FF shopping

I'm not being a dick or trying to start a war with that question ... Just to clear the air.  I'm curious why & how when it comes to all brands.  You should see me go shopping for something.  Its always fun to ask a salesman "tell me why this is better than that".   

Back to topic ... Why do some prefer one brand/model over others or what features do some prefer or functions, etc.  This is why I ask; curiosity.  I have mad respect for Mel & crew!!! 

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. Clearly there are different schools of thought here... Seems there are a lot of good products out there, I guess my question now is, why do you prefer your ff?

Is it the ease of operation, the screen res, ???

Thanks again everyone, I love a spirited conversation!

Jim

I've used the dragonfly 5, and the lowrance HDS-7.  I'm going to Lowrance for my next purchase, and would have already if cabela's didn't F up my order.

I am very respectful of Bill (FishingForTheCure).  He represents Lowrance very well.  No offense meant.
This site is great for exchanging and learning new ideas.

I am not a Raymarine Pro staff.

When I was looking for a new FF, I started out demoing different units at WM. 
I made my choice and got a Dragonfly 6.  I like the screen clarity and ease of use, only 1 joystick and 2 command buttons.  Actually I only use the Joystick and View Switcher (middle button) 95% of the time.
Menus are very intuitive which makes the learning curb very low.

I enjoyed the Dragonfly 6 so much, when the 7 model was released I upgraded to the bigger screen.  Mainly because my eye sight isn't that great anymore and it makes my time OTW more enjoyable.

Get a unit with Navionics Plus.  You will see more chart detail and if you are fishing the ocean, Marine Protected Areas are marked. 

I own 2 Hobies with a transducer installed in each one.  My newest, is a 2015 Revo 13 which has an external transducer pocket. The  other is a 2012 AI which has a transducer installed inside the hull via a water bath method.  The external transducer gives better readings but the quality of the in hull is just as good.

With regards to power source, P-Sherman and myself use 10000 mah LiPo batteries.  We started with AGM / SLA but found them unreliable and good for only about 4 hours.  Stay away from cheap batteries that ship from China, you cannot verify their quality control and the power capacity they claim.

Good feedback Mel.  I too like the 1 button operation of the D-Fly unit, though I have to admit I have never used one OTW.  There's one thing I have learned in the world of FF & that is, like lures, you have to have confidence in your unit.  If you lack/don't feel confident in it, the ability to pull all available performance out of ANY given unit is low and the results can be low too = chasing fish/structure that isn't really there.  I'm also highly amazed at how particular FF brands are so regional.  Certain parts of the country are predominately H-Bird while others are Lowrance & others Ray or Garmin.

Don't allow me to push you one way or another.  FF units are a tool, not a means to the final results.  Yes, a FF/GPS can help you identify structure, bait, fish, track location or get you home safely.  Doesn't mean it will get the fish to bite any better.  Takes a lot of factors coming together ranging from location, weather, tides, species, tackle, lure, kayak, electronics, bait & most of all ... luck/skill.

I'm sure Mel & his crew of awesome fish bandits can answer most any question you have on the units & I'm available to answer most questions on the Lowrance side of things.  Neither of us work for these companies so it's not a hard-sell pitch.

Bill