Lowrance to Hummingbird

[JUSTWINGNIT]

Who on here has made the switch to Hummingbird? Just got a different boat and am looking at putting new electronics and trolling motor on it. I would like to have it all linked together also. I have only used lowrance but am really not a huge fan of the motorguide being that it does not have a readout on the remote for speed and such. What the hell should a guy do?

 

[DirtyMike]

Never had a readout on a remote so maybe I don't k is what I'm missing. However, the functionality of the motorguide will keep me with lowrance. I still have a humminbird 898 on the boat.

 

[Brian J]

Motorguide is twice the trolling motor compared to Minnkota. I have the Xi5 linked to the lowrance gen 3 3D and I'm a fan!

- - - Updated - - -

Also if you link the motorguide to your lowrance wouldn't you get a readout of your speed ect? Not sure what type of lowrance your looking at.

 

[JUSTWINGNIT]

Yes you do get a readout on the graph. im just not always by my counsel. that and lazy I guess. I was looking at getting the 9" gen 2 touch lowrance bundle from cabelas.

 

[Fishmission]

Took me a bit to get used to my xi5 after having the little screen on my terrova fob. After a week you will get used to the beeps that the Xi5 puts out. Those different audible signals tell you exactly what your motor is doing. I also had it linked to my Lowrance units but did not look at them much once I learned the signals

 

[Petras]

Make the switch. You won't regret it... That being said, The only downside to hummingbird that I have found is their interface with big motors sucks. I installed a gen 1 hds5 in the front of my boat just so I can get engine data off my yamahammer. The hummingbird interface leaves a lot to be desired and from what I found wouldn't even allow a guy to get engine hours... let alone other data from the motor...
If ur not after engine data, then HB is the only way to go. One of my coworkers made the switch on his ranger this year and after learning the ins and outs of the HB/MK combo, said he will never use a Lowrance again.

 

[AaronJ]

I switched to Birds this year. Next years boat I will rectify the mistake. Screen clarity is great. Mapping is erratic and sonar is sub-par. I am very disappointed.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I switched to Birds this year. Next years boat I will rectify the mistake. Screen clarity is great. Mapping is erratic and sonar is sub-par. I am very disappointed.

I was disappointed in the 'birds as well. Mapping zoom and movement is crap compared to Lowrance. Never did use the sonar. My Helix 10 moves back to metric every time you turn it off and back on again(pisses me off). I'd rather use an old Gen II HDS 8 over the Helix and the Helix is worlds better than the 1198 that was in that spot before. Lowrance's warrantee/water issues in the past made me switch to ONE 'bird. If I didn't have 360 imaging the 1198 would have been replaced back to a Lowrance unit. Also, 'birds connection system really sucks compared to Lowrance as well. I had constant power connection issues with the 1198 in sizable waves. I could go on...

 

[Vollmer]

Ultimate setup imo:
Lowrance for sonar/di/si
Lowrance for navionics chip
Bird for lakemaster chip
XI5

 

[Captain Ahab]

I currently use the 'bird for Lakemaster chip and 360 imaging and Lowrance for down/side scan and 2d sonar. The Helix 10 is OK, but the herky/jerkiness of the little boat on the screen and the damn thing always wanting to default to metric gets riled up. The brightness and screen clarity is very good as mentioned before, though.

 

[Callem'In]

I made the switch from a 1198 to a Elite 9ti on the new boat this year. Hands down will not go pack to a bird.

 

[dewey89]

I made the switch last year, boat had lowrances (still has a 9 elite on the bow) and a terrova on it when I bought it. Switched to a Helix 10SI and installed the Ipilot link along with the Merc Eco gauge. The functionality and user friendliness of the Helix is much nicer than the Elites. I have not had the problem with the Bird switching to metric at all like others have. Overall I am very happy with my Helix and am going to buy another for the bow, they work great linked to the Terrova.

 

[Sub_Elect]

I run Lowrance and will not switch. They have been outstanding, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Skeeter]

I've had them both. Kinda like ford verses Chevy. It's all personal perferance. I run 2 birds with 360 on my 2090 and a 898 on my Lund. I think lawrance and birds are both a quality product. Don't rule out garmin either.