Humminbird 597ci HD or Lowrance HDS-5? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

StinkyMatt · 02-12-2013, 01:29 PM

I had both.

First I purchased the H Bird.......Incredible resolution! Second trip out I started having problems with my depth reading. My buddy and I, both with the same FF reading a 20 foot difference right next to each other. There were some other issues, do not remember exactly what else. The connections (as stated in another response) do not seem like they would stand up to salt water too long. Returned that FF after a couple trips.

I purchased the HDS5x a year ago and absolutely love it. Once you practice with it a little it provides a lot of info and is fairly user friendly. YES there is a zoom with dedicated keys right on the face of the unit without any navigating to get to it. You can even record your sonar returns and replay them. You do adjust it a little every time you go out to match the water (as most units probably do too). In fact I like my first HDS5x so much I just purchased another one with a GPS.

Good luck with the search.

02-12-2013, 01:29 PM	#11
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	I had both. First I purchased the H Bird.......Incredible resolution! Second trip out I started having problems with my depth reading. My buddy and I, both with the same FF reading a 20 foot difference right next to each other. There were some other issues, do not remember exactly what else. The connections (as stated in another response) do not seem like they would stand up to salt water too long. Returned that FF after a couple trips. I purchased the HDS5x a year ago and absolutely love it. Once you practice with it a little it provides a lot of info and is fairly user friendly. YES there is a zoom with dedicated keys right on the face of the unit without any navigating to get to it. You can even record your sonar returns and replay them. You do adjust it a little every time you go out to match the water (as most units probably do too). In fact I like my first HDS5x so much I just purchased another one with a GPS. Good luck with the search.