For navigators of waterways of the world, Tulsa, Oklahoma based Lowrance introduces its Elite-7 Hybrid Dual Imaging (HDI) series, otherwise known as the Lowrance Elite-7 HDI. This device incorporates GPS capabilities with course plotting to make navigation and on-water pilotage an intuitive and effortless process. Like all electronics of this sort there is a slight learning curve that once over makes using the device a simple process. Lowrance offers Elite-7 at a very attractive price – you get 7 inch display, broadband as well as DSI for the price not much higher that Elite-5 DSI which is a 5 inch, DSI only model. Humminbird 858c DI that has very similar specs to Elite-7 is about twice more expensive.
In the Elite series, the 7 HDI part of it, Lowrance introduces a new Lowrance HDI Skimmer® transducer design that allows the unit to interface in most steering rooms or boat control panels. Along with this HDI Skimmer panel, Lowrance outfits the unit with its Broadband Sounder technology so not only is the device a perfect navigation tool it becomes a highly sophisticated fish finding piece of electronics. The new motherboard and processor allows users to gain clear views of fish, bottom surface, obstacles and details underwater in real time clarity. The Lowrance Advanced Signal Processing (ASP) means not having to fiddle with dials and controls manually to get the maximum performance out of the unit. This is a great new feature for anyone who wishes to spend more time boating and fishing versus playing with the electronics.
To really take full advantage of the mapping, plotting and exploring functions of the Elite-7 HDI Lowrance designed it so it would take Micro SD cards. These Micro SD cards get used to display Navionics® Gold and HotMaps® Premium, Fishing Hotspots® PRO, and Lake Insight and Nautic Insight PRO cartography available online or through certified dealers. This means that the Elite-7 HDI can be used with any available electronic map for North American fishing or boating waterways. Lowrance has worldwide SD cards for those who live or fish outside North America making the Elite-7 HDI a world-opening navigation device.
Deep water boaters like those on the Great Lakes, oceans and coastal regions or in the shipping lanes should use the Elite-7 HDI with the 50/200 kHz Skimmer® transducer packs. These packs are specifically made for such purposes and provide real time and updated data as it becomes available to organizations such as NOAA and the US Coast Guard. A variety of the transducer packs allow customization of the Elite-7 HDI via 83/200 kHz operation plus Downscan Imaging (455/800kHz) for depths to 1,000 feet; HDI Skimmer with 50/200 kHz operation; Downscan Imaging (455/800kHz) for depths to 2,500 feet. This opens up more and more waterways for safe navigation.
Lowrance stands behind and backs its products with a full, no-questions-asked one-year warranty. Service packages are available at time of sale or up to 90 days post purchase. These plans extend the service and warranty up to three-years. As of December 2012 the prices for the Elite-7 series between $449 up to $889, depending on packages selected and external accessories in the package deal. All Lowrance devices must be purchased through a certified and authorized dealer to ensure quality service and knowledgeable sales staff of the products. The Lowrance Elite-7 HDI represents a huge leap forward in waterway navigation, plotting and fishing finding. You can get a great deal on Lowrance Elite-7 HDI here.
| Lowrance Elite-7 HDI | Humminbird 598ci SI | Humminbird 858c DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  |
|
| Screen Size | 7 in | 5 in / 127 mm | 7 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels | 640 x 640 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color, Full VGA SolarMax PlusTFT | 256 Color TFT | 16:9 Color TFT |
| Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Side Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | Max 250W RMS 30,000W Peak to Peak analog equivalent | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-to-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 50/200 or 83/200 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging | 83/200 kHz 2D 455 kHz Side Imaging | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1000 or 2500 ft 2D 300 ft Down Imaging | 1500 ft 2D 100 ft Side Imaging | 600 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAAS | Internal | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 3000 | 2500 | 3000 |
| Routes | 100 | 50 | 50 |
| Plot Trails | Up to 100 trails - up to 10,000 points / trail | 50 w/20,000 points each | 50 w/20,000 points each |
| Base Map | Expanded U.S. BaseMap or Insight USA | Humminbird ContourXD | Humminbird Contour XD |
| MSRP | $699 | $899 | $1199 |
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