Lowrance Electronics

[DavidB]

Happy New Year to all of you hearty souls who will be out with a jerkbait this winter on my favorite fishing hole!  I think I'll stay in Louisiana for now, although you sent some of your weather South for a 28 degree morning today in Southwest Louisiana.  Brrr!

Bill, I read your piece on Lowrance Electronics with interest.  I have two Gen 2 HDS units that are OK, but at least one needs to be replaced since I sprang for a Lowrance Ghost last January.  It's a great motor, by the way, easy to deploy and stow, and the spot lock (the reason for the purchase) makes it worth the money.   It's extremely quiet, and easy on the batteries.
 

Getting around to my question, have you had a chance to compare the new HDS units with the new Elite FS units?  There's a considerable difference in cost, and I'm leaning toward an Elite FS 9" model.  What are your thoughts?

[Bill Babler]

Great question. The FS units lack the bells and whistles that the HDS Live have. Still great resolution. 

One of my Lowrance buddies Said it really depends on your application. 

Both will run Active Target, Live Sonar but the FS unit only goes up to a 9" screen. The live units go from 9-12-16 inch screen. 

If your planning on splits or Active Target you best go with the Live unit. 

He recommended at least the 12" screen for a single bow unit or if your going to run a multiple screens or perhaps multiple units. 

He is running a 16" on the bow with  3 way split screen. Active Target, Map, and 2D

Console is a 2D, Map and Side Scan split 3 ways. He wanted four,  12" screens, but they were not available to the pro-staff, when he ordered. 

If your not going to use AT, the 9" FS is plenty good.

A little more info and we can refine it closer. Like how your going to use it

[DavidB]

Wow!  I can only dream of having the set-ups mentioned by your buddy!  I would start with a unit that would be mounted at the console, but that I could later move to the bow when I make the jump to Active Target.  I doubt that I will go larger than a 9" unit, although that plan could change.  I'll continue to use a Gen 2 unit at the other location.  I really appreciate your input, as well as input from other Ozark Anglers.

[crazy4fishin]

Good info here....DavidB I am in the same boat so to speak...I want to upgrade my TM to the Ghost and I think I have my banker convinced that it is more a need than a want 🙂

I also want to put a 12 on the bow....thinking carbon maybe? I have a 12" Gen2 at the console. 

Thanks for all of the info Bill!!

C4F

[dan hufferd]

I was kinda hoping someone had a junky HDS Gen 2 10 or 12 they would sell me.