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Message
Forward Facing Sonar Research - What Are You Using
Posted on 1/21/26 at 6:42 am
Posted on 1/21/26 at 6:42 am
I'm in the market - trying to decide between Livescope and Active Target 2. Most opinions I'm seeing say Garmin Livescope is slightly better...a few say vastly better. But there are some that say they're both what and what.
I'm currently running Lowrance graphs. 12" FS Elite at the console and 10" FS Elite on the bow. This is relevant information because if I go with Garmin I will have to add a graph. I've heard that Lowrance just came out with AT2 XL now and that it is even better so there's that as well.
So what are you using? Have you ever used both and have a clear winner? Appreciate all responses...except the inevitable "that ain't real fishin'!!!11!!1!" scope haters.
I'm currently running Lowrance graphs. 12" FS Elite at the console and 10" FS Elite on the bow. This is relevant information because if I go with Garmin I will have to add a graph. I've heard that Lowrance just came out with AT2 XL now and that it is even better so there's that as well.
So what are you using? Have you ever used both and have a clear winner? Appreciate all responses...except the inevitable "that ain't real fishin'!!!11!!1!" scope haters.
4
Posted on 1/21/26 at 7:58 am to GeauxTigers0107
Jacob wheeler has a good video on YouTube where he runs both simultaneously and shows the differences.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 8:45 am to GeauxTigers0107
I’ve been in many boats with every FFS option. Garmin wins hands down. The AT2 is a really good product, but the detail is better on a Garmin
LVS34 and the cone is a little wider allowing you to see more. I haven’t used the new Lowrance transducer yet, but for now, Garmin is still king.
LVS34 and the cone is a little wider allowing you to see more. I haven’t used the new Lowrance transducer yet, but for now, Garmin is still king.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 9:06 am to GeauxTigers0107
quote:I went to Garmin for Livescope at a time when Lowrance wasn't really in the game yet. I've kept a Lowrance unit at the console because I prefer the user experience and mapping. If I already had Lowrance units capable of FFS, I'd probably just add it to the existing system.
So what are you using?
With Lowrance introducing a new transducer, my biggest worry would be a true improvement from Garmin soon.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 2:04 pm to AlxTgr
Pretty much same answer.
Garmin for Livescope and Lowrance for mapping.
There is a way to mirror the livescope screen on to a Lowrance unit. I think it's as simple as running an HDMI between the two units and selecting that input on the Lowrance.
Garmin for Livescope and Lowrance for mapping.
There is a way to mirror the livescope screen on to a Lowrance unit. I think it's as simple as running an HDMI between the two units and selecting that input on the Lowrance.
Posted on 1/21/26 at 2:50 pm to Clyde Tipton
Pretty sure my Echomap units are pre-HDMI. Only the Ultra 2s have that.
Posted on 1/22/26 at 6:26 am to bayouvette
quote:
Jacob wheeler has a good video on YouTube where he runs both simultaneously and shows the differences.
I'll definitely go find this.
quote:
LVS34 and the cone is a little wider allowing you to see more. I haven’t used the new Lowrance transducer yet, but for now, Garmin is still king.
That's one of the improvements on AT2 XL - 180* cone.
quote:
If I already had Lowrance units capable of FFS, I'd probably just add it to the existing system.
Really was leaning this way. Only reason I haven't pulled the trigger is I have a friend who's opinion I respect. He was a pro fisherman at one time and is Garmin all the way. I mentioned the improved AT2 XL and he says it may be improved but it still hasn't caught up with Garmin. And Garmin hasn't released their new unit for 2026 yet. It will be better.
So Idk...I guess we wait to see the new Livescope. Maybe that'll cause a price drop on the "older" unit.
Appreciate the opinions guys.
And
at the downvotes. This is grown arse men too. Posted on 1/22/26 at 6:27 am to AlxTgr
quote:
With Lowrance introducing a new transducer, my biggest worry would be a true improvement from Garmin soon.
Exactly.
Posted on 1/22/26 at 6:40 am to GeauxTigers0107
I use Garmin, but if I already had Lowrance on board, I wouldn’t spend the extra money to add Garmin. I don’t see Wheeler or Connell having trouble catching fish vs the Garmin users.
Posted on 1/22/26 at 7:37 am to GeauxTigers0107
quote:
So Idk...I guess we wait to see the new Livescope. Maybe that'll cause a price drop on the "older" unit.
Technology will change every year but the older units are still very good units. Humminbird discontinued the Helix units and I got some good deals on them and really like them
Posted on 1/22/26 at 7:43 am to Ron Cheramie
I have helix units networked with my motor, troll motor and talon. Crazy the things they can do together. Also have a garmin at the bow with the older lvs32.
Posted on 1/22/26 at 7:52 am to bayouvette
It is crazy the technology. I told my buddy that it’s going to suck sitting in the back of the boat watching your kids livescope all day. He was like well you can download ActiveCaptain and Bluetooth into your livescope and see what they are looking at through your phone. Wild
Posted on 1/22/26 at 7:52 am to mach316
quote:
if I already had Lowrance on board, I wouldn’t spend the extra money to add Garmin
That's kinda where I'm at. Unless I find a good deal on used LVS32 by someone who's upgrading to the latest Garmin.
quote:
He was like well you can download ActiveCaptain and Bluetooth into your livescope and see what they are looking at through your phone. Wild
That's insane. I just want FFS for when we go to Toledo and Caney to set up on deepwater sac-au-lait. And bass if they're offshore. 95% of my fishing won't need Livescope. But when I go to these deeper lakes I want to be able find 'em deep if that's where they are.
This post was edited on 1/22/26 at 7:57 am
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