Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3. Hands down

The touch screen is hands down the best technology to come along in a while. It definitely makes navigating and managing waypoints much easier.

I'm torn between suggesting the Gen2 or Gen3. I have one of each and there is a difference in the two units but I'm not sure it's worth the additional $1200-1400 to get the Gen3. If you think you will want the 3D option later, then obviously you will need to go with the Gen3. I do have the 3D module and have to yet to really see a great need for it. In deep water (40'+) it's useful. Around corral reefs I guess it's awesome. But in 15-25' in freshwater I'm not sold on it being a real valuable tool. Do your research and watch lots of videos before you decide on the 3D.

I have the Gen 2 Touch and it's more than enough for me, however if you aren't limited on a budget, the Gen 3 would be my choice. That's why I considered it the "best" 12" unit.

I've messed with the Birds, and they are also good, as well as user friendly. I just think the Lowrance is sharper and easier to mark fish with.

I've done well with a smaller unit.

Are we still talking about fishing here?

Glad Lowrance does not have a first name while we are talking about 12" units being the best.

Just put a 12" Gen 3 Touch on my boat and I'm really impressed with it. I also got the 3D StructureScan and it's a great tool to have for sure!

Explain what does hands down mean. Thumbs down. Down sounds like bottom.

This guy knows about a 12" unit.......just saying...

12" units, small units, really like the touch......I think this should be moved to a private room lol

I've got a question about proper wiring. I had a gen3 12" that had a internal short. Lowrance replaced the unit. While they had the unit, I rewired all my electronics. I ran a 10 gauge power and ground straight to the battery then spliced off of it to all the other units; 12 at console 7 at console, sonic hub, 9 at bow. Now the 2d sonar on the new 12 stinks and the unit is freezing up. I can't get it dialed in. Is this because of my new wire job or is it the new unit? Should I do a hard rest or Should I wire the 12 independently? Don't mean to high jack the thread just seems like a good place to get some advice.

Sounds like your wiring is all good. Did you replace transducers also or just head unit? How many transducers do you have for console graphs? How do the other graphs pick up on 2D side? Your power and ground should not affect the performance of the 2D.

I would either wire them separately with an inline fuse or install a dedicated fuse panel with the 10 ga wire you ran for graphs only. With all the splices probably losing some amperage to fully operate the graphs.

Trying turning off everything but the unit you're having problems with and see if that makes a difference. If so, then it's a voltage issue. I seriously doubt it's a voltage problem though.

I never thought about maybe the transducer fried also. The kicker is the lss2 transducer is the same and gets the same picture as before. What about the freezing tho? I guess I can plug it into the 7 and see if it does the same.