HDS5 gen2 vs Elite5 CHIRP...
 

Looking for a real nice meter with a 5 inch screen. Anyone know the pros and cons of these two? If you own one or the other your input would be very welcomed!

Thx, Geno

HDS all the way. Just my 2 cents. I'm

Geno,

My perspective on the HDS...

Great unit to distinguish bait from kelp, sand from hard bottom, etc...good features include bottom lock, zoom, gps, split screen, etc...

User friendly...No, you have to read and understand the user manual. Also get someone knowledgeable to set the unit up properly and show you the ropes.

Bullet proof...No. I've turned mine in a few times for refurbished units under warranty. if/when it dies, you lose your way points unless you regularly download and save them. There's also use time lost between your unit dying and until the replacement arrives.

But I'm staying with HDS because I know it well and it works very well for me on the water...

Jim

I love my HDS5. It works better than any unit I have used before. I have used the Raymarine 4.7 (chirp technology) and I did not think it showed anything better, but was able to use side by side at the same time with my Lowrance Elite 4. I was able to confirm what was showing on both screen and it allowed me to find how to set the Elite 4 better. Also the Raymarine had limited choices on type of display colors and auto setting was a pain because as other have complained some times the unit would think kelp was the bottom and showed depth as 15' instead of 85'. I always have the unit off, during launches and landings in surf. If you roll and unit gets any moisture while power is on any unit can be toast in a minute.

Cmon Geno your an hds kinda guy!


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The Elites processor is not of the quality of the HDS. If the unit fires up and works the first 2 times, statistics tell you that the following other 98 times it will fire right up....and will work as designed. Electronic warranties are money makers for the manufacture and store front. IF you dump your unit overboard......I'm sure there are plenty of excuses. I've had lowrance units in my hands over the years, and have had any problems with them. Buy the best you can afford, because it will be outdated the second you walk out the store.

i have a Lawrence HDI 5 that works great. Older style bought new, saved like $250 on it.

I have an elite 4 chirp and it kinda sucks. I keep it in auto mode and its usually pretty confused.

Another vote for the HDS 5. They are on sale at West Marine for $449 with the 50/200 transducer.

HDS

Thx for the replies guys!

Was pretty sure about the HDS5. Just didn't want to spend the dough if there was any doubt. Not rich you know :rolleyes:

Anyways, looks like it will take some use to getting it dialed in, however after I do I guess I'll be dialed in!

Geno

Can someone tell me the technical diffs between the 2 units and why one is better than the othrer.

Ok. Just talked to a Lowrance rep and he informed me that as previously stated by most responses on here, the. HDS series is top of the line. However the HDS5 is now discontinued. And that for a single stand alone unit (no radar, 2nd unit, side scanning sonar, etc - the Elite 5 chrip model does everything that the HDS5 will do. Same resolution, same over lay abilities, amount of way points, Bck tracking ability.

Am I missing something?

So, I'm still on the fence - which way to go. Kinda leaning towards the Elite now. $200 less and with that I can get the best chip out there. Which brings me to another question 'what chip do you guys use in your systems'?


Geno

Geno,

I just picked this one up over the weekend on ebay. Brand new in box w/transducer. They had it on the daily specials for $279.00 so I dove in. Must be at that price because they may be discontinued as you say but for that price it's worth the risk to upgrade my 4xDSI.

Here is the link but as of today it is up to $338.00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowrance-Eli...-/171946981552

Thanks Curtis!