Humminbird vs Lowrance

Ok it's time to outfit the Predator for GS8, I am having a hell of a time deciding on the  Humminbird 688 or the Lowrance elite 5, both with Down imaging. Having not really used one before, any info
would be great.
Thanks,
Jeff 

About a month ago I was in the same situation as you and I went with the Raymarine Dragonfly Gold.  Commands are simple and easy to use. 
Screen is 5.75 diagonal. I am still learning it and used it both on FW and SW.  I practiced using the GPS focusing on Track and Waypoints last Saturday while crabbing in Halfmoon Bay.  The transducer is about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
I did a water bath in hull install on my Revo 13.  My Lowrance Elite 5 combo is now my back up unit. 

West Marine has a demo unit next to Lowrance and Garmin units.  A good buddy just bought one today.

Don't forget the Elite5 HDI model for $449.00. Downscan option plus traditional 83/200 sonar, really tough unit and less money than others. This unit also has Insight Genesis... it's amazing when you can make your own maps of your favorite spots. If you do go with Lowrance let me know and I'll send you a step by step guide on how to convert your Google waypoints and tracks so you can use them on your Lowrance chart. Good stuff.

http://www.westmarine.com/combination-fishfinder-gps/lowrance--elite-5-hdi-fishfinder-charplotter--15170202

Mike

Dont rule out the new Lowrance CHIRP units!!!  The GOLD cartography package is great too!  Preparing to test drive a new CHIRP model this weekend if all goes well.

I did look at the Dragonfly, but think I have narrowed it down to the Elite-5 HDI combo gold, I may wait for the CHIRP but need to get it installed and learn how to use it before GS8 !!!! Bill thank you very much for all the info, I was going to call you back with more ? on the model numbers but found it out. Same units with different numbers was like you said with and without transducers. Mike the
Insight Genesis looks cool and I will take you up on that. Thanks Again guys
Jeff

Nice talking with you too.  Available if more questions come about!

Working on getting some liner units & loaner chips.  Mike, you still have loaner units?

Bill

Jeff,

You might also want to consider this new promotion of $100 OFF Elite 7HDI . This is a great limited time deal that will run unit Fathers Day, June 15th.
Good luck with whatever unit or brand you decide on.

http://enews.lowrance.com/q/CSgprNfEYlmVR7U4U8bfxtWh1KG9mzgx14B6EavmocI41RzQvH_b_8577

Mike

Yeah that $100 rebate on Elite 7 HDIs is tempting!

Rebate: take $100 off purchase of Elite 7
http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/specialoffers/Lucky-7s/

Refurb Elite 7 HDI with 83/200 transducer for $499 (so $399 after rebate)
http://www.cabelas.com/product/LOWRANCE-REFURB-ELITE-BASE-W-DUCER/1803675.uts?productVariantId=3855408&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03888540&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=9B8F5153-DE82-E311-A663-BC305BEDE924&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=30640542671&mr:keyword&mr:match&mr:filter=57965721671&gclid=CLaKy9Wr2b0CFQaTfgodniUA3A&gclsrc=aw.ds
 
 
Or
Non-Refurb Elite 7x HDI (no gps) w/83/200 transducer for $375 after rebate model 000-10961-001
http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Lowrance-ELITE7X-Fishfinder-83200-And-455800-000-10961-001_p_83649.html
 
 
Or
Elite 7x HDI (no gps) w/out transducer for $288 after rebate model 000-10965-001
http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Lowrance-ELITE7X-Fishfinder-No-Transducer-000-10965-001_p_86052.html