In the world of fishfinders, the competition between Lowrance and Garmin remains fierce. Two of the most advanced live sonar technologies from these brands are Lowrance Active Target and Garmin Livescope. Both systems offer remarkable capabilities for anglers, allowing them to see real-time images of fish and underwater structures. However, there are key differences in their specifications, models, and pricing that may influence your choice.
Lowrance Active Target
Overview:
Lowrance Active Target provides high-resolution live sonar images, helping anglers to locate and track fish more effectively. The system includes the Active Target Transducer and the Active Target Box, which processes the sonar information and sends it to the display unit.
Models and Pricing:
- Active Target 1: The first version of Active Target, known for its clarity and precision, is available for around $1,249. It is now out of production.
- Active Target 2: An upgraded model that offers even better resolution and additional features, priced at approximately $1,649.
Technical Specifications:
- Cone Angle: The Active Target transducer has an 18º cone angle, which provides a cleaner image by reducing the amount of water column covered. However, this narrower cone makes it a bit more challenging to track your lure and fish movements.
- Processing Unit: Requires the Lowrance Active Target Box for processing sonar data.
Garmin Livescope
Overview:
Garmin Livescope is known for its real-time sonar capabilities, delivering detailed and precise images of underwater structures and fish. Similar to Active Target, Livescope consists of the Livescope Transducer and the GLS10 Black Box for processing sonar data.
Models and Pricing:
- Livescope Plus LVS32: The standard, out of production. model offering excellent image quality, priced at around $1,499.
- Livescope Plus LVS34: An upgraded version with improved resolution and performance, costing approximately $1,699.
Technical Specifications:
- Cone Angle: Livescope transducers have a 20º cone angle, which covers a slightly broader area than Active Target. This makes it easier to track lures and fish, though it may result in slightly less image clarity compared to the narrower cone of Active Target.
- Processing Unit: Requires the Garmin GLS10 Black Box to function.
Comparing Active Target and Livescope
Both Lowrance Active Target and Garmin Livescope operate nearly identically, providing real-time sonar imaging through their respective transducers and processing boxes. Here are some key points of comparison:
Image Clarity:
- Active Target: Offers slightly cleaner images due to its narrower 18º cone angle, which minimizes water column coverage and reduces noise.
- Livescope: With a 20º cone angle, Livescope images are a bit broader, making it easier to track lures and fish movements but with a touch more noise.
Ease of Tracking:
- Active Target: The narrower cone can make it harder to see your lure and track fish, requiring more precise positioning.
- Livescope: The wider cone simplifies tracking lures and fish, making it a bit more user-friendly in this regard.
Processing Units:
- Both systems require an external box for processing sonar data—Lowrance Active Target Box and Garmin GLS10 Black Box—ensuring the display units receive high-quality images.
Pricing:
- Both Active Target and Livescope models are competitively priced at $1649 and $1699, respectively.
Conclusion
Choosing between Lowrance Active Target and Garmin Livescope depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize cleaner images and can manage precise lure tracking, Lowrance Active Target might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer easier lure and fish tracking with slightly broader coverage, Garmin Livescope could be more suitable. Garmin's color palettes and image is preferred by many but the interface of Lowrance is a bit easier to use. Lowrance maintains minimal settings to adjust Active Target images while Garmin has many options to alter the image. Both systems offer exceptional capabilities, and understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision for your angling adventures.
If you are looking to purchase either, check out Mealey Marine and use discount code "hugh5"
Be sure to also check out our Manuals, Courses, and Settings Guides for both products.