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Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 Touch Insight Review

Rating
3/5
 
Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 Touch Insight has an average rating of 3 out of 5 based on 3 user reviews.

lowrance_hds7touchinside

VendorPrice
BassPro$1499.99
WestMarine$1549.99

The HDS-7 Gen2 Touch Insight from Lowrance is a third generation all-in-one fishfinder, depth sounder and chartplotter. This high-definition system attains very high speeds and is powered by touchscreen control.

Viewing and Map Features

• With the high-definition, 16-color, Super VGA SolarMAX PLUS TFT display, wide-angled views of improved clarity are possible, especially under the glaring sun when the user does not have polarized sunglasses

• White LED backlit screen measures nearly 7 inches and gives good imaging with a pixel resolution of 480 by 640 and aspect ratio of 16:9

• Base maps with limited detail provided by Insight USA can be personalized; there is an option of using Navionics charts

• The Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 can be used for high-definition cartography including shading of topographical and bottom structural contours

• Views offers a 3D perspective on maps; dual views are allowed so that two maps can be seen simultaneously

Sonar Processing Features

• It has built-in broadband sounder technology with 250 watts maximum peak to peak power and StructureScan HD Sonar imaging for improved clarity of vision in side and bottom views

• It works on dual frequency setting of 83/200 kHz which is ideal for freshwater fishing. Deeper coastal waters require operation at 50/200 kHz. Transom mount transducers are included with the device for both settings. Coverage width of 120 degrees and depth of up to 5000 feet are achieved

• 1 foot of Sonar display history can be reviewed using the TrackBack feature

• Colorline feature distinguishes bottom composition, thermoclines and clutter from fish targets

• Temperature sensor is integrated into the body of the device

• Fish Symbol ID is enabled to easily track and identify fish on the screen

• It has an internal 16-channel WAAS, GPS antenna, GPS alarm, depth alarm and Man Overboard features

Anglers enjoy the advanced memory capability that allows 5,000 waypoints and favorite locations, 200 routes with up to 100 points each, and 10 plot trails with 12,000 points each to be saved on the device. They can further extend this memory by fitting an SD card into the waterproof slot provided. In fact, the entire body is fully waterproof, meeting IPX7 standards. Touchscreen with user-friendly menus and five push-buttons make it very easy to operate this device. Since the device is built to support 36 languages, it has high appeal to international users, with further support provided by an in-depth user manual.

Users know the excellent reputation of marine equipment from Lowrance, which is further strengthened by a long battery life and the company’s offer of a two year warranty on the HDS-7 Gen2 Touch Insight fishfinder/chartplotter. They have access to fishing hot spots provided by Insight and Baja, and directions to fishing boat launches and other points of interest to anglers. Users have the option of subscribing to SIRIUS satellite weather, radar or multiple station radio updates, all of which are compatible with the Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 Touch Insight; they can be overlaid on the device by connecting it to the appropriate sensors. All the features listed above makes this multi-purpose piece of equipment a must-have for any serious fishing enthusiast. You can get a great deal on Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 Touch Insight here.

 
 
 Lowrance HDS-7 Touch InsightHumminbird 898c SIHumminbird 958c DI
lowrance_hds8_gen2humminbird898csihumminbird958cdi
Screen Size7 in7 in8 in
Screen Resolution480 x 800 pixels480 x 800 pixels480 x 800 pixels
Display TypeWidescreen, 16:9 ; WVGA color TFT LCD256 Color TFT16:9 Color TFT
Imaging2D, Structure Scan, DownScan Overlay2D and Side Imaging2D and Down Imaging
Transducer TypeTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit Power31W Broadband RMS (analog equivalent 3200W)
250W Broadband Peak-to-Peak (analog equivalent 30,000W)
1000W RMS
8000W Peak-to-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency(50/200 or 83/200 kHz) + 455/800 kHz83/200 kHz 2D
455/800 kHz Side Imaging
200/455 kHz 2D
455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth5000 ft / 1524 m1500 ft 2D
150 ft Side Imaging
600 ft 2D
250 ft Down Imaging
GPS Antenna TypeInternal, high-sensitivity GPS+WAASInternalInternal
Waypoint Storage500030003000
Routes2005050
Plot TrailsUp to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail50 w/20,000 points each50 w/20,000 points each
Background MapExpanded U.S. BaseMap or Insight USAHumminbird ContourXDHumminbird Contour XD
MSRP$1549$1666$1499
ReviewsReviewsReviews

User Reviews

Posted by packfan

  • 5/5
5

The HDS 7 Touch Insight was my first HDS unit. It’s a tremendous fishfinder. It’s got built in Structure Scan. Split screen mode is an awesome feature – everything you need to one screen. Scrolling is quick and menus are self explanatory.

Posted by fishin willie

  • 1/5
1

Lowrance will have to improve the touchscreen on these HDS models. I played with this unit at the store, and even after a few minutes it was obvious that the screen doesn’t react to touch every time. Also, it was really hard to select anything from the pulldown menus, they wouldn’t stay on the screen long enough to make the selection. I decided to buy Raymarine a78 instead, that touch screen worked much better.

Posted by pikeman

  • 3/5
3

This unit is great at finding fish. However, the structure scan has been a disappointment for me so far. Maybe I don’t know how to use it but I couldn’t get it work yet.

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