Does anyone know if the if the hds live and the hds pro uses the same 3n1 transducers, just trying tio make a decision on upgrading.

Probably not, since the pro has chirp side scan and down scan and a few more abilities the live doesn't have. I have a live and I wish it had chirp side scan and down scan without having to buy a black box.

Both will use the same transducers the difference is the LIve requires the A3100 module to work. Go with the Pro and save a lot of headach down the road. Cry once instead of everytime you turn on your HDS Live.

Is the A3100 not a reliable way to add the chirp side and down?

It is if you already have a HDS Live, but based on what the OP is asking after buy the box you can buy the HDS PRO unless you want to do the Fishreveal on sidescann then you need the 3100 with Pro or Live.

So is the chirp really better than what I can get with a Carbon or Live using he AI3-1?

Yes it's also mega hz frequency which has a big effect on image. It is also very good at seeing fish in full shadow outline or image. Have never seen fish on any other SI Lowrance before.

Do you have any dealers running specials on the 3100 and HD3-1?

I run a Lowrance live and a Helix gen 4. bought the Helix instead of a black box. You might see if you can trade it in at Russell Marine if you want to get a Pro. Have not seen a Pro in person on the water.

Generally there are usually sales on this kind of things early spring Jan Feb. I would watch Bass Pro and Russel Marine and just search online, Its rare dealers have sales and most products are msrp. Need to watch for the Lowrance Sales they are on the website and you can put your email in and get notice of them.