Pump the brakes man. I just spent an [censored] load of money on Solix 12 & 15 MEGA units and agree that they have very sharp down and side imaging but the difference is not as dramatic as folks keep making it out to be. I have ended up using the lowest frequency more often to get the wider coverage range than the mega image so far.

Go have Slade at fork tune them then report back

With respect, I know how to tune sonar settings. The image is fantastic, the best I have seen. Yet, I'm tired of people exaggerating how much better their chosen brand is over others.

To the original question; when I was shopping for new units I didn't notice much difference between the Gen3's and Carbon as far as function so I'm curious for other's input as well.

I have three gen 3�s and they work very well. I can navigate, identify structure/fish with ease using my current setup... Everyone has their own options but to actually answer your question I would purchase an used gen 3 and save a bunch of cash. Set it up properly and you�ll be happy. Also, I�ve used most units on the market and I�m sticking with Lowrance because I�m happy with my current results. I could easily change my setup but I don�t see a reason too... Good luck!

To the original question, I would go with the carbon 9. I have dual Gen 3 9's at the console and they are plenty good enough to see what's on the bottom. May not be the clearest picture since they're 3 years old now. My biggest issue has always been response time especially in the last year running the latest software, the carbon line has dual processors plus a higher density screen. The carbon 9's also have a $300 rebate until April 30th.

I may just have to purchase 2 new ones by then. This latest Fish Reveal software revision due out this week may help with that final decision.

Now, at the bow, I have a Helix 12 mainly for 360.

I just bought two of the Helix 12 SI Sonar/GPS Combo from Cabela's. I was looking at the Helix 10s but hey...couldnt pass these up.

They have two left at the Allen store for$1,499.99 ea. Just add a mega transducer and you have mega si.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbi...mp;gclsrc=aw.ds

I agree with skeeterK

And the RayMarines are like looking at 4k versus your 1080p

^^^^^ [/quote]I just bought two of the Helix 12 SI Sonar/GPS Combo from Cabela's. I was looking at the Helix 10s but hey...couldnt pass these up.

They have two left at the Allen store for$1,499.99 ea. Just add a mega transducer and you have mega si.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbi...mp;gclsrc=aw.ds [/quote]

You might want to check the HB descriptions on their website. That unit at Cabela's appears to be the older model Helix (not G2N) and to add a SI Mega transducer you'll need the Helix 12 Mega SI. A Mega transucer will work ( i think) but you don't get the higher frequencies that make it mega imaging.

I just bought two of the Helix 12 SI Sonar/GPS Combo from Cabela's. I was looking at the Helix 10s but hey...couldnt pass these up.

They have two left at the Allen store for$1,499.99 ea. Just add a mega transducer and you have mega si.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbi...mp;gclsrc=aw.ds [/quote]

You might want to check the HB descriptions on their website. That unit at Cabela's appears to be the older model Helix (not G2N) and to add a SI Mega transducer you'll need the Helix 12 Mega SI. A Mega transucer will work ( i think) but you don't get the higher frequencies that make it mega imaging. [/quote]

You cannot add MEGA frequency to a unit by adding a MEGA transducer. The unit produces the frequencies NOT the transducer.
The MEGA SI transducer has a dedicated Down Imaging crystal, a first generation SI unit doesn't have a circuit for it.
You can't view CHIRP Imaging with a first generation Helix 12. It has CHIRP 2D sonar ONLY. You can't view MEGA or CHIRP Imaging from a MEGA SI model on a first generation Helix in any size.

Looking at new Fishfinder specs,...to buy or not to buy,,???

Oh well. I'm running 360 99% of the time and wanted the auto-chart functions and awesome screens.

Good to know it won't do the MEGA. Saved me some coin. Thanks.


https://www.humminbird.com/Category/Technology/CHIRP/

The Garmin Echo series has extremely clear imaging and is much more (to me) user friendly than the others. I am not sold on touch screen and how it would last over time and weather but it sure is nice at the store.