When it comes to choosing between Humminbird and Lowrance fish finders, there are a few key factors to consider before deciding which brand is better for your needs. In this article, we’ll compare Humminbird vs Lowrance across a few categories to help highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Fish Finder Display
One of the most noticeable differences between Humminbird and Lowrance is the type of display the units use. Humminbird primarily uses LED-backlit LCD displays while Lowrance relies more heavily on LED/TFT screens. Here’s a quick overview of each:
- LCD Displays: Found on most Humminbird models, LCD displays use a backlight to illuminate the screen. They provide good sunlight readability and viewing angles at an affordable price point. However, the colors and resolution are not as sharp as LED/TFT.
- LED/TFT Displays: Common on Higher-end Lowrance models, LED/TFT screens provide very sharp images, colors, and viewing angles. However, they can be harder to see in direct sunlight and are generally more expensive than LCD.
For most anglers, LCD screens offer a good compromise between performance and price. But those wanting maximum sharpness and contrast may prefer LED/TFT displays. Humminbird does offer some LED units at the high end while Lowrance sticks exclusively with LED/TFT on its current lineup.
Sonar Capabilities
Sonar technology is where Humminbird and Lowrance start to differentiate themselves more significantly. Here are some of the key sonar differences between the two brands:
- Down Imaging: Both offer excellent Down Imaging sonar that provides a very detailed picture beneath the boat. Humminbird’s MEGA Imaging and Lowrance’s StructureScan HD provide near photo-quality scans out to impressive depths.
- Side Imaging: Again, both Humminbird and Lowrance offer excellent Side Imaging. Humminbird’s Side Imaging covers coverage out to 125 ft per side while Lowrance’s StructureScan offers 86 ft per side.
- Chirp Sonar: Lowrance and Humminbird incorporate chirp sonar across their product lines. Chirp provides better target separation than conventional sonars.
- Interference Rejection: Humminbird’s Zero Interference technology helps reduce noise from other sonars. Lowrance units also do well minimizing interference.
When it comes to pure sonar performance, Lowrance and Humminbird are remarkably close. Both offer leading imaging and depth finding capabilities. Humminbird offers a slight edge in Side Imaging range while Lowrance counters with the StructureScan 3D module that provides three-dimensional imaging. For most fishing applications, both brands offer excellent structure identification and fish targeting.
Ease of Use
Lowrance and Humminbird fish finders also have some interface differences that can affect their ease of use:
- Menus and Controls: Humminbird uses a mix of buttons and menus for adjusting settings and options. Lowrance utilizes a touchscreen interface on many of its models. Touchscreens provide faster changes but can be prone to unwanted activations.
- Mapping: Both utilize GPS chartplotting and mapping. But Lowrance offers enhanced C-Map charts and Genesis Live on-site mapping capabilities for improved detail.
- Autopilot Integration: Lowrance’s extensive Pilot Link integration allows autopilot control directly from the fish finder screen. Humminbird has no native autopilot integration.
For quickly accessing sonar adjustments and navigational options, most anglers find Lowrance units to be slightly more user-friendly. But Humminbird’s interface also provides excellent usability for more casual users.
Price and Value
From an economic standpoint, Humminbird tends to offer better value for the price point while Lowrance units push the cutting edge a bit more:
- Affordability: Humminbird provides excellent performance even at the mid and entry-level price points making them very affordable options.
- High-End Features: Lowrance leads in high-end features like touchscreen displays, StructureScan 3D, and enhanced mapping capabilities.
- Innovation: Lowrance does tend to innovate with new sonar features and technologies a bit more rapidly than Humminbird.
So if budget is a major concern, Humminbird excels at delivering performance and reliability at lower price points. But Lowrance models incorporate some advanced capabilities unavailable from other brands.
Reliability and Durability
When properly installed, both Humminbird and Lowrance deliver reliable performance in real-world fishing environments. A few factors affecting long-term reliability include:
- Waterproofing: Most units from both brands meet IPX7 waterproof standards for withstanding submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Temperature Range: Lowrance and Humminbird units are both tested for operation in temperatures from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 Fahrenheit.
- Corrosion Resistance: The transducer assemblies and exterior housings are designed to resist corrosion from freshwater and saltwater exposure.
Overall, there are very few inherent reliability differences between Lowrance and Humminbird fish finders. The major factors affecting longevity will be proper installation, regular maintenance, and avoiding physical damage to the units. Both brands stand behind their products with strong warranty support as well.
Conclusion
When choosing between Humminbird and Lowrance, there are strong cases to be made for both brands. Here are some condensed pros and cons for each:
Lowrance Pros:
- Advanced display technology with LED/TFT screens
- Excellent StructureScan 3D sonar imaging
- Very user-friendly touchscreen interface
- Leading mapping/chartplotting capabilities
Lowrance Cons:
- Higher price points for advanced features
- No native autopilot integration
- Touchscreens can be prone to accidental activation
Humminbird Pros:
- More affordable pricing for comparable features
- Zero Interference sonar reduces noise
- Familiar button/menu driven interface
- Proven reliability and performance
Humminbird Cons:
- LCD displays have more limited viewing angles
- Less advanced imaging options at lower price points
- No built-in integration with autopilot systems
For many anglers, the slightly lower costs of Humminbird units make them very appealing. But Lowrance delivers a more state-of-the-art overall package for buyers who prioritize high-end displays and imaging. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either brand – both Humminbird and Lowrance deliver excellent fish finding sonars to meet different needs and budgets.