lowrance hds-5 vs hds-5x??? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

tagyak · 04-19-2011, 11:05 AM

well i know that this has been discussed before, but i would like to get some feedback from those of you who had purchased the Lowrance HDS-5 or 5x.

i am currently in the market for one and i am getting confused on the the different HDS products.
i have narrowed the choice to the HDS-5 and the HDS-5x. can you guys let me know what you had bought and why you chose one over the other? my main reason for getting one of these is for the high resolution imaging. so any insight that you guys can give me would be great.

thanks,

flydigital · 04-19-2011, 12:18 PM

HDS-5 because I want GPS too.

HDS-5X is sonar only.

Its pricer for the GPS combo but I've tried every combination of alternative and for me its best to have it all in one unit.

Check out the Elite 5 as well, which is one step down from the HDS... lower resolution and sonar power but still a great unit.

But from experience with my friends who have bought all these models, most are happiest with the full HDS-5. Highly recommended.

Phatford · 04-19-2011, 01:22 PM

I have the elite 5 and wish I had more adjustments that my larger older lowrance has and Im sure HDS units have. The fish n chip is the only way to go for kayak fishing.

GregAndrew · 04-19-2011, 03:41 PM

Yep, skip the Nautic Insight and go straight for the Fish N Chip by Navionics. I had several problems with the Elite 5, and am much happier with the HDS 5. I went with the thru hull transducer by Airmar (P319) which required a 2" hole in the bottom of my yak. They also make a model that will mount thru scupper (B45-BL). Or you can mount the standard Lowrance transducer over the side to get accurate water temps. If water temps are no big deal to you, you can Goop or marine epoxy the standard one inside.

StinkyMatt · 04-19-2011, 07:32 PM

I'll take your old unit after you get the new one. Trade you some nice fresh King Salmon filets.

tagyak · 04-20-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Yep, skip the Nautic Insight and go straight for the Fish N Chip by Navionics. I had several problems with the Elite 5, and am much happier with the HDS 5. I went with the thru hull transducer by Airmar (P319) which required a 2" hole in the bottom of my yak. They also make a model that will mount thru scupper (B45-BL). Or you can mount the standard Lowrance transducer over the side to get accurate water temps. If water temps are no big deal to you, you can Goop or marine epoxy the standard one inside.

hey greg,

i looked up the airmar p319. isn't this a garmin product? if so, did you have any issues with using this for the lowrance transponder? also which transponder did you get? the 83 hrz or the 50 hrz?

thanks,

tim

GregAndrew · 04-20-2011, 09:35 AM

They make the P319 for several different FF manufacturers. I believe the actual part number is P319-BL for the Lowrance connector. It only comes in 50/200 khz with 45 and 12 degree cone angles respectively. The 12 degree 200 khz gives a limited view (about 20% of the depth), but when it shows something you will know that you are right above it. They are about $128 at blueherronmarine.com.

04-19-2011, 11:05 AM	#1
tagyak Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Alhambra Posts: 506	lowrance hds-5 vs hds-5x??? well i know that this has been discussed before, but i would like to get some feedback from those of you who had purchased the Lowrance HDS-5 or 5x. i am currently in the market for one and i am getting confused on the the different HDS products. i have narrowed the choice to the HDS-5 and the HDS-5x. can you guys let me know what you had bought and why you chose one over the other? my main reason for getting one of these is for the high resolution imaging. so any insight that you guys can give me would be great. thanks,

04-19-2011, 12:18 PM	#2
flydigital Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 192	HDS-5 because I want GPS too. HDS-5X is sonar only. Its pricer for the GPS combo but I've tried every combination of alternative and for me its best to have it all in one unit. Check out the Elite 5 as well, which is one step down from the HDS... lower resolution and sonar power but still a great unit. But from experience with my friends who have bought all these models, most are happiest with the full HDS-5. Highly recommended.

04-19-2011, 01:22 PM	#3
Phatford Heroes on the Water Staff Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Anahiem Posts: 176	I have the elite 5 and wish I had more adjustments that my larger older lowrance has and Im sure HDS units have. The fish n chip is the only way to go for kayak fishing.

04-19-2011, 03:41 PM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Yep, skip the Nautic Insight and go straight for the Fish N Chip by Navionics. I had several problems with the Elite 5, and am much happier with the HDS 5. I went with the thru hull transducer by Airmar (P319) which required a 2" hole in the bottom of my yak. They also make a model that will mount thru scupper (B45-BL). Or you can mount the standard Lowrance transducer over the side to get accurate water temps. If water temps are no big deal to you, you can Goop or marine epoxy the standard one inside.

04-19-2011, 07:32 PM	#5
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,168	I'll take your old unit after you get the new one. Trade you some nice fresh King Salmon filets.

04-20-2011, 09:35 AM	#7
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	They make the P319 for several different FF manufacturers. I believe the actual part number is P319-BL for the Lowrance connector. It only comes in 50/200 khz with 45 and 12 degree cone angles respectively. The 12 degree 200 khz gives a limited view (about 20% of the depth), but when it shows something you will know that you are right above it. They are about $128 at blueherronmarine.com.