Top Five Fishfinders

RankModelRating
1Humminbird 597ci HD DI55555
2Humminbird 898c SI4.84.84.84.84.8
3Garmin Echo 300c4.44.44.44.44.4
4Humminbird 788ci HD DI44444
5Lowrance Elite-5 DSI3.673.673.673.673.67

Lowrance HDS-5 Review

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lowrancehds5



The HDS 5 is another fishfinder and GPS chartplotter combo unit form Lowrance’s high definition product line. The HDS 5 is a very versatile and compact unit that has a relatively small footprint that is perfect for those looking for a space-saving multifunction unit. The SolarMax Plus display provides impeccable images that are crisp and clear in daylight and in low light conditions with fully adjustable backlighting for the screen and keypad. An astounding 30,000 watts of power allows the transducer to penetrate the waters to depths of nearly 5000 feet. With all of that power in concert with familiar but essential tools like FishSymbol ID, FishTrack, and Hyperscroll, nothing will be left unnoticed.

The built in GPS antenna boasts 16 channels that are conform to the WAAS GPS system in North America, the MSAS in Asia and the EGNOS in Europe. No matter where you are in the world, the HDS 5 will provide the user with the most accurate and precise positioning data currently available. Then take that data and pair it with the installed cartography software for the ultimate in marine navigation. Take your pick from an assortment of maps that cover the Americas and beyond in high definition. And its more than just maps; call up a host of relevant information like panoramic pictures, 3D views of satellite imagery, fishing guides from the pros, and fishing hot spots with the press of a button. The available choices are literally endless with all of the available map and chart cards that can be loaded onto the device using the installed SD card reader.

More options are available when its time to upgrade. Network with other peripheral devices via the NMEA data port and turn the HDS 7 into your very own nautical data control center. Monitor water temperatures, share multiple sonar and GPS devices and monitors, listen to Sirius Satellite radio, get up to the minute weather reports, and connect to high definition radar devices for monitoring your environment. The HDS line represents the best that the marine electronics industry has to offer.

Lowrance HDS-5 vs Lowrance Elite-5 vs Humminbird 597ci HD DI

Lowrance HDS-5Lowrance Elite-5 DSIHumminbird 597ci HD DI
lowrance_hds5gen2lowrance_elite5_dsihumminbird_597
Screen Size5 in / 127 mm5 in / 127 mm5 in / 127 mm
Screen Resolution480 x 480 pixels 480 x 480 pixels640 x 640 pixels
Display Type16-bit color SolarMAX™ PLUS TFT 256-color SolarMAX PLUS TFT 256 Color TFT
Imaging2DDown Imaging2D and Down Imaging
Transducer TypeTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit PowerMax 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 Depth1900 ft1000 ft600 ft 2D
250 ft Down Imaging
GPS Antenna TypeInternal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAASInternal high-sensitivity WAAS + EGNOS + MSAS Internal
Waypoint Storage50003000 2,500
Routes20010050
Plot TrailsUp to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail 100 retraceable plot trails/up to 10,000 points per trail50 w/ 20,000 points each
Background MapLake InsightOver 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 soundingsHumminbird UniMap
MSRP$719.99$629.99$649.99
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