Lowrance HDS Gen 2 has arrived! So far we have received the HDS5 Gen2, HDS7 Gen2 and the HDS10 Gen2, with the HDS5x Gen2 and HDS8 Gen2 due at the end of this month and the plotter versions HDS5m Gen2, HDS7m Gen 2, HDS8 Gen 2 and HDS10 Gen2 due next month.

So do we recommend buying the Gen2 or do we snap up the classic Gen1 series while there are still some left at a lower price?

In our opinion, it depends on what you intend to use it for. If you do not intend to add the LSS-1 Structure Scan at any time in the future, then the only benefit of Gen 2 is the faster start up time and processor speed.  The faster processor speed means that the maps will redraw faster when you pan around. This is mainly evident when we demonstrate the unit, but when you under Way it will not be noticed.

The HDS Gen2 is a significant improvement over the Classic series, but unless you''re going to be using it''s new features, namely Structuremap, which requires the LSS1 Add-on, you will not notice much of a benefit in day to day use.