Lowrance Elite ti2 vs Humminbird Helix

[Mtfish]

Hey guys, I posted something else on fishfinders a while back and have it narrowed down to these two, but can't decide which one to get. I also haven't decided if I want the 7 or 9 inch. I am leaning towards the 7 because it's cheaper and doesn't take up as much windshield real estate. I have always been a Lowrance guy, but am not necessarily brand loyal. From what I see, the pros for Lowrance are:
CHIRP, side and down imaging all built in one
One transducer for everything
Best 2D sonar
Cheaper than Bird

Lowrance cons:
Can't use with Minn-Kota
Can't use Lakemaster maps

Humminbird pros:
Best side and down imaging
Can use with Minn-Kota
Can use Lakemaster maps

Humminbird cons:
Can't get CHIRP, side and down imaging all in one, have to buy two units
Multiple transducers
More expensive

I can't think of anything else right now, but will add in another post if I do. Please let me know what your opinions are.

[Peckhead]

You can get Mega SI, Mega DI and Chirp all in one Helex model. I will look up which one I have and get back.

[Spartazoo]

I know its the last generation, but Cabelas had the Elite 9 Ti on Black Friday for half price. I just couldn't pass it up. I have had them both and both are great units. I personally like how you switch screens WAY better on Lowrance then HB. FWIW I have switched to Lowrance on my boat at the console and bow.

[Mtfish]

Good to know you can get Mega SI, Mega DI and CHIRP in one unit. I didn't know that. Would I still need multiple transducers?

[Peckhead]

Originally Posted by Mtfish

Good to know you can get Mega SI, Mega DI and CHIRP in one unit. I didn't know that. Would I still need multiple transducers?

https://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...b2dd4504631cf6

One transducer and has MSI, MDI and Bluetooth.

I assume you also fish Peck? Lakemaster chip covers the whole lake and has far better offset capability for water level fluctuations. The MDI is great for salmon and lakers down to about 200 ft.

[reddog]

Originally Posted by Mtfish

Good to know you can get Mega SI, Mega DI and CHIRP in one unit. I didn't know that. Would I still need multiple transducers?

Only if you needed to run a high speed transducer for depth at speeds. The large xducers can do it, but it takes some tweaking to find the sweet spot.

[Mtfish]

Spartazoo, do you use your Lowrance with a Minn-Kota or motorguide? I too like the functions and usability of Lowrance. I would pretty much only go with Humminbird for the Minn-Kota compatibility and Lakemaster. I could always stay with Navionics and not worry about the contour hugging function.

[Mtfish]

Peckhead, I do plan to fish Peck, as I am only An hour and a half away.

[Shellback]

One important feature of Lowrance is screen history. Say you are running down the lake, and just catch a glimpse of something on your 2D sonar. With Lowrance, you can switch over to down view or side view and scroll back to view it in better detail. With Humminbird you can't switch views and scroll back. Very important feature for me.

I had both on my boat this past summer. Helix 7 and Elite 9 TI I thought the Lowrance display showed considerably more detail.