When deciding which Lowrance unit is best going to suit your needs, it is handy to know the differences between the two series.

The Lowrance Elite series is regarded as an "entry level series" and therefore has a basic level of functions when compared to the HDS.

Features not found in Elite but with HDS Touch & Keyboard series are:

• no bottom lock in sonar
• no multiple display sharing of Transducer via ethernet
• no sonic hub, wifi go free, radar, ais, or Structure Side Scan interface
• no NMEA 2000 fuel/engine management support for Evinrude or Yamaha
• no Navionics Platinum or Navionics plus map options (so you miss out on better depth contour lines & Aerial photos)
• faster processor speed

The advantage of the HDS series is that it can start off simply and be added to as the need, experience or budget allows, or you can fit it up as a "hamburger with the lot" from the beginning.

The disadvantage of the Elite series is "what you see is what you get". No other abilities are possible.

The Lowrance Elite Series includes:

• Lowrance Elite 4 DSI Fishfinder Plotter
• Lowrance Elite 4 Fishfinder Plotter
• Lowrance Elite 4m Chartplotter
• Lowrance Elite 4x DSI Fishfinder
• Lowrance Elite 4x Fishfinder
• Lowrance Elite 5 >HDI Fishfinder/Plotter
• Lowrance Elite 5m HD Chartplotter
• Lowrance Elite 5x Fishfinder
• Lowrance Elite 5x >HDI Fishfinder
• Lowrance Elite 7 >HDI Fishfinder/Plotter
• Lowrance Elite 7m Chartplotter
• Lowrance Elite 7x >HDI Fishfinder

The Lowrance HDS Keyboard Series includes:

• Lowrance HDS 5 Gen2 Fishfinder Plotter
• Lowrance HDS 5m Gen2 GPS Chartplotter
• Lowrance HDS 5x Gen2 Fishfinder
• Lowrance HDS 7 Gen2 Fishfinder Plotter
• Lowrance HDS 7m Gen2 GPS Chartplotter
• Lowrance HDS 8 Gen2 Fishfinder Plotter
• Lowrance HDS 8m Gen2 GPS Chartplotter
• Lowrance HDS 10 Gen2 Fishfinder Plotter
• Lowrance HDS 10m Gen2 GPS Chartplotter

The Lowrance HDS Touch Series includes:

• Lowrance HDS12 Gen2 Touch Combo
• Lowrance HDS12m Gen2 Touch Chartplotter
• Lowrance HDS7 Gen2 Touch Combo
• Lowrance HDS7m Gen2 Touch Chartplotter
• Lowrance HDS9 Gen2 Touch Combo
• Lowrance HDS9m Gen2 Touch Chartplotter

For more information on these products and which would best suit your needs, contact CH Smith Marine in store or online.