HDS5 gen2 vs Elite5 CHIRP... - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Cadillyak · 10-19-2015, 06:20 PM

HDS all the way. Just my 2 cents. I'm

Deamon · 10-20-2015, 06:15 AM

Geno,

My perspective on the HDS...

Great unit to distinguish bait from kelp, sand from hard bottom, etc...good features include bottom lock, zoom, gps, split screen, etc...

User friendly...No, you have to read and understand the user manual. Also get someone knowledgeable to set the unit up properly and show you the ropes.

Bullet proof...No. I've turned mine in a few times for refurbished units under warranty. if/when it dies, you lose your way points unless you regularly download and save them. There's also use time lost between your unit dying and until the replacement arrives.

But I'm staying with HDS because I know it well and it works very well for me on the water...

Jim

FISH11 · 10-20-2015, 08:33 AM

I love my HDS5. It works better than any unit I have used before. I have used the Raymarine 4.7 (chirp technology) and I did not think it showed anything better, but was able to use side by side at the same time with my Lowrance Elite 4. I was able to confirm what was showing on both screen and it allowed me to find how to set the Elite 4 better. Also the Raymarine had limited choices on type of display colors and auto setting was a pain because as other have complained some times the unit would think kelp was the bottom and showed depth as 15' instead of 85'. I always have the unit off, during launches and landings in surf. If you roll and unit gets any moisture while power is on any unit can be toast in a minute.

10-19-2015, 06:20 PM	#1
Cadillyak Team Get $$ Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 841	HDS all the way. Just my 2 cents. I'm __________________ The "Y" is silent 2012 Olive PA 12 2011 Papaya Outback

10-20-2015, 08:33 AM	#3
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	I love my HDS5. It works better than any unit I have used before. I have used the Raymarine 4.7 (chirp technology) and I did not think it showed anything better, but was able to use side by side at the same time with my Lowrance Elite 4. I was able to confirm what was showing on both screen and it allowed me to find how to set the Elite 4 better. Also the Raymarine had limited choices on type of display colors and auto setting was a pain because as other have complained some times the unit would think kelp was the bottom and showed depth as 15' instead of 85'. I always have the unit off, during launches and landings in surf. If you roll and unit gets any moisture while power is on any unit can be toast in a minute. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

10-20-2015, 06:15 AM	#2
Deamon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,972	Geno, My perspective on the HDS... Great unit to distinguish bait from kelp, sand from hard bottom, etc...good features include bottom lock, zoom, gps, split screen, etc... User friendly...No, you have to read and understand the user manual. Also get someone knowledgeable to set the unit up properly and show you the ropes. Bullet proof...No. I've turned mine in a few times for refurbished units under warranty. if/when it dies, you lose your way points unless you regularly download and save them. There's also use time lost between your unit dying and until the replacement arrives. But I'm staying with HDS because I know it well and it works very well for me on the water... Jim