HDS-5 vs Large LCX (30 series / 100 series)

[thepunishur]

Currently have an LMS480. I am looking at either getting a new HDS-5 gen 2 or a lightly used LCX-38C for around the same money. I was wondering opinions. I think I would like the larger screen of the LCX, but was wondering if the HDS is that much better. It's not in my budget to get a larger HDS. Looking for some input as to which way to go.

[1860Angler]

The bigger screen is nice but I would hands down go with the HDS-5 Gen2. It has the latest technology and the software release can be upgraded. Also the networking options are are endless, the GPS antenna is built in, the menu's and options are nice and allow for easy expansion of additional units, sonic hub, StructureScan in the future. Go for the new HDS-5 Gen2, you won't be sorry.

[Slushfish]

How intimate are you with your sonar? There are a lot of people around here that use their graph more for a gps and depth finder than sonar. In that case bigger screen is better. I had LCX before hds and loved it. But, like stated earlier, opportunities are endless w the hds.

[Burr]

In my opinion, the LCX series second hand prices are too high to justify the purchase of one. I don't feel electronics of the last 5-10 years have been durable, they can break at any time, and an LCX will no longer be supported or fixed when it breaks.

Go with the new one for the warranty. I'm riding with my LCX's yet, but know if they happen to quit working - my chances of fixing them are slim to none. With a broadband unit, the LCX 27-28, 37-38, 112-113 will have the same HD sonar display capability. But no opportunity to upgrade to Structure scan, down imaging.

The GPS mapping chips for the HDS unit displays are much improved information. Not that the gps maps on the LCX's were bad, they worked.

I'm not sure complete reliance on the internal gps antenna is correct if you want to display sub 1 mph speed accurately. You may need the external antenna to get the slow speed readings desired. But for an application like ice fishing, the location data displayed is completely effective with the internal antenna.

But these are all opinions. I'm too old and my eyes are too bad to rely on a 5" screen too. So screen size might be an over-riding decision point.