zollerj Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 I was wondering if anyone has taken a look at the new Hummingbird 385ci as an economical way to get into having a combo unit. To me everything looks good as specs go, but I am curious if anyone has allready given this unit a try. If not is there any other suggestions in this price range for a different company's combo unit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nailer Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 I have one a couple sizes bigger. Humming bird make a very good unit. Other than the fact it has a small screen, you won't be disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulywood Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 I have no experience with that unit but Humminbird has made a lot of improvements over the past few years and everyone I know who has one loves it. Like Ken said, the screen will be small but instead of using it in split screen mode you could always flip back and forth between the screens. Use the GPS to navigate and sonar to fish. If it works well you can always look to add another unit down the road. Seems like an economical way to get started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjk984 Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 I looked at the 385 ci but ended up getting a 587ci for my bow mount. Both were good units I just got a really good deal on the 587.Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moto21 Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 I’ve had a 383ci (385ci is just the upgraded unit) for 4 or 5 years now on my bass boat. It’s been an excellent unit. Sonar works great. Marks fish and bottom well and tracks bottom well at higher speeds. The gps is accurate but the mapping is a little lacking but the 385 now has an option for mapping cards so that takes care of that issue. Great unit for the price. Other unit to look at is a lowrance m68. Have one for ice fishing and works just as well with a little more fine adjustment on the sonar then the humminbird. Cabelas has it for $350 right now. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zollerj Posted April 17, 2010 Author Share Posted April 17, 2010 Thanks for all of the reply's guy's... I think I will be purchasing something simialr in the near future, but am a little nervous on the screen size. Does anyone know of somewhere in the grand rapids area to look at this unit? I am afraig a 500 or 700 series might be necessary... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moto21 Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I also have a 597ci on one of my boats so let me know if you need info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjk984 Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 My local Gander moutain has a 597 on display call if there is one near you They might have one too.STEVE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zollerj Posted April 20, 2010 Author Share Posted April 20, 2010 So this weekend I went and took a look and compared the 597ci, the 387ci, and the 788ci. I really liked the look of the 788, and the 3 "hot buttons" really looked nice. Came home and found a great deal on a used one online. So the 788ci won. does anyone have any beggining setting suggestions for this new to me bird? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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