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 Post subject: Lowrance: Chirp or HDI?
PostPosted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:35 am 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:23 am
Posts: 4
I'm a biologist that's fished my whole life, but only short stints with cheap (<$200) fish finders, of which I've found to be pretty useless. I like the idea of installing a current lowrance on the PA14 and want to give one a try.

Currently on the fence with both:
-Elite 5 vs. Elite 7, and
-Chirp vs. HDI

I primarily fish shallow (5-15') freshwater for largemouth/snakehead, and intertidal estuaries (also shallow) for flounder and stripers. Occasionally I will chase things like landlocked stripers in deeper reservoirs, but definitely not often.

Cost is not an issue, but I'd like to justify the difference between the $349 Elite-5 HDI and $799 Elite-7 Chirp.

I've read a ton (hull truth article, etc.), watched all the youtube videos, and so forth- still not totally convinced.

Thoughts?

Thanks!


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PostPosted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 6:29 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:32 pm
Posts: 28
Location: Hillsborough, Nj
Hey joe,
The fact that I love my Elite 5 DSI, that does everything I need it to do, has little to do with you, Your choices, and your actual needs. The fact that money's no object is a good thing, so you're left with features, and ease of use.
The knowledgeable guys in this forum are a great source of info and you could be getting a dozen or more factual recommendations that can also make your decision that much more difficult....
Bottom line is this... If you have a Bass Pro or Cabela's within 50-100 miles of your location, go and play with each unit. The trip will be worth it. They're on display in demo mode and a knowledgeable sales staff will answer your questions while you see and evaluate the features and functions.
Hope this helps!

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Cheers,
Bob, NINCO1
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"A wet bird never flies at night"


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PostPosted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:37 pm 
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Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:23 am
Posts: 4
Thanks, Bob!! I really appreciate the comment, re: seeing them @ BassPro or Cabelas. I will definitely do that!

Money is always a concern- I am just looking at it more along the lines of cost per use. Fish 25+ weekends a year + 4-5 years use out of the unit and it comes down to $2.8 vs. $6.4 each day. I'd honestly much rather hear that you're perfectly content with yours vs. the need to upgrade keeps you awake at night!


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:21 am 
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Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 1:23 am
Posts: 117
Location: MA
Anyone know if the chirp transducer fits in the Lowrance ready slot on the 2014 PA-14?

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Just a Kid to the End


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:57 am 
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Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:08 pm
Posts: 21
It fit my 2015 PA 14, and love it


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 6:12 am 
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Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:08 pm
Posts: 21
Since the chrip technology is new, I would suggest buying into further, my understanding is that CHRIP just inhances HDI. I haven't used regular HDI, but I really love my CHRIP 7.


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 27, 2014 11:48 am 
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Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:23 am
Posts: 4
CrappieHunter1, which battery setup are you using for the E7Chirp?

Power draw seems to be pretty substantial with the upgraded processor and high(er) res screen.

Thanks!!


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 27, 2014 3:38 pm 
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Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:08 pm
Posts: 21
I have the hobie setup, I use it 5 to 6 hrs at a time, then let it recharge, no problems.


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PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 8:00 am 
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Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:23 am
Posts: 4
Great, thanks!

Found the E7 chirp for $659 & ordered the hobie wiring kit.

Anxious to try it out this weekend!


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