The better choice.... IMO is the Scotty.
Scotty's are very well made, less problematic and cheaper if you know where to get them.
I've only have heard of two major problems with Downriggers first hand. They were both Cannon Uni's.
One had the spool split and the other had the mount fail (slip out while running) resulting in a lost rigger.
The first one Cannon replaced the spool but the second instance they did nothing, saying:" Since you can't return the product your warrenty doesn't apply" LOL how are you supposed to return a rigger after it falls overboard due to a poor mount design 
Do some research and you'll find a dozen guys on the web who lost their Cannons when the mounts wouldn't lock correctly then slipped.
Like I said I prefer Scotty's
The best price on Scotty's are in Canada, that's where they are made.
Try Berry's
http://www.berrysbait.com
... and work your way through the site.
If it doesn't work keep trying it's worth it.
I bought the 1099 back on December 24 (My christmas present!!) Recieved it UPS two weeks later. Very happy with it!!
Here's what it looks like on the rig.
The list at barry's is now 449.99 on the 1099 Depthpower but that's in Canadian.
Their onsite Java converter never works so well so for a current price try:
http://www.rubicon.com/passport/currency/currency.html
When I ordered (December 24) The price was 409.99 Canadian, equal to 264.12 US. Unfortunately the dollar like our economy is slipping.
Today it's $449.99 Canadian or $306.90 US. Double whammy higher price and a weaker dollar. The reason I'm telling you this is that you should order right away before the cost rises due to more economic problems and the falling dollar.
1099 Depthpower $306.90 is still 80 bucks less then West Marine. Not the deal I got but still worth looking into!!!
The 1091 combo is currently 269.99 Canadian at Barry's That's $184.14 US or about a hundred bucks off the local price. That's a pretty good deal.
Personally if I was spending that much I'd go electric. Either way I don't think your going to beat Berry's price. Downriggers are their main item.
If the low prices make you nervous give them a call.
14651 Westminster Hwy Phone: 604-273-5901
Richmond, BC V3V 1A4 FAX: 604-273-5980
Canada Email: berry@berrysbait.com
Here's a better view of mine:
Great unit, I love it 
Good luck...
...and I'll see you out there this salmon season.
Tight lines Jim
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