Confused. Looking to upgrade to new technology. Garmin vs. Lowrance

I am wanting to upgrade to new technology and looking at either Garmin or Lowrance for ice fishing. I have watched a ton of video on the current Panoptix from Garmin. My issue is the current ice bundle is already outdated with tech since they released the livescope transducer. I would assume they will have an ice bundle with this next winter. I have also been looking at the Lowrance HDS Live unit that will have the Livesight transducer. I am also assuming they will have an Ice bundle winter of ’19 to compete with Garmin. One small caveat is I am taking a trip to Winnipeg end of March that would be cool to use. My only option would be the current Garmin Ice bundle that is out or building a bundle with the Garmin Livescope. They are saying the Lowrance transducer will not be out until April. Suggestions?? Thank you!

You kind of nailed it…Panoptix (while still cool) is like Atari 2600 compared to Livescope…I’ve seen used Panoptix kits sells for $1,200-$1,600 and you can buy a pre-built Livescope setup for between $2,600-$3,000. The Lowrance Livesight won’t release until April and I’d guess it will be very expensive… I’d use existing tech for this trip and then do your homework for next year.

I would personally wait until next fall to get a better idea of what will be available…I’m guessing this tech changes ALOT and quickly! What looks cool now, will look so outdated in a year or two and the new stuff will likely have a much smaller footprint and better battery life…just my opinion.. I bet next year there’s a new Livescope icefishing bundle that does away with the black box..

Hit the nail on the head Joe!! Thanks for the reply.

Do either of you know if the livescope does side scanning like the panoptix or is it just the down view?

it does both, check youtube for tons of videos

one of my favorites – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtJeqbhv53k

JoeMX1825 wrote:

I’m guessing this tech changes ALOT and quickly! What looks cool now, will look so outdated in a year or two and the new stuff will likely have a much smaller footprint and better battery life…just my opinion.. I bet next year there’s a new Livescope icefishing bundle that does away with the black box..

Exactly! Just look what happened from the original Panoptix to the LiveScope and that was only what 1 year?

Chasing technology these days in any area whether it’s fishing, audio, television you name it is a game you won’t win. There’s always something much more shiny next than what you just bought this year.

I fight the urge all the time not to upgrade my Helix 7 first gen. that I bought just 3 seasons ago. Then I pull out my Marcum Showdown back up and am reminded how simple and basic it is and it shows me everything I really need to know and I put all those hundo’s back in my pocket!

Please forgive my ignorance, I can see how regular Panoptix will help find suspended fish ahead, behind and to the sides…

But when it comes to the new Livescope, the few videos I’ve watched have been fishing under the boat.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s neat to see and adds another dimension, but I’m not seeing a deal breaker when it comes to putting more fish in the boat.

If I’m way off base, please show me what I’m missing.

The difference in live scope it ability to identify types of fish. Not always able to do depends on conditions. However the original panoptix and new live scope function the same. Also neither make he fish bite. I have panoptix in my boat while cool doesn’t catch me more fish or not noticing a difference.

Ice Cap wrote:

Chasing technology these days in any area whether it’s fishing, audio, television you name it is a game you won’t win. There’s always something much more shiny next than what you just bought this year.

Agreed. Every year you could be asking the same question. When DI and SI first came out, I waited until the 2nd generations came out before I bought.

I say, if you want it and can afford it, just buy it. That said, don’t buy it just to impress friends (I kid) for one trip if you’d rather have something better but might have to wait for. You’ll have plenty more trips to show it off!!!

I think we’re at the start of another 5-7 year technology breakthrough in fishing, similarly to what happend when Down & Side Imaging was released 7+ years ago. You’ll continue to see the live sonar image get clearer and clearer and the range extended farther and farther, that will be the tech leaps over the next several years…

It’s a great technology but as many have said, it won’t catch more fish. I personally like the challenge of venturing out on a lake, drilling holes, find fish or not, and enjoy a day of being on ice.

BUT…

Cabela’s is still selling the garmin echomap plus 93sv for $599 but you’ll have to call in and order. https://www.cabelas.com/product/GARMIN-ECHOMAP-PLUS-SV-X-TRANSDUCER/2655108.uts#tabsCollection Add the Livescope $1500 from hodgesmarine and boom, you have it for $2100. Just diy transducer arm.

you’ll also need at least 2 Dakota Lithium Batteries, create your own wiring harness or buy one from one of the Garmin tweakers online and lastly a case that can hold/protect all of it.

I think you’ll see Garmin package all of this current mod work into a sleek icefishing bundle for next year…the key is for Garmin to eliminate the Livescope black box on the lower end screen models.