You do a really good job on your videos! Not just the content, but the transitions and music, you turn it down when you talk and it it isn't too overwhelming.
Great review this is exactly what I was looking for regarding these two units. Definitely think I will head down the Elite FS road for the boat and, hopefully, a kayak later in the year.
A nice review and didn’t realize the difference was that much in the HDS side scan. For me I was happy with the FS9 on a small boat and don’t need or want all that networking many large boats and pro anglers want or need. Can’t see myself ever getting the Active target although it is a great feature I spend enough time looking the the sounder screen and not the surrounding I fish to enjoy👍
Glad you enjoyed the video mate! thanks for sharing your thoughts too. You're right, you need to watch the video game fishing imo you get glued to the screen.
BTH another top review. ur explanations bout each of the pros n cons r to the point n short n sweet. this is gud because the normal punter doesnt get lost in the waffling that can happen n then get confused. i will say that i did have 2 of the original Elite 9s on my boat but changed them out to the humminbird 10s gen1 because the down/side imaging gave me a clear image of the barra/cod that the Elite didnt, it was just white dots. having said that we must remember this is at least 7 years ago n look how far all sounders have come no matter the price point, staggering. last year i upgraded to a new boat with 4 gen3 12s with 360 n also Talons, now waiting for gen2 live to be released(patience wil be the virtue). i did keep the old bass boat n i still use the gen1 10s to this day, because they just still do everything so gud.
Mate thanks again for getting involved. 100% i agree the tech has come a long way in the last 7 years. if you're not using glass you're living in the past. that being said if you've got a suite of gear that's working for you, there's no need to upgrade right? Glad you enjoyed the video buddy. Thanks again
Thank you, extremely helpful review as I have been considering upgrading my current electronics and have struggled to understand the differences of lowrance models. Much appreciated
Thanks for the review, Byron. I must admit, having just bought a new HDS 12 Live about a month ago, I was a little apprehensive when in saw the title of the video. I’d found your previous videos on the Lowrance products helpful and now planning to add a Ghost to my boat. Ultimately, it was the screen size and quantity which pushed me towards the HDS. One point I haven’t seen discussed much is how the HDS vs FS a trend compare when viewed through sunglasses. Did you experience a noticeable difference in viewing angles? I wear Costa 580G sunglasses and find the HDS screen goes black beyond about 45 degrees.
Agree with both you guys. you do pick it up at an oblique angle but it isn't anything too bad imo. the way i have the screens positioned I'd need to be almost off the boat sometimes. Tight lines gents!
Love both , but my price range dictated a Lowrance hook2 tripleshot reveal 😁😁 haven't had a chance to use it yet with the lockdown. Awesome review though mate
Great review. Always learn something from your vids. Interesting that I can purchase 2 x Elite FS9 and an Ethernet 4 port expansion for a couple hundred $ more that a HDS Live 9. Total pixels in the 2 FS similar to single Live 9. So if I split the view on the Live (say half side scan, half map), I’m back to the same resolution as a single FS 9, but only half a 9 inch screen. So I might be better running 2 x Elite FS up front of the boat versus a single HDS Live 9. A stupid idea?
Well very informative and help with the pros and cons of each unit would still like the FS in a 12inch screen as a cheaper option if not networking however a double 9 inch stack would look cool too hmmmm🤔
Great review Byron, I can definitely see the the added value in the HDS live for a serious angler. That side scan image is amazing!! For the average weekend hack I think the FS is the clear winner. How would you say the elite FS stacks up against the older elite TI2?
Thanks Byron .. clear concise👏 I’ve just bought the elite for the boat and not greatly savvy with using it .. have you found something that helps set up and use the elite FS? Cheers Steve
Hi Byron, thanks for the review!! Would you recommend the larger screen size of a 12 inch Ti2 or a smaller 9 inch FS? I have the opportunity to get either at the same price. 19 foot boat, no plans for active imaging or structure scan and it will be my only screen.
I am lookin’ seriously into gettin’ the Elite FS. Just confused on what to purchase. Looks like on their website if you go to that model it has 4 options to choose from for the Transducer you will use. I fish Saltwater primarily but fish fresh water for Crappie in the Winter Time. “3 in 1” must mean you get it all in that transducer which makes it cost more I guess.
@@ByronTeaHill yeah I went with the Elite FS 7. But I’m gonna need a lithium battery. Regular battery is to heavy to my liking when I have to pick up my ‘yak and carry it. 😂
Looking to get something for my Hobie Outback w/ power pole. Your thoughts on Elite FS 9 or HDS Live 7? Will be striper and shad fishing coastal rivers during spawn run to inshore in North Carolina with some surf launches. My gut says HDS Live 7. Is it steering me wrong?
@@ByronTeaHill thanks for the reply. it’s a whittley 5m sea legend. Not interested in networking more the screen quality. Obviously size is bigger on the elite the processor is better on the hds also is the HDS 7 HD?? thanks mate.
Why not 2 elites vs 1 hds? Thats ur multiple transducer problem solved. Can switch units between nav and sonar depending on which transducer u need. 2 x 9s is a whole lot of screen to look at. Same price
Nobody answering most important qs. Elite fs vs hooks reveal which is better for deeper waters??? I know hooks reveal is good for deep waters because of 50khz transducer but what about elite fs???
The FS units are awesome for their price. In fact the deciding factor really is going to come down to nuances and what size screens you want. I couldn't decide which one I wanted more so I just have both. I run an HDS-9 live and an FS-9 at my bow and an HDS-9 live and FS-9 at my console. The FS units at the bow are dedicated to mapping and waypoints about 95% of the time. Sometimes I will run sonar on the FS units. I use the HDS live units for my imaging though. Downscan and sonar at the bow and sidescan and sonar at the console. My boat initially came with the FS units at the console and the bow. When I decided I wanted to had another unit at the console and bow, I almost went with 2 more FS units, because they are just that good. What made the difference for me was the ethernet ports. While the FS only has one ethernet port the HDS-9 lives have 2. If I had run more FS units I would have had to use the NEP-2 network expansion, but running the HDS lives meant I could use the existing ethernet cable and jump another cable from the HDS live to the FS, instead of having to go through the painful task of snaking more wires through a bass boat. So yeah there are some nuances that you need to look at when choosing between these 2 units. The FS graphs are so good though its a really hard choice to make. When the FS graphs first hit the market I wondered why Lowrance didnt produce them with larger screens than 9in. After using both for quite some time now, I see why they limited the FS units to 9". The FS graphs are so good they really did need a very obvious separation between the two, and that separation is screen size.
Enjoying your stuff. Just picked up an FS9 and active target and about to match them with a motor guide xi5. Really value your insights, I'm a bit of a mug with all this. Would be keen to see a vid on poles for active target, some pro tips on using all this clobber. Great fun, good lockdown homework. Might even get to go fishing again soonish ... Cheers PP
You do a really good job on your videos! Not just the content, but the transitions and music, you turn it down when you talk and it it isn't too overwhelming.
Thanks legend!
Nice to meet you Byron, love the Elite FS on my yak, very happy with it. That rear shot certainly showed some major differences.
You too Benjamin. Glad you enjoyed the video mate
Great review this is exactly what I was looking for regarding these two units. Definitely think I will head down the Elite FS road for the boat and, hopefully, a kayak later in the year.
A nice review and didn’t realize the difference was that much in the HDS side scan. For me I was happy with the FS9 on a small boat and don’t need or want all that networking many large boats and pro anglers want or need. Can’t see myself ever getting the Active target although it is a great feature I spend enough time looking the the sounder screen and not the surrounding I fish to enjoy👍
Glad you enjoyed the video mate! thanks for sharing your thoughts too.
You're right, you need to watch the video game fishing imo you get glued to the screen.
love my elite FS 7 on the kayak, perfect size screen and doesn't get in the way. 😀
Nice!
BTH another top review. ur explanations bout each of the pros n cons r to the point n short n sweet. this is gud because the normal punter doesnt get lost in the waffling that can happen n then get confused. i will say that i did have 2 of the original Elite 9s on my boat but changed them out to the humminbird 10s gen1 because the down/side imaging gave me a clear image of the barra/cod that the Elite didnt, it was just white dots. having said that we must remember this is at least 7 years ago n look how far all sounders have come no matter the price point, staggering. last year i upgraded to a new boat with 4 gen3 12s with 360 n also Talons, now waiting for gen2 live to be released(patience wil be the virtue). i did keep the old bass boat n i still use the gen1 10s to this day, because they just still do everything so gud.
Mate thanks again for getting involved. 100% i agree the tech has come a long way in the last 7 years. if you're not using glass you're living in the past. that being said if you've got a suite of gear that's working for you, there's no need to upgrade right?
Glad you enjoyed the video buddy. Thanks again
Very good review bro. Glad you gave us your thoughts and opinions. Helps us consumers make what we need and want for what set up.
*Looks good even in daylight **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it was exactly what it was described to be , works awesome , overall happy with product*
Thank you, extremely helpful review as I have been considering upgrading my current electronics and have struggled to understand the differences of lowrance models. Much appreciated
Glad it was helpful!
Great comparison video 👍 I've got the HDS Live on my Outback and it's an awesome unit.
It sure is!
Great review, definitely helped me make up my mind on which unit to purchase!
Great video, thanks! I think you have confirmed for me that the elite would be the best choice for me, end of lockdown present for myself 😂
Good choice hahahaha
Thanks for the review, Byron. I must admit, having just bought a new HDS 12 Live about a month ago, I was a little apprehensive when in saw the title of the video. I’d found your previous videos on the Lowrance products helpful and now planning to add a Ghost to my boat.
Ultimately, it was the screen size and quantity which pushed me towards the HDS.
One point I haven’t seen discussed much is how the HDS vs FS a trend compare when viewed through sunglasses. Did you experience a noticeable difference in viewing angles?
I wear Costa 580G sunglasses and find the HDS screen goes black beyond about 45 degrees.
FS does same for me on some angles with Maui Jim not enough to bother me though mainly while standing on cast deck looking from a distance
Agree with both you guys. you do pick it up at an oblique angle but it isn't anything too bad imo. the way i have the screens positioned I'd need to be almost off the boat sometimes. Tight lines gents!
Love both , but my price range dictated a Lowrance hook2 tripleshot reveal 😁😁 haven't had a chance to use it yet with the lockdown. Awesome review though mate
mate in time get to a glass screen. really much nicer to use
Great review. Always learn something from your vids. Interesting that I can purchase 2 x Elite FS9 and an Ethernet 4 port expansion for a couple hundred $ more that a HDS Live 9. Total pixels in the 2 FS similar to single Live 9. So if I split the view on the Live (say half side scan, half map), I’m back to the same resolution as a single FS 9, but only half a 9 inch screen.
So I might be better running 2 x Elite FS up front of the boat versus a single HDS Live 9.
A stupid idea?
well well, isn't that cool info!!! hats off for the research dude
Great review mate! Loving my HDS Live.
Great to hear dude, thanks for the comment ;)
Thanks mate, very informative keep up the good work 🤙🎣
No problem 👍
Well very informative and help with the pros and cons of each unit would still like the FS in a 12inch screen as a cheaper option if not networking however a double 9 inch stack would look cool too hmmmm🤔
yeah I think you're right dude. would look pretty good hey
@@ByronTeaHill and still a viable option for vale for money and double stack coolness lol
Top review cheers for the info!
My pleasure MattT
Great review Byron, I can definitely see the the added value in the HDS live for a serious angler. That side scan image is amazing!! For the average weekend hack I think the FS is the clear winner. How would you say the elite FS stacks up against the older elite TI2?
much better the elite ti2 is like gameboy graphics when compared to the elite FS
Love that lynx
Thanks Byron .. clear concise👏 I’ve just bought the elite for the boat and not greatly savvy with using it .. have you found something that helps set up and use the elite FS? Cheers Steve
Hey Steve, not really - I've been using the lowrance for sometime so it's natural to me. I suggest youtubing some set up videos mate.
@@ByronTeaHill cheers mate .. thanks for the reply .. I did have a look @ TH-cam .. Will keep scouring👍
Hi Byron, thanks for the review!! Would you recommend the larger screen size of a 12 inch Ti2 or a smaller 9 inch FS? I have the opportunity to get either at the same price. 19 foot boat, no plans for active imaging or structure scan and it will be my only screen.
My pleasure. FS would be my choice
not sure i understand the genesis overlay difference. are you downloading the cmap each time, or the genesis or what?
How does your pro xs link to the unit?
my primary fishing is just using 2d sonar instead of side scan & down imaging, do u think elite fs is gud enuff for it ?
I am lookin’ seriously into gettin’ the Elite FS. Just confused on what to purchase. Looks like on their website if you go to that model it has 4 options to choose from for the Transducer you will use. I fish Saltwater primarily but fish fresh water for Crappie in the Winter Time. “3 in 1” must mean you get it all in that transducer which makes it cost more I guess.
Can be confusing but you just need a unit and a transducer brother!
@@ByronTeaHill yeah I went with the Elite FS 7. But I’m gonna need a lithium battery. Regular battery is to heavy to my liking when I have to pick up my ‘yak and carry it. 😂
Looking to get something for my Hobie Outback w/ power pole. Your thoughts on Elite FS 9 or HDS Live 7? Will be striper and shad fishing coastal rivers during spawn run to inshore in North Carolina with some surf launches. My gut says HDS Live 7. Is it steering me wrong?
Hey mate, I'd only be repeating what is in this video
@@ByronTeaHill you never mentioned size 7 for hds live, is it a good choice for kayak?
Enjoyed vid and your accent
Hds live 7...for kayak or inflatable boat, is it enough? Or do you recommend 9?
is it easy and or how can one mount the Live fish finder on a old school 12 foot row boat ? on the boat itself or on a trolling motor ?
thanks
What about the ol give away ? I’ll take the HDS live thanks ☺️
haha, cute :)
Did you hds live not come with pre loaded maps
Nope it did not
Way to go Bryon cool product
Thanks legend
Hi mate
If you had the option of a 9” elite or a 7” HDS which would you go for? Thanks in advance 👍
Depends on the vessel you’re putting it on, if you need a brain etc etc multi network?
@@ByronTeaHill thanks for the reply. it’s a whittley 5m sea legend. Not interested in networking more the screen quality. Obviously size is bigger on the elite the processor is better on the hds also is the HDS 7 HD?? thanks mate.
I'd go the bigger screen then Col!
@@ByronTeaHill thanks mate appreciate that. Great review BTW 🤙🎣
I would like to ask you if it is worth upgrading from lowrance elite ti2 9 to elite fs 9?
100%
Is a FS7 too small for 15 foot bass boat?
nah.. on the smaller side though.
Why not 2 elites vs 1 hds? Thats ur multiple transducer problem solved. Can switch units between nav and sonar depending on which transducer u need. 2 x 9s is a whole lot of screen to look at. Same price
Nobody answering most important qs. Elite fs vs hooks reveal which is better for deeper waters??? I know hooks reveal is good for deep waters because of 50khz transducer but what about elite fs???
The FS units are awesome for their price. In fact the deciding factor really is going to come down to nuances and what size screens you want. I couldn't decide which one I wanted more so I just have both. I run an HDS-9 live and an FS-9 at my bow and an HDS-9 live and FS-9 at my console. The FS units at the bow are dedicated to mapping and waypoints about 95% of the time. Sometimes I will run sonar on the FS units. I use the HDS live units for my imaging though. Downscan and sonar at the bow and sidescan and sonar at the console. My boat initially came with the FS units at the console and the bow. When I decided I wanted to had another unit at the console and bow, I almost went with 2 more FS units, because they are just that good. What made the difference for me was the ethernet ports. While the FS only has one ethernet port the HDS-9 lives have 2. If I had run more FS units I would have had to use the NEP-2 network expansion, but running the HDS lives meant I could use the existing ethernet cable and jump another cable from the HDS live to the FS, instead of having to go through the painful task of snaking more wires through a bass boat.
So yeah there are some nuances that you need to look at when choosing between these 2 units. The FS graphs are so good though its a really hard choice to make. When the FS graphs first hit the market I wondered why Lowrance didnt produce them with larger screens than 9in. After using both for quite some time now, I see why they limited the FS units to 9". The FS graphs are so good they really did need a very obvious separation between the two, and that separation is screen size.
👏
👏👏👏👏 straight back at ya
Enjoying your stuff. Just picked up an FS9 and active target and about to match them with a motor guide xi5. Really value your insights, I'm a bit of a mug with all this. Would be keen to see a vid on poles for active target, some pro tips on using all this clobber. Great fun, good lockdown homework. Might even get to go fishing again soonish ... Cheers PP
awesome mate! I've only just started playing for the active target. very cool tech