Anyone have one? For the money is it as good as anything else with same features?
Anyone have one? For the money is it as good as anything else with same features?
I have one but really have nothing to compare it too. The built in unimap is worhtless so count on buying a chip. The GPS and sonar work great I have no complaints about the unit I would buy it again if I was to it again.
Yea kinda figured a guy would need to buy the navinics chip. Is it the same one the Lowrance uses? Glad to hear that you like it.
Im pretty sure there brand specific but Im not that knowledgeable on them. I went with a lake master chip and it was specific to the 597. You might get better help in the humminbird section of the forum.
I Have one and I like mine. Definitely get a chip. I fish Guntersville and I use it to find grass edges and it has helped me put lots more fish in the boat. I found stumps where I thought were grass clumps with the DI. Wish I could afford the the bigger better units but I'll take my 597 and be happy with it. Plus it's also up-datable, That was a big factor with me. I use navionics chip,
My boat is old, My rods aren't pretty. Those things let me fish when I want to.
1989 Glasstream Hydrabass 17V/1988 150hp Evinrude
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by dmorgan35 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Yea kinda figured a guy would need to buy the navinics chip. Is it the same one the Lowrance uses? Glad to hear that you like it.</td></tr></table>
I just put a 587 DI on the console in my duck boat and I love it, so I know the bigger screen on the 597 will be great for you. I tried to take the chip out of a 332c lowrance from my bass boat, but the Humminbird wouldn't read it for some reason. I don't need the chip for the bass boat anymore because I added a Humminbird 1197 with the map bundle on a RAM mount last year. So I have the same question as the OP. Should the chip work in both the lowrance and the bird?
My chip came out of a HD5 that I horse swapped with a buddy of mine. It works with mine 597 and his HD5.
My boat is old, My rods aren't pretty. Those things let me fish when I want to.
1989 Glasstream Hydrabass 17V/1988 150hp Evinrude
I just bought this unit a few weeks ago. Installed in on the boat and have only tried it out once at Lake Kissimmee. It is a great unit but when you fish in 3 feet of water, it is only good for telling you how deep the water is, hardness of the bottom, and the temp. I am looking forward to using it more to find structure etc. The map SUCKSSSS. So I am going to get a navionics chip. Going to KY Lake in June. Cant wait to see it work up there.
I have one and love it.. no complaints what so ever. Just updated the firmware a few days ago.. I took it out and was looking at some deep spots ( over 10ft ) and it was amazing what I could see and make out. A chip is a must!
Gene Shaw
Anniston, AL
Ha! I'm glad this thread came up. I'm going to pick one of these up on Sunday at Bass Pro and was wondering if I needed a chip or not. It looks like I do so I'll buy accordingly.
I have installed a couple and played with it and the comparable lowrance 5 DSI and I like the bird better because of the split screen option (lowrance doesnt have it). And i usually prefer lowrances.
Stroker 21
Mercury 250 PRO XB
TN Bluewater dealer/rep.
BBO
Cabela's has the 597ci HD DI on sale $549.99 Sat. March 3 only.
Greg Haberkorn (Habby)
2018 Ranger Z521L
2020 250 Mercury Pro XS - 2B738680
I got mine from Brian at bbg marine he is a forum sponsor had it with in 3 days and nobody could touch his price when I ordered mine.
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