Playdoh,
I have both a Lowrance HDS 9 and a humminbird Helix unit. I have one one each of my boats. I have spent the last 18 months using both models and if you are leaning towards the lowrance, that is what I would stick with. As you mentioned you are really interested in the custom mapping....with that in mind, lowrance is the way to go. With the lowrance unit you now have three options for mapping.
1) using insight genesis (taking advantage of the social maps as well as creating you own)
2) navionics sonarchart and sonarchart live for crerating your own maps.
3) And my favorite reefmaster. This is the method I use as I am a hobbyist map maker and the combination of using lowrances sonar logs with reefmaster gives you the most options out there. You can create your own custom maps that you can use on your lowrance unit, as well as in any GIS software package or even on a handheld portable device like your smart phone.
For option 3 you have to be a bit computer savvy, but its nothing overly complicated.
PM me if you would like some more details.
Cheers,
Sturgeonhound
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Wishin' I was Fishin'
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