Anyone used it or have one? Looking for hands on expierence with this unit. If you have used one and highly suggest one where is the best price on one.
Thanks a bunch.
Randy

Randy,
I've used one, but never owned one. Let me say this first. I'm a diehard Lowrance electonics fisherman. I've never and still don't think Hummingbird can touch Lowrance on their 2D sonar, GPS, or easy of use to scroll thru the menus. I just think Lowrance is the better unit all the way around. With that said, Lowrance has been behind the curve on the side imaging technology since Hummingbird released it. There's a reason you see most if not all the pros with a Lowrance unit and Hummingbird unit on their consol. Also, I'd venture to say that most of the semi pros and serious amateur fisherman do the same. So with that said, there's no way I'd just go with the Hummingbird as a stand alone unit. I'd still have to have a Lowrance for GPS and 2D sonar. I know Lowrance has come out and said they are releasing their side imagine technology soon if it hasn't already been released. I know you also get visibility under the boat where you don't with the Hummingbird.

Personally if it were me, I'd wait on the Lowrance unit with the technology, but I'd also give them a while to work out the bugs in the technology also. Meaning I wouldn't run out and buy one as soon as it's released. I'm sure when they release it the price of the Hummingbirds will come down as well, so it might make it more affordable to own a Lowrance and Hummingbird unit then. I like the technology, but got dang it's hard to get used to the Hummingbird and figure out what you are looking at. Also, you can only get the Bird in black and white. I think Lowrance's unit will be in color.

Tons of info out there on some of the fishing forums. Go check out what they are saying. I haven't been keeping up since the spring on what's been going on.

here is the link for Lowrance Structure Scan info.


http://www.lowrance.com/en/StructureScan/

if you really want to dig into some info, check out this website. it is more "based" out of the upper midwest, but it is by far the best fishing site i've found.


http://www.idofishing.com/forum/

I knew you guys would come through for me. These units are expensive and I wanna get the best for my money. The black and white unit would be fine for my needs but will wait and see the new ones work and hopefully they will drop in price.
When you used the 1197 did it really work in regards to seeing fish. I'm looking to see big schools of fish on the Ohio River.
Thanks again and I appreciate you guys helping me out.
Randy

so what does it look like when u see a fish

a bunch of suspended fish










another "down imaging" pic




green arrows = shoreline weeds. red arrows = fish

My fishing partner has the 1197 and loves it. It is easy to use, but like with all electronics you are going to have to get used to the technology. It is excellent for fidning schools of fish, brush piles, and creeks bends when you are not directly on top of them.