fishfinder/chartplotter question: lowrance-elite-5 any good or go for the HDS-5?

[dawn2dusk]

I have finally decided to upgrade my fish finder and GPS.

I have read most the threads on here others have posted on this subject. Seems like Lowrance is preferred, despite some reliability issues with some lemon units. I would like to get the HDS-5 but noticed this deal at Island OUtfitters that includes charts all for $649:

http://fishingvictoria.com/lowrance-elite-5-gold-fishfinderchartplotter

I wonder if the included maps will be sufficient for fishing east and west V.I.

Any members here boughts this unit from IO? or general comments on the Elite-5?

THe HDS 5 will be almost twice the price once I buy the Navionics maps. Is it worth it?

Thanks for any advice and tight lines!

 

[QB fisher]

I bought the elite 5 gold 2weeks ago ,seems to work great ,,bought mine at harbour chandler they will match any ones price and they are very very knowledgeable about this unit charts cover all of north america .there is a problem with one of the software loads for the unit.so talk to the people at the chandler even if you buy one somewhere else.

 

[Olde School]

dawn2dusk

My dad is looking for a plotter.
If you are thinking of selling yours please pm me some details.

Thanks.

Smiley

 

[drilleryells]

Very good unit once i got clean power to it. had nothing but problems till i run a new wire straight to a new busbar off the battery , works great now...

 

[ratherbefishing]

I purchased the Elite 5 with the Navionics charts from the Harbour Chandler in the spring. So far so good. It doesn't have the same engine interface (ie it has none), HD screen and some of the other 'nice' features as the HDS series but for the price and my application I love it. It shows me where I am, how fast I am going, how deep it is and if there is bait below. What else could a person ask for!?

 

[dawn2dusk]

Right on thanks for all feedback.

Smiley I am just using a handheld currently.

If you are shopping around here is some info from my experience so far. I have found GPSCITY.CA to be best price for use in price matching. West marine price matched both elite and HDS 5. Just had to include an extra $10 for shipping in the price matched price. $$699 for HDS w/o maps or $619 for elite-5 preloaded with maps.

if you are going to Calgary like I am soon you could save shipping and 7% sales tax too! another tip when in Calgary go to superstore liquor. Great deal on single malts! bloody luxury tax in BC.

Check out this:
http://www.gpscity.ca/lowrance-elite-5-gold-fishfinder-and-gps-chartplotter.html
http://www.gpscity.ca/lowrance-hds-5-fishfinder-and-gps-chartplotter.html

Shop 'til you drop!