Lowrance HDS-8 vs Lowrance HDS-7 - The Hull Truth

nfairbank · 05-30-2009, 01:41 PM

I am about to purchase on of the above units. Lowrance typically state the incorrect screen size. For example, my LCX-28C HD, which I have to replace, was supposedly a 7" screen in reality it was 6.75.

Does anybody have the exact sizes as the money difference is significant.

Any other comments between the two machines would be appreciated.

Thanks

steelhead130 · 05-30-2009, 10:40 PM

6.4 inches to 8.4 inches, the big difference is screen resolution. 480x640 for the 7 and 600x800 for the 8. That is a big difference in the detail of the 2 units.
Otherwise dont think there is a remarkable difference.

nfairbank · 05-31-2009, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhead130

6.4 inches to 8.4 inches, the big difference is screen resolution. 480x640 for the 7 and 600x800 for the 8. That is a big difference in the detail of the 2 units.
Otherwise dont think there is a remarkable difference.

Hi steelhead130:

Thanks for the info, but, did you get the from the Lowrance site or by measuring?

The reason being I know I can live with 480x640 in 6.75 because that was my old LCX-28C, but is the HDS-7 really 6.4 or is it less than advertised like my LCX-28C? The LCX-28C was advertised as 7"!

Thanks again

bbrown1264 · 05-31-2009, 03:54 PM

I have an HDS8 coming soon (back ordered). Can comment on the actual screen size yet. The other major difference between the HDS7 and HDS8 are that the HDS8 has the flywheel control and soft-keys. It should make navigating the menus quicker and easier.

2dogs1949 · 05-31-2009, 09:24 PM

Alot of the settings that you must dig thru a menu for on a 7 and a softkey on the 8. That seems to be the price difference to me, besides a bigger screen. I have 2 HDS 5's , they work great, very happy with them.

bamaboy473 · 06-01-2009, 05:51 AM

The maiden shake-down for my new HDS-5 went poorly. Lost signal several times; boat stopped tracking while we were moving; Sonar read wrong or not at all.
The screen was nice and clear, though.

This is my 4th Lowrance unit and is the only one that has failed at every test. I'm calling Lowrance this morning for their opinion, but does anybody think that this is something besides a manufacturing glitch on my particular unit?

slapshotjh · 06-01-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

The maiden shake-down for my new HDS-5 went poorly. Lost signal several times; boat stopped tracking while we were moving; Sonar read wrong or not at all.
The screen was nice and clear, though.

This is my 4th Lowrance unit and is the only one that has failed at every test. I'm calling Lowrance this morning for their opinion, but does anybody think that this is something besides a manufacturing glitch on my particular unit?

I have no experience with the HDS series, but have been considering the upgrade. You are using the internal antenna for the GPS, yes? Do you have a t-top or something above the unit that would block the antenna?

2dogs1949 · 06-01-2009, 11:37 AM

I have a HDS 5m and a HDS 5x. Both new this year and both work great. If you are losing bottom at speed, try lowering the transducer, assuming transom mount,. If that doesn't work loosen the bolt and tilt the 'ducer down one notch and try that. Thats the sequence I used and now I never loose bottom up to 35 knts. (wot). I have never had a problem with the GPS.