Lowrance Electonics

[logelund]

Been doing some research on Sonar/GPS units to put in my boat. I'm not sure what I was even looking for, but decided to go with the Lowrance HDS 5. I initially thought something in the Himminbird line was maybe what I wanted, but a friend talked me into the Lowrance. Talking to a few people and reading some reviews, I'm a little concerned about the problems I've been hearing about. Issues involving GPS not reading or the units even freezing up from time to time worries me a bit. Was there something out there better suited for me? Of course I still can return this sonar/GPS and am open to suggestions if anyone has any. I'm also a little worried on how to operate this fishfinder, since the options and functions it has are endless. My main concerns for fishing with a Sonar/GPS is to have GPS speed, water temp and of course depth. Maybe in time I will learn some of the other functions and be very pleased with how it works. PLease give me some feedback, I'm open to all opinions. Thanks

[hondo]

I have an HDS in my boat and have been happy with it, no problems or issues at all. I mostly use it as a sonar (there's other units in my boat that I use for GPS). When I have used the GPS map screens I have not noticed the screen freezing as others here have posted.

About the menus, there are a lot of options but it doesn't take long to figure your way around them. And whether you stay with the HDS or go with another unit, it's important that you take some time to play around with and experiment with your unit ON THE WATER so you learn how to use it and fine tune it and learn what it's showing you. With my HDS I probably spent 30 minutes each time on 2-3 of my first fishing trips with it, just tweaking settings and checking out options and figuring out how I liked having the unit dialed in, plus another 30-60 minutes in the garage tweaking the GPS settings and options. It makes a difference while you're learning how to use the unit and get the most out of it.

[rattree]

Im of the opinion that you need better friends. You could accomplished everything you wanted with the Bird.

[TomP.]

Im of the opinion that you need better friends. You could accomplished everything you wanted with the Bird.



I agree I was a Lowrance die hard fan from the beginning. Went to Humminbird so much easier to operate with way less issues, updates that actually work. I have had my 797CSI two years and never even a glitch. IMO I doubt I will ever buy a Lowrance again unles they really turn there customer no service around.

Just my two cents

[Shellback]

lodelund, Here's my advise, call their customer service phone number 1-800-324-1356. After you get endless busy signals, or if you are answered and put on hold. Use that time to reflect on your purchase of a Lowrance product. Probably after 40 or 50 minutes, you will know your answer to the question if you should keep your Lowrance. Personally, I'm thinking of putting my Lowrance product under my truck tire and doing a few burn outs. Then return the piece junk that they just happened to send back to me after so called repairs.
Hey I'm sure the pros out there will rave about Lowrance products, but I bet they never have to call that customer service number. They probably have a hotline and a new piece in 2 days.

[hawg]

Logelund, this is kind of a Chevy/Ford question. Both are outstanding companies and both take some learning time. Keep the book in the boat and refer to it from time to time. No matter how long you have either unit you WILL find yourself checking the book now and then. Everybody has an opinion on the topic but they are just that, opinions. I've had great service from Lowrance the few times I've needed it.

[1shooter]

I really dont think this is a chevy/ford issue. I may be a little biased as I am one of many people that spent $1000 on a Lowrance unit less than a year ago and am having problems that Lowrance can't seem to fix.

The have even gone as far as sending me a new head unit (thanks to Linda Colt). The new unit is better but I still loose bottom.

If I was in the market today for a new GPS/Sonar unit and looked at this site I don't think it would be that hard of decision based on all the problems posted on this site.

My biggest frustration is that it appears Lowrance has given up on updating the software on models that were current last year.

Why would you invest alot a money in the new HDS units when they can't properly support the units they sold last year??????????????????

Hopefully Lowrance will prove me wrong and come out with a fix but until then I would not suggest spending money on one of their GPS/Sonar units.