Analogue or HD Broadband finder

[dblaj1]

Hi,

Currently upgrading from a basic fish finder to something better and after advice. (Sorry if it's been covered before but I couldn't find what I am after).

Is there much difference between the old technology and the new? i.e. the Lowrance Elite5x and the Lowrance HDS5x.

There is about $200 difference and I want to know if it is really worth the extra $ for the High Def broadband or should I put the $ towards bait? If the difference is like Analogue TV to Digital TV I'm happy to pay the extra.

Thanks for any advice.

Cheers

[FishHunter]

Hi,

Currently upgrading from a basic fish finder to something better and after advice. (Sorry if it's been covered before but I couldn't find what I am after).

Is there much difference between the old technology and the new? i.e. the Lowrance Elite5x and the Lowrance HDS5x.

There is about $200 difference and I want to know if it is really worth the extra $ for the High Def broadband or should I put the $ towards bait? If the difference is like Analogue TV to Digital TV I'm happy to pay the extra.

Thanks for any advice.

Cheers

The difference is more like $500 as the HDS does not come with Australian charts and as I have previously said you get exactly what you pay for, if you have the money get the HDS.

[dblaj1]

Thanks but am after stand alone fish finder only.

Lowrance Elite5x $600
Lowrance HDS5x $800

[jason p]

Thanks but am after stand alone fish finder only.

Lowrance Elite5x $600
Lowrance HDS5x $800

hey mate just went through the same delemer not so long back and they both seem to be good sounders but the hds is an awsome unit. im very happy with mine and i personally think its worth the extra $$ and then some. its alot more powerfull than the elite.

cheers jp

[ozscott]

I think the digital tech is pretty amazing. It helps poor fishos like me actually get onto fish. I have a Furuno digital and compared to a very similar powered analogue Garmin in the same boat its streets ahead. I manually tune both and get the best out of both, but the digital is really worth the extra.

Cheers

[mylestom]

Try this link $695 sure if you shop around BIAS or Whitworth etc, you could probably do better.

http://www.############.com.au/produ..._ProductID=805

Love my HDS8

Regards

Trev

[dblaj1]

Thanks - I can actually get the Elite5x for $500 and the HDS5x locally for $700 with tranducer, cover etc.

Just trying to establish that the digital is really better than the analogue - which from responses so far it sounds as though it is.

I see no point in spending an extra $200 just to have the latest IT gizmo or to be seen with the best - but if it does make a real difference, then I am happy to.

Thanks again

[Angryant]

I would recommend the HDS5 as the definition of the picture is better and you also have the option of adding structure scan should you want it later on. (I have a HDS7)
Angry

[leelee]

I see no point in spending an extra $200 just to have the latest IT gizmo or to be seen with the best - but if it does make a real difference, then I am happy to.

Personally I think yes it is better to spend the extra $200. If you decide you want to save the $200 and buy the Elite, but then decide that you should have bought the HDS5, then that $200 difference will turn out the be $350-$400 by the time you sell you elite (2nd hand) and purchase the HDS.

I have a HDS8 and a LMS525 and I love them both and both serve their purpose.

The HDS also offers structure scan, so if in the future you decide you want to buy it as an add on you can.

Hope all goes well with the choice.

Cheers

Lee

[dblaj1]

To finish of this thread and in case others are interested - I got the HD unit and am very happy with it. Appreciate the advice given.