Lowrance options

So looking to upgrade to a Lowrance have had my Hummingbird for a couple years. I love it except not a clean install on the deck for surf launching and all. Elite series seem to be pretty clean. But which one have you all gone with and why and how you like it so far.

Thanks
Ryan

Most of the guys I've seen are running the Elite 4 HDI or Elite 5 HDI.  I have the Elite 7 HDI if space & $$$ permits it is a GREAT way to go because splitting the screen in 2 gives you (almost) the same as having 2 Elite 5 units onboard!

The other option is the newer Elite 5 or Elite 7 CHIRP units which gives you better target separation & you still have both Broadband and DSI imaging; best of both worlds for depth and structure finding capabilities.  Plus the price of the new CHIRP series dropped $100 just a few weeks ago I believe!

Feel free to drop me a PM if you have any technical ?'s & I can provide you with a number to call me at.


Bill

So does the Chirp provide te same things as the HDI plus something else?

Is that transducer much larger, would like to still be able to use the Lowrance area on my outback.

So does the Chirp provide te same things as the HDI plus something else?

Is that transducer much larger, would like to still be able to use the Lowrance area on my outback.

The newer generation Lowrance units use a larger transducer than the older models with the "uni-plug" [black 'D' shaped plug which combined transducer & power cable into 1 unit].  All the newer Lowrance units (2014 & newer) use 2 separate cables (blue plug); 1 transducer, 1 power.  The newer blue plug transducers are larger because they combine broadband (83/200 or 50/200) with DSI (455/800) frequencies into 1 unit.  I don't own an Outback so I can't comment on fitment.  I shoot thru my AI hull with this newer transducer.

The CHIRP does all that the HDI does + better "post production" work through better target separation on the broadband side of things (83/200 or 50/22 frequencies).  The "post production" work on the regular HDI is good ... the CHIRP is even better.  I feel it gives a very similar target separation on the broadband side that is comparable to the DSI in quality.

Bill

Bill

This is the best deal around: http://www.gpscity.com/lowrance-elite-5-hdi-with-50-200-khz-and-455-800-khz-transducer.html

Both cabelas & bass pro have the same deal for $349

I believe. West marine will have the Elite 5 HDI combo for $339 on Thanksgiving day only with free shipping to your local store.  (Reg 399 + 15% off)

Just bought the Elite 5 HDI combo from Cabela's delivered free to my door and no tax for $349.
I am a happy boy
Tom

Bill thanks so much for the help!

Just bought the Elite 5 HDI combo from Cabela's delivered free to my door and no tax for $349.
I am a happy boy
Tom

Bill thanks so much for the help!

Great Deal!

I recently got an elite 4x hdi and like it a lot. I might have gotten a larger model but I have limited space and was putting it on a scotty triple rod holder so the smaller unit made the most sense. Not sure how you plan to mount it but I came across this and it worked out well for me. It is pretty clean and compact.
http://www.stripersonline.com/t/934038/lowrance-mark4-elite-4-scotty-type-mount-tip-easy

Elite 5 HDI, & love it. I will take pics. of it mounted on my Outback tomorrow.

I'm interested in hearing if there is a significant difference between the 50/200 and the 83/200 transducer. Specifically, in regards to saltwater. Because the 50/200 should be more productive but it generally costs $100 more.

I'm interested in hearing if there is a significant difference between the 50/200 and the 83/200 transducer. Specifically, in regards to saltwater. Because the 50/200 should be more productive but it generally costs $100 more.

I have a 50/200 HDI (I think) that I can loan you if you want to rig up a "taste test".  I'll even loan you my Elite 7 HDI to play with if you want to give it a whirl for a short bit.

I have something coming up VERY soon in Monterey that would be of interest to you Pat.  I'm going to drop you a PM with some details.

Hook'em up Bill!

Hey Ryan, here is a couple of pics. of my HDI 5 on my Outback, hope it helps, 2nd pic. is folded down for surf launch.
Battery ( 9 ah ) is in aft hatch in a Hobie tray, transducer is in a water bath shooting thru the hull, hope this helps.

Tim

P.S. - oops, forget to add pics.- modified