Panoptic or Garmin

I am looking at getting a live scope or some sort. I know a lot of guys buy them to add to their boat but I only want it for Ice fishing. What should I look at? Does anyone have any recommendations.

First you need to understand that Panoptix is old 1st gen FFS technology from Garmin, Livescope is the 2nd generation FFS technology from Garmin, Livescope+ is more of a 2nd generation tweak in the hardware resulting in a 20% improvement in range and clarity. I would look for a gently used LVS32 & Echomap UHD93 ice bundle, I’ve seen them as cheap as $1,500, just know you’re buying at the peak interest season…Don’t waste your money on the old Panoptix…

Garmin is likely sitting on their 3rd generation FFS technology and will release it when the market is ready for it, one things for sure, it won’t be cheap and likely won’t work with older head units…

Tyler Wingert wrote:

I am looking at getting a live scope or some sort. I know a lot of guys buy them to add to their boat but I only want it for Ice fishing. What should I look at? Does anyone have any recommendations.

Are you planning to use a unit from your boat and just buy a transducer or do you want a completely new setup? Obviously this route you would need to buy a shuttle. Doing this is obviously the cheapest route if you have units capable of doing it regardless of brand, humminbird, garmin or lowrance.

Garmin just came out with a entry level unit for $2000, 9″ screen with the LVS32 ice kit. Scheels has them for $1999 right now. same used package are selling for $1800 on FB. So for $200 more and get a warranty

bigcrappie wrote:

Garmin just came out with a entry level unit for $2000, 9″ screen with the LVS32 ice kit. Scheels has them for $1999 right now. same used package are selling for $1800 on FB. So for $200 more and get a warranty

Lowrance has one too called the Eagle which I thing might even be less than that.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

First you need to understand that Panoptix is old 1st gen FFS technology from Garmin, Livescope is the 2nd generation FFS technology from Garmin, Livescope+ is more of a 2nd generation tweak in the hardware resulting in a 20% improvement in range and clarity. I would look for a gently used LVS32 & Echomap UHD93 ice bundle, I’ve seen them as cheap as $1,500, just know you’re buying at the peak interest season…Don’t waste your money on the old Panoptix…

Garmin is likely sitting on their 3rd generation FFS technology and will release it when the market is ready for it, one things for sure, it won’t be cheap and likely won’t work with older head units…

Last winter when we were fishing at Red Lake there were some Garmin people staying at the resort testing new stuff. They told the resort owner that they have something in the works that will be lightyears ahead of anything they have out or anyone else. I’m assuming they are waiting to drop that bomb until the time is right.

walleyesforme wrote:

Last winter when we were fishing at Red Lake there were some Garmin people staying at the resort testing new stuff. They told the resort owner that they have something in the works that will be lightyears ahead of anything they have out or anyone else. I’m assuming they are waiting to drop that bomb until the time is right.

they likely need to deplete existing product inventory levels before the release something like that or else they’ll have a pile of obsolete inventory on their hands

I only plan on using this unit for Ice Fishing.

Johnny wrote:

they likely need to deplete existing product inventory levels before the release something like that or else they’ll have a pile of obsolete inventory on their hands

it’s more about being able to produce the current stuff at such a low price point now and yet still sell it for a high profit (just like their Enchomap UHD93 that has been clearanced at BPS for like 5 years now, yet they still always have inventory)…. no need to bring out your new stuff yet when the competition’s product can’t match your current stuff…I also think the next generation will require new more powerful head units, so the longer they can sell the old stuff is just extra profit before the new stuff comes out and everybody upgrades again…

Tyler Wingert wrote:

I only plan on using this unit for Ice Fishing.

what’s your budget? $1,000? $1,500?, $2,000? $2,500+

That will steer you in the direction of the best option… no point in looking at a GPSMAP8610 and LVS34 if your budget is $1,500…

CaptainMusky wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>bigcrappie wrote:</div>
Garmin just came out with a entry level unit for $2000, 9″ screen with the LVS32 ice kit. Scheels has them for $1999 right now. same used package are selling for $1800 on FB. So for $200 more and get a warranty

Lowrance has one too called the Eagle which I thing might even be less than that.

lots of limitations with those units…Garmin UHD93 & LVS32 is the best bang for the buck…

CaptainMusky wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>bigcrappie wrote:</div>
Garmin just came out with a entry level unit for $2000, 9″ screen with the LVS32 ice kit. Scheels has them for $1999 right now. same used package are selling for $1800 on FB. So for $200 more and get a warranty

Lowrance has one too called the Eagle which I thing might even be less than that.

Its the Eagle Eye 9, just released last month. Its a standalone FFS unit with a dedicated 9 inch screen, no black box required. For $1000.

Also listed as the top rated item released at iCast this past year too.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

lots of limitations with those units…Garmin UHD93 & LVS32 is the best bang for the buck…

Are you getting that accomplished for $1000? I doubt it. We need OP to provide more detail about expectations. Tons of options out there the limitations may not matter at all to him, but cost is certainly a deciding factory. The transducer alone for most of this is well over $1000 plus you have a black box which makes them all clunky. I know, I have one as do you.

Its the samething as the Garmin LVS-12 transducer, I made a separate LVS-12 Shuttle for my 106sv so I know exactly what it looks like, yes its much lighter, but its a very narrow single transducer beam…

Budget is everything, but if you had the Eagle Eye next to a Livescope setup, you’d figure out a way to afford the Livescope…

Now it looks like the Eagle Eye has SI & DI which is super nice if using in a boat… that definitely gives it added value…

Joe you aren’t wrong with all that but what if he doesn’t have a compatible head unit already? No chance he’s doing anything for 1000 there. Which was my exact point.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

Now it looks like the Eagle Eye has SI & DI which is super nice if using in a boat… that definitely gives it added value…

The eagle eye 9 is a whole kit for 1000 bucks. No black box either. Can be mounted right to the bow mount and the cord plugs right into the back of the screen. Has basic sonar, GPS mapping, side imaging, down imaging, forward view, and down view.

Pretty dang reasonable and simple compared to any other live sonar unit out there right now.

gim wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
Now it looks like the Eagle Eye has SI & DI which is super nice if using in a boat… that definitely gives it added value…

The eagle eye 9 is a whole kit for 1000 bucks. No black box either. Can be mounted right to the bow mount and the cord plugs right into the back of the screen. Has basic sonar, GPS mapping, side imaging, down imaging, forward view, and down view.

Pretty dang reasonable and simple compared to any other live sonar unit out there right now.

Can’t say I’ve ever fished with anyone that’s had one but I have fished with a few guys that use, or try to use the lowrance active target set up. I’m less than impressed with the lowrance product to say the least. It’s a joke compared to Garmin stuff. Maybe the cheap one is better, I don’t know.

Another thing to think about is the hole size you are going to be using. I know some guys that are big into panfish and opt for a certain version of livescope because the transducer will fit down a 6 inch hole. I don’t know much about it but they say there’s only one transducer that fits down a 6 inch hole.

walleyesforme wrote:

Can’t say I’ve ever fished with anyone that’s had one but I have fished with a few guys that use, or try to use the lowrance active target set up. I’m less than impressed with the lowrance product to say the least. It’s a joke compared to Garmin stuff. Maybe the cheap one is better, I don’t know.

I have the first gen active target and my buddies have the newer Garmin version whatever it is. Mine wasn’t as good sure but I also don’t have the latest and greatest didn’t want to pay the price. I’ve seen comparison videos of all the the latest and they are all very close. Each have advantages and disadvantages. I may get the ducer for bird because I was forced to get once since available lowrance mapping where I fish in Canada is terrible. It’s a miracle I could get any fish. Anyway I’d like to compare them. I absolutely HATE the bird interface though good lord it sucks compared to lowrance.

walleyesforme wrote:

Can’t say I’ve ever fished with anyone that’s had one but I have fished with a few guys that use, or try to use the lowrance active target set up. I’m less than impressed with the lowrance product to say the least. It’s a joke compared to Garmin stuff. Maybe the cheap one is better, I don’t know.

The original active target wasn’t very good. The new version active target 2 is right in line with Garmin livescope.

The eagle eye 9 has only been available for a month. I don’t know anyone who has it. My understanding is that the cone of live sonar is less than active target or livescope. But for a fraction of the cost, that comes with a 9 inch screen, no black box, and a bunch of other features, it seems like a very reasonable product.

There are a lot of anglers that don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on active target or livescope. This unit fits that demographic.

I get the price argument, i’m just saying when viewed side by side, nobody is going to want the Eagle Eye and they’ll find a way to afford Livescope.

Now I haven’t been able to find the Eagle Eye FFS beam specs online yet, but the pictures look identical to my LVS12 transducer…

Does it have a market, absolutely

JoeMX1825 wrote:

I get the price argument, i’m just saying when viewed side by side, nobody is going to want the Eagle Eye and they’ll find a way to afford Livescope.

Now I haven’t been able to find the Eagle Eye FFS beam specs online yet, but the pictures look identical to my LVS12 transducer…

Does it have a market, absolutely

So nobody would prefer that and you haven’t seen the specs online? Makes a lot of sense SMH. If I had 1000 to spend and I wanted a new head unit and ffs I know where I’d put it and it ain’t Garmin because you’re not getting squat for that.

Gim is on the point here. These things are spendy and some people don’t want to spend north of 2000 or close to get into it. I’ve been more than satisfied with what I see on the first active target iteration. My son took it out a lot last year too and he said he could watch his minnow swim down and the crappies come up and eat it. He also thought he saw a lake trout on Little Rock lake LOL

CaptainMusky wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
I get the price argument, i’m just saying when viewed side by side, nobody is going to want the Eagle Eye and they’ll find a way to afford Livescope.

Now I haven’t been able to find the Eagle Eye FFS beam specs online yet, but the pictures look identical to my LVS12 transducer…

Does it have a market, absolutely

So nobody would prefer that and you haven’t seen the specs online? Makes a lot of sense SMH. If I had 1000 to spend and I wanted a new head unit and ffs I know where I’d put it and it ain’t Garmin because you’re not getting squat for that.

yes I haven’t seen the exact specs of the FFS aspect of the transducer, the fact Lowrance doesn’t appear to list it (unless its listed elsewhere and I didn’t see it) on their Eagle Eye product page is telling. What I can tell you is that the screenshots and video clips they do provide look EXACTLY like Garmin’s discontinued LVS12 single beam ffs transducer which I have (which doesn’t need the black box)

Yes, this product is obviously targeted for budget FFS shoppers, I just think if somebody who is willing to spend a grand on a fish finder is also willing to hold out, save up and spend more for a much better product when they see them side by side… just my opinion, to each their own…

Tyler, I have the lvs32 system and am planning to upgrade to a new system by the start of the season. I bought mine right before they upgraded to the 34 so it isn’t too old and it works fine. I could let mine go for a good deal if you are looking for used. PM if interested. I’m about to leave on a week long hunting trip so it might take me a couple weeks to get back to you.

Spent a good half hour with a great young salesperson at Scheels last night and went very in depth on the Eagle Eye 9. Yes, has limits vs. other units but seems like a great unit for ice fishing.

While I get that it is not an apples-to-apples comparison, the beam in down mode is wider than a traditional flasher and does get a live view with a reasonable field of view.

In forward, can still search the ice, just will be a smaller and a bit different section of water that you are viewing but can still cover the areas you want – can still scan a wide area by rotating pole / maybe having to punch a few more holes.

Of course, was just in demo mode but clarity was great and seems simple to use and cannot imagine these are not going to be a big hit.

The original question mentioned not interested in a unit for a boat, but for those that are, I think yet another reason to consider. I have been considering some type of electronics for front of boat to have mapping and some sonar capabilities when fishing from font of boat and running bow mounted trolling motor. Seems this unit will more than serve that purpose – either with transducer mounted on trolling motor or just keep it set up on a Genz box or a shuttle and drop a pole.

In summary, the salesperson (and I get he was trying to make sale) was very informative and had nothing but great things to say about the unit. He and the rest of the Scheels team have tested in their fish tank – for what that is worth or not but will be good to see some more ‘real’ on the water (and eventually on the ice) reviews.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

yes I haven’t seen the exact specs of the FFS aspect of the transducer, the fact Lowrance doesn’t appear to list it (unless its listed elsewhere and I didn’t see it) on their Eagle Eye product page is telling.

Its not as powerful or as wide of a beam as Livescope or Active Target. That information is widely availabe.

But again, the price point for what you get is a fraction of the cost. It will sell. I’m tempted to get one myself and I despise the use of FFS. Not sure if I want to stare at a bunch of squiggly lines on a screen while I’m fishing though.

David Shanvunhueisn wrote:

Spent a good half hour with a great young salesperson at Scheels last night and went very in depth on the Eagle Eye 9. Yes, has limits vs. other units but seems like a great unit for ice fishing.

While I get that it is not an apples-to-apples comparison, the beam in down mode is wider than a traditional flasher and does get a live view with a reasonable field of view.

In forward, can still search the ice, just will be a smaller and a bit different section of water that you are viewing but can still cover the areas you want – can still scan a wide area by rotating pole / maybe having to punch a few more holes.

Of course, was just in demo mode but clarity was great and seems simple to use and cannot imagine these are not going to be a big hit.

The original question mentioned not interested in a unit for a boat, but for those that are, I think yet another reason to consider. I have been considering some type of electronics for front of boat to have mapping and some sonar capabilities when fishing from font of boat and running bow mounted trolling motor. Seems this unit will more than serve that purpose – either with transducer mounted on trolling motor or just keep it set up on a Genz box or a shuttle and drop a pole.

In summary, the salesperson (and I get he was trying to make sale) was very informative and had nothing but great things to say about the unit. He and the rest of the Scheels team have tested in their fish tank – for what that is worth or not but will be good to see some more ‘real’ on the water (and eventually on the ice) reviews.

What is the angle of the beam when in down view? For ice fishing, being able to switch from forward to down view at the push of a button is very convenient. My first initial thought when I had seen this offering from lowrance was definitely “Garmin LVS12”.

This dude says exactly what I was trying to get across in my posts…he even mentions, like me, that the actual single beam degree angle hasn’t been made public yet (I’d guess its around 40 degrees)

Again, I agree that from an down view Ice Fishing only usecase, this Eagle Eye unit will fill a market need for a cheap (but limited) FFS option (just like how I use a LVS12 transducer for a light weight hole hopper setup) but anybody buying it specifically for FFS, especially when used from a boat, will be greatly disappointed…

here’s a person actually using it from a boat’s trolling motor, you can see/hear the frustrations you’ll have with the limited degree single cone…and the 9″ screen is pretty much pointless when the FFS uses only 1/2 of it…again, i’m just mentioning the FFS limitations, the other view modes, mapping and screen sharpness looks great. It should also be mentioned that its not a touch screen, that’s good or bad depending on your preferences…