Lowrance HDS 5 & 7

[KJ Champ]

I'm investigating chart plotters and I've seen a lot of posts out here regarding Garmins. The previous owner had the boat set up with a Lowrance which he took, so I had been looking at a Lowrance HDS 5 or HDS 7 (Chart plotter only, not the fish finder combo). Just checking to see if anyone out here has any experience with these units and if so what your experiences have been. Thumbs up, Thumbs down, etc....
Thanks

 

[Lazy Daze]

I have looked into them. They definitely are nice looking and have some good features. I like everything I see about them, but I have not used them, so I can't compare "ease of use". I believe they are new this year?

 

[tdappleman]

Can't comment on the newer HDS units but I got a 7200c for Christmas (From Jim here at BOE) and absolutely love it. Screen is a good size and has a great picture. It was a toss up between this unit and the Garmin 545 and it really came down to cost - the Lowrance was almost $400 cheaper and it's now installed! Good luck and I'd recommend going into a store if possible to use them and see what you really like.