. The GPS/Mapping redraw was VERY slow. vs the Lowrance Elite 7TI that was virtually instant.

If I am missing something, please let me know because that's a heck of a price and I can go grab it before it's gone!

-TheChad

 

[dingbat]

Refresh rate:
I suggest you check the level of detail being displayed on each unit. I certainly would expect a fully detailed map to be redrawn as quickly as a base line map. The Garmin maps have all the bells and whistle built in. You’ll need to purchase third party maps to get the same level of detail on the Lowrance.

Display:
Both units have the same resolution so I would first trying adjusting the back lighting and brightness on the Garmin.
It could you’re used to looking at the way Lowrance ”"paints"” their screens. I personally don’t care for it. They look "cartoonish" to me. My preference is for the higher “screen density” of the Garmin.

 

[TheChad]

No Title

My dash looks like this picture...

I think I an squeeze the 7" in there, but I don't think a 9" will fit...

I can't seem to find any picture of anyone with a bigger unit installed there..