Editor's Review
Humminbird 597ci HD DI Review
| Overall Rating |  |
The Humminbird 597ci HD DI is at the head of its class. New for 2011 the HB 597ci HD DI has many of the features that are a necessity on the water today. You would be hard pressed to find a fish finder that can compare to the 597ci HD DI and all the technological advancements that come along with it.
The screen is a 5” colored LCD with a very nice 640V x 640H resolution with 256 color display type.
That means that there are a lot of pixels showing on a relatively small screen, so everything that you see is very defined. Actually it is the highest resolution 5″ color display on the market. Along with the large screen this fish finder has an internal 50-channel GPS with built-in maps. The 50 channel GPS and single SD card slot for loading LakeMaster or Navionics charts.
The Humminbird 597 ci HD DI combo features 455/800 kHz Down-Imaging sonar and 200 kHz down-beam sonar so you will be sure to see whatever you need to see down there. Whether you are looking for fish or looking for logs you will be sure to see them using the 597 ci’s power output of 500 Watts (RMS) and 4000 Watts (Peak). Add all that power to the advance sonic features like Switchfire Sonar, split screen zoom, split screen bottom lock, freeze frame, and Selective Fish ID+ and you will feel like you are cheating out there. Max Mode displays every return for the most complete picture while Clear Mode filters returns to display only fish and structure. Dual Beam Plus is Optimized for excellent coverage of the bottom. The depth capability is 600’ / 300’, so you will be able to see plenty deep. Also, the sonar coverage is 20 degrees/60 degrees.
Humminbird did a wonderful job making this product as user friendly as possible. Some examples of their friendly features are large digits, selectable display colors, and the X-Press menu system. The menus are very easy to understand and to scroll though. Another great feature is the card slot that you can use for maps. As far as installation is concerned it is easy to install thanks to the tilt & swivel quick disconnect mounting system.
Lowrance HDS-5 vs Lowrance Elite-5 vs Humminbird 597ci HD DI
| Lowrance HDS-5 | Lowrance Elite-5 DSI | Humminbird 597ci HD DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Screen Size | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels | 640 x 640 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color SolarMAX™ PLUS TFT | 256-color SolarMAX PLUS TFT | 256 Color TFT |
| Imaging | 2D | Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W Broadband, analog equivalent 30,000W and 32W Broadband, analog equivalent 3,750 W | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 50/83/200 kHz | 455/800 kHz | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1900 ft | 1000 ft | 600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS | Internal high-sensitivity WAAS + EGNOS + MSAS | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 5000 | 3000 | 2,500 |
| Routes | 200 | 100 | 50 |
| Plot Trails | Up to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail | 100 retraceable plot trails/up to 10,000 points per trail | 50 w/ 20,000 points each |
| Background Map | Lake Insight | Over 3,000 enhanced lake maps with depth contour and shoreline detail, plus coastal shoreline detail with offshore depth contours to 1,000 ft./305 m and spot depth soundings | Humminbird UniMap |
| MSRP | $719.99 | $629.99 | $649.99 |
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Reader Reviews
Posted by che_ramon
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5Technology meets convenience in the Humminbird 597ci HD DI. You can estimate the size of the fish you are targeting with Selective Fish ID. The X-Press menu system allows you to access the features you use most often to save time during your excursion. Even the interface is customizable with your choice of colors and view selections.
The 597ci HD DI offers a 50 channel internal GPS with Chartplotting that helps you to navigate the waters like a pro. The built-in Unimap gives you an accurate chart for the waters virtually anywhere in the U.S. Explore coastlines, rivers and lakes as close to or as far from home as you would like with ease. An added card slot allows you to use additional maps and save waypoints throughout the trip.
Let the 597ci HD DI take you straight to the bottom with Down Imaging Technology. Watch as the powerful sonar takes snapshots from underneath your boat, piecing them together to give you an up close look. See the structures in perfect detail and identify fish with ease at water depths of up to 250ft.
Get a complete profile of the bottom by taking advantage of the DualBeam Plus Sonar. Expand your coverage area and achieve highly accurate returns with the use of the 20 degree and 60 degree beams. The narrow and wide beams can be utilized separately to help track fish and locate structures on the bottom. Opt to combine the beams to maximize your coverage up to 600ft deep.
Watch the underwater world appear instantaneously on your 5” color screen. The 640 X 640 high resolution display will add brightness and quality to the images as they appear. Use the LED backlight to take advantage of the fishfinder at night and in low light.
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