GARMIN SV vs HUMMINBIRD VS LOWRANCE

[jimmythegreek]

in the lower units its all about the same, as you go up the big difference is in the mapping and charts between lakemaster and navionics. I run 2 highend humminbirds and overall I feel they are the best units, but the 2D sonar in high end goes to lowrance hands down, humminbird leaves something to be desired in their side imaging units, but the side, chart, down is better than lowrance, so it depends on what you want to compromise on. for me I can tell what anything is on 2D sonar even in black+white so everything else matters to me much more. I have seen the garmins and they look very nice and hear good things about them, not sure if you are going above basic and want chartplotting/charts, I think the have lakevu on their units Id take a look at what that gives you. right now w lakemaster and navionics you get good maps of LH, GWL, and Monks, all the rest have not been mapped and they are 3D versions of the state lake maps. Both lowrance and humminbird give you a way to map your own lake chart, but its pricey equipment wise, so you gotta do your homework. humminbird is the only game in town if you run ipilot or ilink, so Im stuck with them I cant fish without my ulterra

[Bicey]

I am a Lowrance guy have been for a long time.....my electronics are easily worth more than my boat. They all have their issues.......but the customer service at lowrance is no where near as good as hummingbird. Lowrance no longer repairs units.....so if you are out of the 2 yr warranty you get a unit at a deep discount. Some people like it some dont. The wifi features of the new lowrance gen3's are pretty sick.......you can download maps, software updates, view and control the unit with your phone or tablet. Do your homework!!!!!!! The technology is there no matter the unit.

[UglyStick]

Solid advice given here so far... I did a lot of research before I purchased and I went with a pair of Lowrance Gen 2 Touch HDS 12's plus the wifi interface. As mentioned, not cheap but they are what I personally found was best. That said, Jimmy makes a very good point about the trolling motor interface. I upgraded motors at the same time as the unit and got a Motorguide Xi5 which is a very sweet combo with the Lowrance units. If you're tied to Minn Kota, the Humminbird has the distinct advantage there since Lowrance won't control the Minn Kotas.

[Sleeper-6]

I can't tell what brand to pick, but my advise would be to look hard at the down scan and side imaging units. I find myself wishing over and over for side imaging ability. Fishing for bass I'm almost always wanting to know what is off to the side of the boat. Once I have passed over it, it's too late for me. If trolling is your thing, side imaging may be less important since what you pass over is the next thing your lines will be passing. Each manufacturer has it's own implementation of this technology, so be sure to price out everything you need to make it happen.

[UglyStick]

Originally Posted by Sleeper-6

be sure to price out everything you need to make it happen.

Very true - depending on how many units you have and how they are networked, including trolling motor, you can easily add a few hundred dollars in cables, mounts, etc.

[Ken Lyons]

In order to make your own maps you need the higher $$ end units or you can download Reefmaster software and make your own. The state maps are crude by comparison with what you can do on your own. It's the difference between 10 ft and 1 ft increments. Bottom hardness is an option.

[JerryC]

I use humminbird on my boat, great customer service and a great product...