All knowing OB Fisherman. I would be much obliged if you you guys could share a little info with me please. Gathering some data and need to ask some questions.

1.) Of the FFS units (Humminbird Mega Live, Lowrance Active Target 2, and Garmin Livescope) which do you prefer?

2.) Did you choose that unit because of your electronics brand already on your boat?

3.) If different from your boat electronics, why did you chose that brand? ( I.E. Best detail and picture, ease of operation etc.)

4.) What other FFS units had you owned before?

That's it. Feel free to share any other thoughts.

Thanks to all in advance... I really do appreciate it.

1) Livescope is supposed to be the best and I would replace what I have if you gave me a blank check

2) I bought Mega Live because I already had a bird head unit

That's the only FFS I have ever used but others have told me that Livescope offers a clearer view

LiveScope is so far ahead in the game compared to the others

I chose Lowrance Active Target as that's what I've been running for a while now. It works well for me. I really don't think there is as big of a difference over the Garmin livescope. I can see everything I need. But I've been fishing a long time and I'd say I don't stare at that thing like a lot of folks seem to do. I guess that's just what I'm used to doing.

Always heard the same thing about live scope, being the best. I don't own any of them, but have used live scope on a few fishing trips. It's pretty cool, but I don't have any experience with any of the others to compare it to.

I have the humminbird because all my other units are humminbird. I just put it on the network. That was a mistake. The garmin is much better and you really only need it as a stand alone unit. No need to link it.
The humminbird is okay and I see the fish and bait pretty easily but why not get the best.

My tournament partner just finished installing the Lowrance on his boat. May can't get here soon enough.

Livescope for me. Actually prefer birds for everything else. The clarity with livescope seems to just be spot on. I think the key to any of them is having a dedicated power source. I have a 120 ah lithium dedicated to electronics only. Seems to get the best quality picture that way.

If I do go forward with a new boat in the coming year. I'm willing to try Garmin for all of my electronics but it will be hard to get away from the humminbird mapping and si.

I gave Mega Live a try for about a year since I had four other 'birds on the boat. It was less expensive to just add the Live unit than change to Garmin.

Adding the Live cause nothing but headaches, constant software/networking issue and performance well below Garmin. The cable eventually cracked and HB replaced the transducer under warranty and it never went back on the boat.

Very long story short, I now have two 1243s and two LVS34s on the bow and am very happy. I also ditched the Mega 360. If I were setting up a new boat, I'd probably go all Garmin. HB software and glitches can be an ongoing headache. I do still run Helix 9 up front for mapping.

Buy once, cry once is normally my motto, and I wish I had followed it here. Garmin leads this technology hands down and their equipment just works.

BTW, Russell Marine is great to work with if someone is looking to swap/upgrade.

I agree on the mapping. However, with the Garmin "plus" maps you can adjust Dynamic Water Level which should really help close the gap. Lake level adjustments are a big deal to me.

With both brands installed on my boat, I can compare the two and Garmin is getting much closer to Lakemaster than in the past.

That's great to hear. I have mapping on my 126 but it pretty much stays on the scope. I have helix 12s everywhere else. I will also agree with you on RMP. I've also worked with Jones Marine electronics and had a great experience.

I've been looking at boats now for a few weeks trying to decide what the right fit is. There's only a few guarantees when I go into it, Ultrex and at least one Garmin. Ideally I was wanting to run one Garmin and one Bird at both the bow and console but may entertain Garmin all the way.

Wanted to say thank you to those of you who made the effort to reply. Good information that is much appreciated.

Glad to help Gunny! Have a good weekend.

Yes sir. Same back to you! Be safe.