Ever since the Elite 7 HDI came on the market I have recived a lot of questions regarding the difference between the HDS-range and Elite HDI. In this article I will try to list most of the differences, seen from a keen anglers point of view. This also means looking at most of what Lowrance has to offer, but I'm sticking to models sold today and models I personally would recommend. The three main model-series, plus the newcomer Elite CHIRP. HDS Gen 2 , true multi function displays (MFD) with button-operation and screensize from 5" to 10,4". HDS Gen 2 Touch , true multi function displays (MFD) with touchscreens and screensize from 7" to 12". Elite HDI , "stand alone", ie not ment for networking besides VHF and AIS. Button-operation and screensize from 4,3" to 7". Elite CHIRP , as Elite HDI but with CHIRP-sonar and faster processor in adition. Screensize 5" and 7". HDS Gen 2 Units from this series are seen while fishing
Hi Lars. Do you have experience with structure scan with different sonars or transducers in saltwaters? Which is the best and how deep are you satisfied with the results?
SvarSlettHi. As Lars is mostly a fresh-water angler he asked me to respond to your question. The by far best option for StructureScan in saltwater is StructureScan 3D (module and transducer) compatible with Lowrance HDS and Simrad NSS. The second best option is in my eyes the LSS-2. The Active Imaging transducers ("2 in 1" and "3 in 1") seem to strugle more in saltwater then the older LSS-2, especially on DownScan. As for what depths it works in, bot SS 3D and LSS-2 has the exact same DownScan, usable in most conditions down to abot 30-ish meters, and in good conditions down to about 70-ish meters. For SideScan your main issue is the size of your screen. In deep water you need to have very long range in order to cover structure and not just the watercoloumn, and as that range goes up the sheer amount of data makes what you are seeing very small on your screen. I have tracked wrecks on SideScan down to around 70 meters, but any deeper that that and you will need a BIG screen to actually see anything. With the typicall 9 to 12 inch display I would say that 50 meters is about as deep as you will get useful information. Regards Erik
Slett