High definition in all of its glory has arrived into the world of marine electronics with the HDS line of fishfinders and chartplotters from Lowrance. The HDS 7 is one of the newer models in Lowrance’s flagship series. The 7 inch full color monitor displays splendid images and its readability is excellent whether seated directly in front of it or at an angle. Adjustable brightness levels and color palettes customize the viewing experience and tailor it for all conditions.
On the navigational side of things is where the HDS line really shines. The HDS 7 is endowed with a super accurate WAAS GPS antenna that can pinpoint current location to within 10 feet and is loaded with mapping software. 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.
Even 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 surroundings. Lowrance has invested everything its knows about the wants and needs of today’s pro fisherman into the HDS line and it shows.
| Lowrance HDS-7 | Humminbird 798ci SI | Humminbird 858c DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Screen Size | 6.4 in / 163 mm | 5 in / 127 mm | 7 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 640 pixels | 640 x 640 pixels | 480 x 800 pixels |
| Display Type | 16-bit color Full VGA SolarMAX PLUS TFT | 256 Color TFT | 16:9 Color TFT |
| Imaging | 2D | 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 Broadband, analog equivalent 30000W and 32W Broadband, analog equivalent 3750W | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-to-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 50/83/200 kHz | 83/200 kHz 2D 455 kHz Side Imaging | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 5000 ft / 1524 m | 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 | 5000 | 2500 | 3000 |
| Routes | 200 | 50 | 50 |
| Plot Trails | Up to 10 trails - up to 12,000 points/trail | 50 w/20,000 points each | 50 w/20,000 points each |
| Background Map | Expanded U.S. BaseMap or Insight USA | Humminbird ContourXD | Humminbird Contour XD |
| MSRP | $1119.99 | $1109.99 | $1199.99 |
 | | | |
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |