Topic: Humminbird 998

[Wallin]

Is the 998 C being discontinued at the end of this year to early next year?  Is there two different versions of the 998 C where the newer version is HD? 

I would think Humminbird would have an entirely new model number if that was the case.

[LocDown]

The HD model will just move to LED backlighting, no other changes that I have read.

[newkid4si]

Wallin
   I have the 998C. In direct sun the screen can be, at times, difficult to see. Depends on the the angle.
   Cloudy days, early or late in the day is OK.
   Would like to know someones thoughts, having used both, on the nonLED/LED viewing ability.

           Mike

[LocDown]

I've had the 798 before getting the 997 and the LED backlight is way brighter than the CCFL.

[newkid4si]

LocDown
    Thanks. That is what I expected, but it's good to ask.
    Sometimes new and improved isn't "improved".

                                       Mike

[LocDown]

If you could extend the 1-10 scale on the CCFL, the LED would be like 13/14 when at max brightness.

[newkid4si]

Much of our scanning is done midday, in sunny conditions.
Would you pay the extra money for the improved screen?

         Mike

[LocDown]

I personally wouldn't upgrade just for LED backlighting.  Now, going from a 997 to 998 would give me hardware upgrades, but I can't justify it yet.

[Wallin]

So basically, no one knows if the 998 is being disconituned?

[reddog]

998 C SI  (non HD) is being replaced by the new 998 C SI HD, which has LED lighting, so yes, in effect the CCFL unit is being discontinued, but the 998 HD unit will be around for a long time...

[LocDown]

Are you just curious if they will keep updating the software? I doubt they will stop updating software for it just because they came out with new backlighting.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Are you just curious if they will keep updating the software? I doubt they will stop updating software for it just because they came out with new backlighting.

I don’t know why we wouldn’t.  Look how long we have been updating the software for some of the older Si units like the 987c Si and the 997c Si.

[Wallin]

I was wanting to know if the unit I was buying was going away and a newer model taking its place.  If it was I could wait and get it cheaper later on perhaps.