First let me state that I am no way involved with either company and have no brand loyalty to either.

I have heard the customer servcie issues with humminbird. I researched both products for months. The Bass Pro in Cincy got tired of seeing me "play" with the display units.

I ended up buying the Lowrance HDS8 with the LSS1 side imaging. It's only been bout 6 weeks but if I sat here and said anything negative I would be lying. Honestly I LOVE it and it HAS put more fish in the boat.

I bought one complete system and put it on my center console on Cumberland then bought an extra LSS1 side imaging system and another transducer for my Ranger and just switch out the "head" every time.

Ive had to call tech support a couple of time "cause im stupid" and the only problem I've has was having to wait a bit on the tech support line.

Hope this helps and good luck. This is a very important decision. It took me longer to make this decision that it did for naming my kids