Elite 5 FF

So what's the difference between 5 hdi/5x hdi/chirp/hds?
I'm lost   
Which one do most of you have/like?
Can get 5x hdi $150 no duce and 5 hdi $250 but refurbished.
Or new of course.

Most of our Lowrance users on here have either the Elite 4 or 5 HDI unit & the number is growing with the new 2015 CHIRP model.  Honestly, if you can swing the money, go for the 5" for the screen size.  This will give you greater ability to do 'split screen' with FF & GPS and still be able to see both with relative ease.

Here's a rundown:

Elite is a series of units - for 2015, they come in a 3, 4, 5, 7 & 9" model
HDS is a series of units - for 2015 they come in (3) sizes.  HDS is typically associated with boats due to the ability to newwork & have further add-on items not typically needed on a kayak.

'x' series units (ex. Elite 5x) refers to a unit that can ONLY perform function as a fishfinder (no way to add/upgrade to GPS)
'm' series units (ex. Elite 5m) refers to a unit that can ONLY perform function as a GPS (no way to add/upgrade to fishfinder)

Some retailers/distributors sell with AND without a transducer as an effort to play a "shell game" with the price.  Ideally, look for a unit that includes the transducer ... you'll need one anyways.  All new units (HDI/CHIRP/HDS except the Elite 3) can accept the HDI transducer; thus unlocking all the features of the fishfinder.  The smaller "standard" (non-HDI) transducer can be used if all you need is "standard" fishfinder (no DownScan imaging) or a smaller transducer package.  Price difference between "standard" (older) transducer & HDI transducer (modern) in fairly minor.

HDI - Hybrid Dual Imaging.  This allows the user to view their unit as a standard fishfinder AND DownScan imaging.  The HDI transducer works on the older HDI units AND newer CHIRP units.  Also works on the HDS Series of units.

CHIRP is the newest fishing technology out there and uses the HDI transducer OR other "standard" transducer depending on the users requirements to access DownScan imaging.

Refurbished - You will find some refurb Elite HDI unnits out there at a great cost.  Less warranty; Factory Reconditioned.

Lastly is 'Gold' package.  The 'Gold' package just includes an extra map chip in the box.

Hope this helps a bit!

Bill

I though this was a Lowrance topic 

 

We love you Bill but OP did ask..... "(unless you guys recommend a better FF for the price)".   

IMHO, both Lowrance and Raymarine has it's good and bad.

I though this was a Lowrance topic 

 

We love you Bill but OP did ask..... "(unless you guys recommend a better FF for the price)".   

IMHO, both Lowrance and Raymarine has it's good and bad.

No worries!  It's all good in my book! 

So what's the difference between 5 hdi/5x hdi/chirp/hds?
I'm lost   
Which one do most of you have/like?
Can get 5x hdi $150 no duce and 5 hdi $250 but refurbished.
Or new of course.

Most of our Lowrance users on here have either the Elite 4 or 5 HDI unit & the number is growing with the new 2015 CHIRP model.  Honestly, if you can swing the money, go for the 5" for the screen size.  This will give you greater ability to do 'split screen' with FF & GPS and still be able to see both with relative ease.

Here's a rundown:

Elite is a series of units - for 2015, they come in a 3, 4, 5, 7 & 9" model
HDS is a series of units - for 2015 they come in (3) sizes.  HDS is typically associated with boats due to the ability to newwork & have further add-on items not typically needed on a kayak.

'x' series units (ex. Elite 5x) refers to a unit that can ONLY perform function as a fishfinder (no way to add/upgrade to GPS)
'm' series units (ex. Elite 5m) refers to a unit that can ONLY perform function as a GPS (no way to add/upgrade to fishfinder)

Some retailers/distributors sell with AND without a transducer as an effort to play a "shell game" with the price.  Ideally, look for a unit that includes the transducer ... you'll need one anyways.  All new units (HDI/CHIRP/HDS except the Elite 3) can accept the HDI transducer; thus unlocking all the features of the fishfinder.  The smaller "standard" (non-HDI) transducer can be used if all you need is "standard" fishfinder (no DownScan imaging) or a smaller transducer package.  Price difference between "standard" (older) transducer & HDI transducer (modern) in fairly minor.

HDI - Hybrid Dual Imaging.  This allows the user to view their unit as a standard fishfinder AND DownScan imaging.  The HDI transducer works on the older HDI units AND newer CHIRP units.  Also works on the HDS Series of units.

CHIRP is the newest fishing technology out there and uses the HDI transducer OR other "standard" transducer depending on the users requirements to access DownScan imaging.

Refurbished - You will find some refurb Elite HDI unnits out there at a great cost.  Less warranty; Factory Reconditioned.

Lastly is 'Gold' package.  The 'Gold' package just includes an extra map chip in the box.

Hope this helps a bit!

Bill

Had mark 4 before and screen to small. Will definitely go with 5.
So what is a good deal price range for new elite 5 hdi with ducerand gold?

Should be able to find good deals out there on the Elite HDI Series units since they were replaced at the start of 2015 with the CHIRP models.  Seen some online sales & refurb. units pop up every now & then.

Slight thread jack, but maybe others have the same question ...

I purchased an Elite 4 HDI w/Gold package last year. I recently upgraded to a 5 CHIRP, but held onto the Navionics Chip that came with the 4 in hopes that it would work on the 5 as well. So far, I can't get the 5 to recognize the Navionics chip and have read mixed reviews online as to whether chips are transferable. Anyone else have any insight into this ?

It "should" because I thought I have moved my gold chip from unit to unit & even loaned them out to others in the past.  Have you gone into the chart menu & switched it to the chip?

Yeah, I went into the pull down menu and selected 'Navionics' but the map never changes from the stock Lowrance map. Hum ...

In all fairness, I just set it up for a few minutes to make sure everything check out coming out of the box but didn't give it a real thorough test. Knowing what you said now, I'll play with it some more and check things out. Thanks, Bill !

Slight thread jack, but maybe others have the same question ...

I purchased an Elite 4 HDI w/Gold package last year. I recently upgraded to a 5 CHIRP, but held onto the Navionics Chip that came with the 4 in hopes that it would work on the 5 as well. So far, I can't get the 5 to recognize the Navionics chip and have read mixed reviews online as to whether chips are transferable. Anyone else have any insight into this ?

It "should" because I thought I have moved my gold chip from unit to unit & even loaned them out to others in the past.  Have you gone into the chart menu & switched it to the chip?

Yeah, I went into the pull down menu and selected 'Navionics' but the map never changes from the stock Lowrance map. Hum ...

In all fairness, I just set it up for a few minutes to make sure everything check out coming out of the box but didn't give it a real thorough test. Knowing what you said now, I'll play with it some more and check things out. Thanks, Bill !

One more thing to look at/consider.  These generally "fire up" the first time with the map placed over Oklahoma.  What I suggest doing is wait for it to acquire satellite & then pan around the coastline.  The 'Gold' chip should then be visible.  It may take a few minutes for the chip to load up initially as well.

I just got the ELITE 5 with CHIRP with navionics. My buddy has the ELITE 7 HDS. Havent been able to see the difference yet (- the screen) but they say chirp is alot better. Took it to Rollins on sunday... I really love it.
Got it on amazon for 499.99 and I mailed in the $100 rebate. Hope that works out.
here is my setup ( I just started about 1 month ago ):

As you can see, no drilling and the transducer folds in and out. Not sure if I completely like it but I'm going to try it.

Battery box also has some room for storage(phone, keys etc)

You should see less clutter around the fish targets (ie. the fish targets will appear smaller, but better defined), there should be better separation of target-to-target & target-to-structure if they are closely huddled together.  Lastly, you should notice that the fish target is less "arch" like & more of a blob or fish shaped (not an upside down banana). 

Refurbished Elite 5 HDI for $250. Includes the 83/200/455/800 transducer. Factory warranty for 6 months, and you can purchase an extended warranty from Cabelas.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lowrancereg-Elite-5-HDI-Combo-ndash-Refurbished/2042303.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dlowrance%2Belite%2B5%2Bhdi%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=lowrance+elite+5+hdi

Refurbished Elite 5 HDI for $250. Includes the 83/200/455/800 transducer. Factory warranty for 6 months, and you can purchase an extended warranty from Cabelas.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lowrancereg-Elite-5-HDI-Combo-ndash-Refurbished/2042303.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dlowrance%2Belite%2B5%2Bhdi%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=lowrance+elite+5+hdi

SMOKIN!!!!!

Refurbished Elite 5 HDI for $250. Includes the 83/200/455/800 transducer. Factory warranty for 6 months, and you can purchase an extended warranty from Cabelas.

Chirp worth the extra $ in your opinion?

My opinion?
Not worth paying 2X more than an HDI unit. 
But if you do choose to upgrade to CHIRP down the road, you'd be able to simply swap head units...because it uses the same transducer as HDI versions.

My opinion?
Not worth paying 2X more than an HDI unit. 
But if you do choose to upgrade to CHIRP down the road, you'd be able to simply swap head units...because it uses the same transducer as HDI versions.

I concur.  Technology wise, there is a difference ... is it 2x the cost difference right now?  That is a personal choice.  Pat is 100% correct in the upgrade option later on.

bill

What would I be gaining if I upgraded from hdi to chirp? Sorry for so many questions I'm very indisisive