Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 vs ActiveTarget 2 XL What is the difference?

What Changed, What Did Not, and Why the XL Exists

This is new information and will be changed as more is released. Please contact me to update if there is new information.

Lowrance expanded its live sonar lineup with ActiveTarget 2 XL, positioned directly above ActiveTarget 2. On paper, the two systems look similar. They use the same module, connect to the same displays, and cost only $100 apart.

The real differences are physical and geometric. They show up in coverage width, cone angle, and transducer size, not software.

Pricing and System Contents

• ActiveTarget 2 (transducer + module): $1,699

• ActiveTarget 2 XL (transducer + module): $1,799

Both packages include the ActiveTarget 2 sonar module. The price difference comes entirely from the XL transducer, not additional electronics or features.

Live Sonar Coverage: 135° vs 180°

ActiveTarget 2 Coverage

ActiveTarget 2 provides approximately 135° of effective live sonar coverage. This applies across Forward, Down, and Scout views.

What that means on the water:

• Wide live image, but not edge-to-edge
• Loss of water surface in down mode
  

• Loss of view in scout mode

• Loss of view underneath boat in forward mode

This level of coverage is sufficient for forward-facing fishing but requires more boat positioning to keep fish in view.

ActiveTarget 2 XL Coverage

ActiveTarget 2 XL expands that coverage to near-full 180°.

The XL images show:

• Forward XL View: surface-to-surface coverage with no lateral blind spots

Retrieved from Lowrance

• Down XL View: full front-to-back live image under the boat

Retrieved from Lowrance

• Scout XL View: true overhead half-circle in front of the boat

Retrieved from Lowrance

With XL, fish and bait stay on screen longer because they do not exit the beam at the extreme left and right edges.

Cone Angle: 18° vs 20°

ActiveTarget 2

• Cone angle: 18°

A narrower cone:

• Provides tighter target definition

• Helps isolate fish from structure

• Shows less water per beam

• Better for making sure the fish and your lure are on the same line

ActiveTarget 2 XL

• Cone angle: 20°

A wider cone:

• Illuminates more water per beam

• Supports wider lateral coverage

• See fish and your lure easier but they can be not on the same line (fish may not "see" your lure

The XL uses a wider cone combined with a physically larger array to maintain usable clarity across a much wider field of view.

Transducer Dimensions (Verified Specs)

ActiveTarget 2 Transducer

• 5.90 in × 3.24 in × 2.28 in

ActiveTarget 2 XL Transducer

• 7.08 in × 4.47 in × 2.68 in

The XL transducer is:

• Longer

• Taller

• Thicker

That increase in size is required to house the wider beam layout used to achieve expanded coverage.

Compatibility and Installation

Both systems:

• Use the same ActiveTarget 2 module

• Are compatible with:

  • HDS PRO

  • HDS LIVE

  • HDS Carbon

  • Elite FS

ActiveTarget 2 XL is a drop-in replacement electrically. Mounting clearance matters more due to the XL’s larger physical footprint, especially on trolling motor shafts.

What the XL Actually Changes on the Water

ActiveTarget 2 XL does not change how live sonar works. It changes how much water you see at once.

Practical differences:

• Less boat repositioning to keep fish in view

• Better lateral tracking of moving fish

• Wider Scout coverage when searching bait or schools

• Fewer blind edges when fish slide left or right

ActiveTarget 2 remains precise and focused. The XL trades some beam tightness for coverage dominance.

Summary Comparison

Whichever version you go with, the coverage difference won't matter if your settings aren't dialed in. My Forward Facing Sonar Bundle includes the Active Target settings guide plus the full video course. Pick the Active Target option when you check out.