Finally got the money and was planning on the latest and greatest Lowrance or Hummingbird. But while researching started looking at the Panoptix livescope. Now i am not sure what to invest in, the Garmin looks like the only way to go. I mostly crappie fish with a trip to Texoma for strippers a couple times a year. Do y'all think it would be smarter to wait to see if Hummingbird or Lowrance come out with something comparable in the near future. I really don"t want to wait to long, as i have been a couple of years getting the cash together to replace my nonworking graph. Hoping the wisdom on this forum can line me out. THANKS!

to the tff

I talked to a couple of local legends at the boat ramp a few years ago Earnest Paty and Guy Skinner were getting off the lake as I was going out. Their boat had a 997 bird and a hds10 as I was asking for info, they said with the electronics they have on the boat is almost like cheating. If you know how to use electronics, I believe any and all side scan's will work if you know how to use them

Just my thoughts about this.

There is always the next best thing being worked on and
fixing to hit the market. Technology never stays dormant.
I�m fixing to add the livescope to my rig.

Wait until Lowrance HDS Livesight comes out this spring

I believe Livesight is the first version Garmin put out. Not near as good as Livescope.

Livescope seems to be primarily for the bow of the boat while you're still or moving slowly. If you don't have a unit on the console for side scan, you might consider that first. You could also get the Garmin 9sv and use it on the console with side view and move it to the bow for Livescope but that's moving the big unit every time you stop to fish. Just about need 2 units, one for side scan on the console and one for Livescope on the bow.
I know several people now that have Livescope and all I've heard is, I learned more in a few days with Livescope than I ever did in years of fishing for crappie. Haven't heard anyone say I'll take mine back.

Ken, interesting thoughts you have formulated, very helpful.

I am always behind the technology curve, hate to make a mistake when doling out the cash. Right now I have Hummingbird stuff, including 360 (which I am still figuring out). Not quite sure I am ready to switch my front unit to Garmin livescope. I am interested in seeing what Hummingbird comes up with as a competitive answer.

I am considering a Garmin livescope unit for my two man boat, set up as a portable unit, like the fle-fly guy video though. It would be cool to give me portability on the docks and good down imaging on the two man. Just haven�t researched it, seen it in action enough to pull the trigger yet.

I have Lowrance HDS; then saw the "light" in livescope. I just bought it but also had your thoughts about buying it, and the price dropping or newer stuff comming out,etc.... When Lowrance or HB comes out with their versions, Garmin will be onto their Gen2, which will no doubt be better, faster, clearer, and cheaper. Ggenerally, 3rd or 4th gen is the best bang for the buck because the huge step functions in technology takes place in generations 1-3; then it slow down considerably after that. Watting until gen3 is the most economical path.

I obviously didn't follow my own advice in this case. It's too cool!
Tim

Where have you read that info? Lowrance has been very hush hush on the Livesight from what I have seen.

Possibly you are thinking about panoptix? Here is a link to Lowrance Livesight Lowrance

after speaking with the chief of development at humminbird, I was assured humminbird will not be outdid. I didnt get a date, but was assured humminbird was on the move. If u didnt know there have been lawsuits , settlements, ect between garmin and Johnson outdoors . so theres legal issues being dealt with., Im going to see what cracks this year. first to see what humminbird produces, and second to see how the livescope system holds up. if its got problems or not. if humminbird doesnt have anything to link to my 898s,comparible or better than the livescope panoptix, by jan of next year, I will get the Garmin livescope. I just dont want buyers remorse like people with the humminbird 360 likely have after dumping a wad of loot on that, then livescope came out.

Yea Leaning Post, I didn�t know about the other side of the desk issues, but I remain hopeful that Hummingbird will answer the call.

One of the dealers stated same on here a few months ago. That was after the lawsuits were settled.
Has anyone seen a video of livesight in action? Not a demo but actually in use by the testers?

Well Mr. Patty is going with Livescope so that should say alot. I think it really depends on how you fish. I fish alot of bridge pilings so I can see the advantage of Livescope. I personally would wait but that's just me.

I have a LiveSight tutorial from Lowrance.....it shows Panoptix.

I have been running the Helix 10 mega with 360.
I added the Panoptix a month ago.

Love the Garmin

The only advantage Humminbird has is the I link to my trolling motor.

The Panoptix kicks regular sonar in the butt.

It has changed how I fish