fishfinder GPS combo

[1mainiac]

I spent the day helping a friend look for a new fish finder GPS unit. Here is what he narrowed it down to based on his budget so I will ask for opinions from you guys.

He is looking at a 500.00 max price and is not going to be blown away with a lot of features as he will likely never use them. Ease of use and being able to count on it working are his primary concerns.

Hummingbird 597ci

Lowrance LMS 520 CDF

ok your turn.

Thanks

Jim

Edited March 20, 2009 by 1 MAINIAC
opps

[glnmiller]

I recently bought a Lowrance 522C, was on sale at Cabelas for $499. Used for the first time this morning on Lake Michigan and so far I like it.

[Nailer]

In the past I've always looked at "Humming Bird" as a entry level unit.

Last year I got a Humming Bird 580 combo unit, and have been very happy with it.

Does he want the 597 just for color?

The 580 has a bigger screen, with a better price.

[GLF]

I still want to see one of the side finder units in action instead of in simulation mode at a store.

[anthonyyost]

I bought a 917C last year and put a navionics chip in it, I also bought the Quadrabeam transducer which is nice. The thing I like about the 700,900 and 1100 series is that there are a lot of add ons you can purchase. This year Hummingbird has teamed up with Sirius and for $249 you can have real time weather radar on one of these units. For $10.00 a month and a $15.00 activation fee (you only pay for the months you use) you can have a little peace of mind when you are 7 miles out.