Hey, I've been wondering for a while which is better... Humminbird vs Lowrance
Setting aside money issues, what would be your dream fish finders right now for the front and console??
Try to include details such as maps, structure scan, and any other feature that you like better than the other.

Frank that is one of the most opinion based subjects going. The quality of both brands is limited only to the price you are willing to pa. The price should be dictated by what you wish to accomplish, find fish vertically, horizontally, or some variation of the two. The depth finder should be easy enough to use that within a few trips the user can be proficient enough to be successful. Now-a-days, the quality of Hummingbird and Lowrance are both very good, and both do an excellent job in all the categories mentioned above. it is a matter of choice.
That said, I use Lowrance and I am also cheap! lol. I have the 520 on my console (rear) and the 480 on my trolling motor. I am old school and fish vertically when I use my depth finder for fishing. Other times,like springtime, I use my depth finder for depth proximity and water temperature (is the water warming up enough to reposition bass like pre-spawn) and finding ditches or highways to spawning flats).
That's just me though. I hope someof the guys with side imaging units to explain thier thoughts.

Ok nice. Yeah with my parents helping me out so much I actually saved for almost a year to split the price and buy my Lowrance Hds 8 Gen2 bundle with structure scan at the console. I have learned how to use it very well now. I was just wondering what other people thought about Lowrance and Humminbird. I'm keeping all of it in mind whenever I do upgrade my boat within the next couple of years. 90hp Optimax is quite a bit different than a 250hp Optimax... For now, I just have to fish smarter than everyone else that has a bigger motor than me...

Wow, even though it is opinionated I thought there would have been some feedback from you avid anglers...
I was just seeing what your dream set ups would be between Lowrance vs Humminbird.

I use my two lowrance 520's like Bob. Also, I'm cheap and can't make my self spend that much $$ for a new unit. I know that for a while Lowrance was having customer service issues. If I were to purchase a new unit I would lean toward Hummingbird as their units are made in either southeast Alabama or Northwest Florida not sure which. Lowrance made in Mexico and New Zealand and is owned by a large corporation.

May have to crack open the wallet soon....my two 520's are getting a bit old at 7+ years. Both have been good units.

Ok nice. And yes, the nice ones are not cheap. I barley had enough for one.. But it is just like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Check out this thread Frank...

http://www.georgiafishingforum.com/.../Lowrance_HDS_8_or_Hummingbird_#Post8091

It has some good info on this subject.

Great suggestion, Andy! I forgot about that one!

Oh nice!! Thanks for the link. Yeah after reading that, I am pretty much sold on Lowrance. All of my fish finders have been Lowrance so far and I have already learned how to use my Lowrance Hds Gen2. I feel even better choosing Lowrance now.

Lowrance HDS Touch 12 on the bow and (2) Lowrance Touch 9's at console all running of off Navionics Platinum Mapping......

Another option is to get the Vexilar fishfinder. It costs under $120 with boat mount. If you want maps you can spend another 10 to 20 bucks and get either i-Boating or Navionics .