HDS 5 and 7 or an 8

[KSauers]

What would you rather have? A 5 and a 7 in the rear or an 8? If you had the 5 and 7,which one would you use for sonar and which for gps? I can't decide. Help me decide.

[LLewellin]

Originally Posted by KSauers

What would you rather have? A 5 and a 7 in the rear or an 8? If you had the 5 and 7,which one would you use for sonar and which for gps? I can't decide. Help me decide.

I have the HDS8 in the back and HDS7 on the bow. I would absolutely go for the HDS8. The soft keys and the picture resolution and size are so much better IMHO. I am not a big fan of the HDS7. Screen is only 6.4 inchs where as the 5 is 5"+ and the 8 is 8"+.

But with that said depends on your budget, fishing style and how good your eyes are. IMHO

[RickOnt]

So far I am very impressed with my 8. Resolution,screen size,soft keys.

I would get the 8.

Rick

[muskyhunter47]

buy the 1198 i was looking at the 998 but know that i have the 1198s im glad i bought the big ones

[KSauers]

I have a 7 in back now. If I got an 8 it would plug right in. If I got another 5 for the back ,I'd have do some more wiring and make a bracket. I'd have to sell my 7 in order a afford an 8. The 8 would still be more expensive but easier. I'd also have to load my info from the 7 and transfer it to the 8 which i don't know how to do,yet. Is it difficult ?

Yes there is a huge difference in screen size between the 7 and 8,but if one is used just for gps and the other for sonar I may be ahead in total screen size.

[1860Angler]

Go for the 8, without a doubt.

[Hot Runr Guy]

KSauers,
So I started snooping around the Cabelas site, trying to spend YOUR money, when I stumble across the H'bird 596C HD DI unit for $419, minus a $50 rebate. I've been drooling over a DI unit to match my current 597Ci that I'm using as my GPS-only.

Aw heck, it's only money,,,,,,,,,,

HRG

[KSauers]

I want to stick with lowrance since I have several chips and don't want to have to go buy them again.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Originally Posted by KSauers

I want to stick with lowrance since I have several chips and don't want to have to go buy them again.

It wasn't my intent to switch you. I just wanted to let you know you cost me 400 bucks today!
HRG

[Hawker]

Originally Posted by KSauers

I have a 7 in back now. If I got an 8 it would plug right in. If I got another 5 for the back ,I'd have do some more wiring and make a bracket. I'd have to sell my 7 in order a afford an 8. The 8 would still be more expensive but easier. I'd also have to load my info from the 7 and transfer it to the 8 which i don't know how to do,yet. Is it difficult ?

Yes there is a huge difference in screen size between the 7 and 8,but if one is used just for gps and the other for sonar I may be ahead in total screen size.

Very tough decision KSauers, but in the end I think you'll be much happier overall going with the 8! Transferring your data is quick and easy so don't let that bother you at all! Later on you might find a good used 5 or 7 you could add when the funds allow! If you go with a Gen-2, switching/changing screens is lightning fast and you'll fall in love with the soft keys! I'd go with the 8!