Lowrance Hook 7? Garmin Striker 7?

[BillyBallGame]

A few months ago, I was looking at upgrading to a newer FF/Chartplotter. Went with the Lowrance Elite 7 Chirp. It was the right price and had all of the features I wanted, and I've always liked the Lowrance products I've used. I have read the the chartplotter function can perform slow sometimes because of an underpowered processor but I was willing to take the risk. 

 

Fast forward to now, and I see Lowrance has a totally new line out that looks very similar to the Elite series. Sifting through all the marketing jargon, I can't seem to find the difference between the Elite series and the Hook series. 

 

The Hook 7 is the same price the Elite I bought so I'm thinking about making the exchange. Anyone have any experience with the new Hook series? Can anyone make out the difference between the two models? Might just be a rebranding of the unit. 

 

I always see that Garmin just came out with the Striker series, combo units in the same price range as the Hook. Anyone know anything about this?

[Clemdawg]

I was hoping to see you get some replies to your post as I am looking as well.  From what I've seen it looks like the Hook 7 is new and haven't been able to find any reviews. Also I see on the Lowrance website there are rebates for select Elite versions - Maybe trying to sell those out ?  Raymarine also has a comparably price product but a little more expensive with the PRO.  I did see some reviews on the Elite 7 specifically complaining about the slow processor speed with the charting. Hope to see you get some replies. I'm close to just trying the HOOK 7. Thanks for your post. Lowrance / Garmin / Raymarine ? 

[Stonesipher]

The Hook is basically a re badged Elite.

 

Very little difference, if you have an elite and like it save your money.

 

They made way for the new Ti models which have a structure scan mode in a new transducer.

Had to do it because of the Hummingbird Helix kinda kicking their butts last year.

[nightfighter]

I too have been researching and asking, as I am due to replace my Garmin 188c. The name that keeps coming up is Simrad.

[sams]

I spent a bunch of time at the Miami Boat Show talking to the Lowrance/Simrad guys and the Hummingbird guys.  My big concern is the side imaging as it is something I have not used in the past.  Based on what I got from the various reps I am going to be buying the Elite 7 Ti with Total scan and preloaded navionics charts.

 

sam

[Seadogg]

Don't bother with the Striker if you're looking for a chartplotter. Those units have internal GPS, but are incapable of accepting any type of cartography. If you're looking for a cheaper Garmin with sounder/plotter look at the Echo Map series. They offer both downview and sideview models. A better quality product than the Lowrance Elite series. Always have been.

 

I'm pretty sure the Lowrance Hook products are replacements for the Elite series.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Seadogg

[bugrunner]

How do these model stack up against the raymarine dragonfly 7 pro?

[BillyBallGame]

Ended up buying the Hook 7. Getting it in installed in a few weeks. I'll report back. 

[Clemdawg]

Ditto- I also just bought the Hook 7 with the Navionics+. Looking forward to see how well it works.  

[BillyBallGame]

Brought the boat over to the mechanic to get springerized and the FF installed. Mechanic (who's also a big fisherman) said I should have sprung for the Elite series. We'll see how it goes.