Gregg you know you still wont be able to catch fish either way.....

And you dont really need a fishfinder just ask Julie or AAron.....
Yes I have had 2 units go bad on me but as you know I tend to focus on cleaning my fish rather than my equip unlike you the perpetual skunk(Zinger?!); but that is what I bought the westmarine warranty for.
Try the search function on the forum; the topic of which FF is best has been discussed ad nausea.
Still if you insist in letting others do you work for you I have a link for you
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=hds+5+vs+humminbird+597
and
http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/ge...ing-transducer
ps
you want to fish this weekend or monday?