If you’re an avid angler, you know that technology has come a long way in recent years when it comes to fish-finding equipment. Two of the most popular options on the market today are the Lowrance Active Target and the Garmin LiveScope. Both devices use cutting-edge sonar technology to give you a detailed view of what’s happening beneath the surface of the water.
But which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare the Lowrance Active Target and the Garmin LiveScope head-to-head, breaking down the features, pros, and cons of each to help you decide which one is the right fit for your fishing needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this comparison will give you the information you need to make an informed decision on your next fish-finding investment.
What is Lowrance Active Target?
Lowrance Active Target is an advanced sonar technology that that allows anglers to see real-time images of fish and underwater structures. The system is designed to work with Lowrance HDS Live and Elite FS fish finders. It uses CHIRP sonar technology to provide clear, detailed images of what’s happening below the surface. It also has a 360-degree scanning capability that allows anglers to see everything around their boat.
Read more: Lowrance Elite 7 HDI Review
What is Garmin LiveScope?
Garmin Livescope is also an advanced sonar technology that provides real-time images of fish and structures below the surface of the water. It is compatible with a range of Garmin fish finders, including the Echomap Ultra, Echomap Plus, and GPSMAP 8400/8600 series. Like the Lowrance Active Target, it uses CHIRP sonar technology to provide clear, detailed images. It also has a 360-degree scanning capability that allows anglers to see everything around their boat.
See also: Garmin Panoptix LiveScope Ice Fishing Bundle Review
How do they work?
Both Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope work by using sonar technology to provide real-time images of the underwater world. They both use a forward-facing transducer that sends out sound waves and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce back. This information is then used to create a high-resolution image of the underwater environment. As well as, the signal is then processed by the fish finder and displayed on the screen.
Features of Lowrance Active Target
Lowrance Active Target has several features that make it a popular choice among anglers. These features include:
- Forward-facing transducer
- 360-degree scanning capability
- High-resolution images
- Real-time sonar
- Compatible with Lowrance HDS LIVE, HDS Carbon, and Elite FS fishfinders
Features of Garmin Livescope
Garmin Livescope also has several features that make it a popular choice among anglers. These features include:
- Forward-facing transducer
- Live, animated images
- 360-degree scanning capability
- Real-time sonar
- Compatible with Garmin GPSMAP and ECHOMAP chartplotters
Comparison of features
Range
The range of a forward-facing sonar system refers to the maximum distance at which it can detect objects. The range of the Lowrance Active Target is up to 60 feet, while the range of the Garmin LiveScope is up to 200 feet. This makes the Garmin LiveScope a better option for anglers who fish in deeper water.
Image Quality
The quality of the images produced by a forward-facing sonar system is an important factor to consider. Both the Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope produce clear, detailed images. However, the LiveScope has a slightly higher resolution, which means that the images are sharper and more detailed.
Scanning Modes
Both Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope offer different scanning modes that allow anglers to customize the way they view the underwater world. The Lowrance Active Target offers four scanning modes: forward, down, scout, and track. The Garmin LiveScope offers three scanning modes: forward, down, and perspective. The perspective mode is unique to Garmin and allows anglers to view the perspective of fish and structures in a 3D view, which can be useful for locating fish in different depths and angles.
Compatibility
Compatibility is an important factor to consider when choosing a forward-facing sonar system. The Lowrance Active Target is compatible with Lowrance HDS Live and Elite FS fish finders, while the Garmin LiveScope is compatible with a range of Garmin fish finders. This means that the Garmin LiveScope offers more flexibility for anglers who may already have a Garmin fish finder.
Ease of Use
Both the Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope are relatively easy to use. They both offer intuitive menus and user-friendly interfaces. However, some anglers may find one system easier to use than the other, depending on their level of experience with fish finders.
Installation
The installation process for both the Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope is relatively straightforward. They both require a transducer to be mounted on the boat and connected to a fish finder. However, the installation process can vary depending on the type of boat and fish finder being used.
Price
Price is an important consideration when choosing a forward-facing sonar system. The Lowrance Active Target retails for around $1,500, while the Garmin LiveScope retails for around $1,800. While the Garmin LiveScope is slightly more expensive, it offers some additional features that may be worth the extra cost for some anglers.
Pros and Cons of Lowrance Active Target
Pros
- Clear, detailed images
- Multiple scanning modes
- Compatible with Lowrance HDS Live and Elite FS fish finders
- Reasonably priced
- Wider scanning range
- Real-time sonar
Cons
- Limited range compared to some other forward-facing sonar systems
- Image quality is not as visually appealing as Garmin Livescope
Pros and Cons of Garmin LiveScope
Pros
- High-quality images with a slightly higher resolution
- Longer range than the Lowrance Active Target
- Three scanning modes, including the unique perspective mode
- Compatible with a range of Garmin fish finders
- Real-time sonar
- Compatible with Garmin chartplotters
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than the Lowrance Active Target
- Only compatible with Garmin chartplotters
Lowrance Active Target vs Garmin Livescope: Comparison
When it comes to comparing Lowrance Active Target and Garmin Livescope, there are several factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
- Image Quality: Both Lowrance Active Target and Garmin Livescope provide high-quality images, but Garmin Livescope’s live, animated images are more visually appealing.
- Scanning Capability: Both technologies have a 360-degree scanning capability, but Lowrance Active Target has a wider scanning range.
- Compatibility: Lowrance Active Target is only compatible with Lowrance fishfinders, while Garmin Livescope is only compatible with Garmin chartplotters.
- Price: Lowrance Active Target is generally less expensive than Garmin Livescope.
Which one is right for you?
Choosing between Lowrance Active Target and Garmin Livescope ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. If you already have a Lowrance fishfinder or a Garmin chartplotter, you may want to stick with the brand you already have. If you’re looking for the best image quality, Garmin Livescope’s live, animated images may be more appealing. If you’re on a budget, Lowrance Active Target is generally less expensive.
FAQs
Can the Lowrance Active Target be used with other fish finders?
No, the Lowrance Active Target is only compatible with Lowrance HDS Live and Elite FS fish finders.
What is the maximum range of the Garmin LiveScope?
The maximum range of the Garmin LiveScope is up to 200 feet.
Does the Garmin LiveScope come with a transducer?
Yes, the Garmin LiveScope comes with a transducer.
What is the price difference between the Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope?
The Lowrance Active Target retails for around $2,749, while the Garmin LiveScope retails for around $3,449.98.
Which forward-facing sonar system is better for shallow water fishing?
Both the Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope are effective for shallow water fishing, but the Lowrance Active Target may be more suitable for those who want a more affordable option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Lowrance Active Target and Garmin LiveScope are excellent fish-finding tools that utilize advanced sonar technology to help you catch more fish. Each device has its own unique features, pros, and cons, so the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and fishing style.
We hope that this comparison has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision on which device is right for you. So go ahead and pick the best fish finder that fits your needs, and get ready to reel in some big catches on your next fishing trip!