What are you guys thinking that I’ve been using the mega live 2 through the xplorer head,is it worth the money or should a guy go with Garmin livescope? I bought the Gen 4 hummingbird Helix 10 last fall. Now it’s not comparable, thinking from what I was told it was going to work with the new ml2. I’ve always run hummingbird but read good things on the Garmin. Any advice would be great thank you in advance
I run Garmin Livescope but as usual there are other considerations to weigh in. Does the xplorer allow networking to your helix so you can see mega live on both screens?
I run Garmin Livescope but as usual there are other considerations to weigh in. Does the xplorer allow networking to your helix so you can see mega live on both screens?
No – and that’s all the reason to go garmin . Bird screwed their fan base over . I have 4 helix units . And the next one will be garmin for this sole reason.
I have not used ML2 so take my opinion for what it’s worth. From what I’ve seen and read it’s quite impressive. But so is the LS 34. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with either. This coming from an original ML user who is satisfied with what I have. I’m also one with 2 helix’s that won’t work with the new version. I don’t think HB had much of a choice than to leave the helix out in the cold because it just doesn’t have the processing power without a black box like Garmin. Next upgrade will be a new boat in a few years and I’m not sure which brand electronics I’ll go with.
I’d never switch away from Garmin. Hbird is fine but Garmins innovation is world class and so are their products.
It’s not really a fair fight…Garmin just has more resources so hbird is always going to be behind.
I have been running Garmin Livescope since it came out LVS32 and now a LVS34. I have never seen first hand the Megalive, but I am sure it is still pretty good. I have both Garmin and humminbird on my boat and I use the humminbird for mapping and SI, the garmin for all other sonar. No black box would be nice with the mega though. I personally would go with Garmin though. Anyone used the Lowrance Active Target? New boat coming has all Lowrance units with active target. I am guessing it is a step behind the garmin, but I am going with it and selling my boat without pulling anything off.
I’m a Garmin user so slightly biased, but I’ve had a chance to use my buddy’s ML2 this winter. It is a significant upgrade over ML1, but that’s only because ML1 was so poor. The mega live 2 has an image quality somewhere right in between Garmin’s LVS32 transducer and the LVS34 transducer.
A few of the downfalls I noted: It barely fits down an 8″ hole. You have to angle the transducer perfectly to get it in. When you first put in the water it takes at least 5-8 seconds to register since it stops transmitting when out of the water. Not a crazy issue, just annoying when trying to move fast.
It doesn’t really move the needle past the latest Garmin products, but it does provide an upgrade to the hardcore Humminbird users.
I’d never switch away from Garmin. Hbird is fine but Garmins innovation is world class and so are their products.
It’s not really a fair fight…Garmin just has more resources so hbird is always going to be behind.
I have to agree with this.
On the bright side if you purchase the Humminbird it will probably be a couple of years before you see a improved new unit to purchase. On the opposite side if you buy a current Garmin right now there most likely will be something better available in the next 12 months that will torment you to purchase.
Regarding HB with their new xplore locators. I was told the only old tech they will link to are minnKota TM’s. For that reason I will stay with garmin. They may be always coming out with new stuff but at least most of the older stuff is compatible with the new stuff. For example an older 93sv can be used with the new LVS34 ducer.
The feedback I’ve gotten from people “in the business” is that Garmin is far and above ahead on FFS; Lowrance is best on Downscan, HB for side scan. I have a LVS34, not ML2, but am impressed with my garmin. On my new boat rigged this fall I bought a HB Gen 4 12 in MSI/MDI, the previous boat I sold had a Lowrance Elite ti2 12. Maybe I haven’t dialed in the HBg4-12 yet but as of about 6 hours with it I’d trade it for the old TI2! Not impressed with HB and only reason I went that route was to integrate with the Minnkota Ulterra. Once Garmin has the auto deploy thing and linking to countours on graphs down better with trolling motors it will likely put a large dent into HB and Minnkota.
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