Asking for opinion- Elite 5 v HDS 5
I just got a little runabout, 13-14' really old fibreglass hull and I was looking at a sounder.
Narrowed it down to 2- Lowrance Elite 5 or HDS 5 G2, both @ $849 include 83/200khz 500w transducer. The Elite 5 includes Navionics Australia gold charts. The HDS 5 does not- best price $329 delivered for platinum chart.
Does anyone have experience enough to offer an opinion on which is the better option. I believe I could expand the HDS5 with a 200/500 txr for DSI for $600 odd, but application is for Warnbro Cockburn Sounds, maybe Coventry/5FB in real nice weather so not sure that is so important as I believe the better sonar would suit my application.
I am led to believe HDS 5 is a much better more user friendly unit whereas the Elite is more than suitable for me and includes the maps. I'll post a wanted for a Navionics gold card in case someone upgraded to platinum and has a spare one going at a good price.
Thanks for any replies or opinions on this. Like everything so far, my budget was $400 and I'm comparing 2 x $849 units...
PS. I don't know how to stop the two following photos from appearing 
Justo82
Posts: 482
Date Joined: 17/10/11
Hds is a better unit. I did
Hds is a better unit. I did the same comparison 6 months ago. But ended up going for a hds7 gen2.
Go into bcf and play with their display units
Turbo Tim
Posts: 27
Date Joined: 22/12/11
I did- at first glance on
I did- at first glance on demos I couldn't see a huge difference, fish finder is primary reason but obviously love to hit marked spots too. And fish finder looks the same on demo on both to me.
The displays spec the same resolution at 480 x 480 but one is HD?- the specs for HDS say 16bit colour solar max plus tft, I gather there is a difference.
Before I learn all function buttons it appears it is button convenience v maps, I am really leaning on the HDS5 but thought I'd chuck it up here to see if another $329 (for maps) odd is justified with the HDS in people's opinion.
Obviously for you it was the HDS 7 G2 choice so cheers for your views on the HDS. Appreciated :)
tim-o
Posts: 4657
Date Joined: 24/05/11
Hds is better, I ended up
Hds is better than the elite, I ended up gettin a raymarine a50d for my tinny, came with silver charts (ok for inshore) and better tranny, (50/200) and has higher resolution screen than lowrance. I preferred the wider screen over the taller lowrance screens too and is easy to use, should get one for 700 now
I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.
MattG
Posts: 104
Date Joined: 09/09/09
Im with Tim-o
Did the exact same comparison last summer. Ended up with the raymarine A50D.
For what its worth, my father in law has the elite 5, and I dont like it. Bottom definition is ok, but lack of bottom lock is a PITA. Much prefer the HDS in that department.
dodgy
Posts: 4577
Date Joined: 01/02/10
I nearly agree. Running the
I nearly agree. Running the a65. Ray has a better sounder but lowrance plotter is easier to use.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
Fishfeeda
Posts: 6
Date Joined: 19/12/11
Hi Also went for the HDS7
Hi Also went for the HDS7 with a Platinum chart I find it really simple to use and the 5 is vertually the same as the 7.
Good luck with your choice!
Turbo Tim
Posts: 27
Date Joined: 22/12/11
Thanks fellas, really
Thanks fellas, really appreciate the input. Platinum plus charts - older sectioned coastline XL 139 or 140 = $289, all Australia XL3 60 $430. Jeeeez, still got some thinkin to do
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
No need to get platinum
No need to get platinum charts for a cheaper gps, you can't use the extra features, just get gold.
grayzeee
Posts: 2283
Date Joined: 09/07/09
A mate has the elite 5. I
A mate has the elite 5. I reckon it is a good little unit. You can set upper and lower limits as well as zoom. (bit like my old lms520)
never seen the hds on a boat myself , so can't say
If I spent half as long fishing , as I do reading this bloody forum , I'd be twice the fisherman I am.
mr_meks
Posts: 189
Date Joined: 11/02/11
simulator
You used to be able to download an elite-5 simulator, so you can demo it on your pc but I cant find it online anymore. I can e-mail you it if you want. I have the unit but haven't used the hds or any other so I cant offer much of a comparison opinion.