Lowrance Live or Lowrance Pro?

[Dman74]

I’m upgrading my boat to the Lowrance Ghost TM and want to upgrade the Electronics as well. The Lowrance Live is $2k for the 12 and is $3.5 for the new Pro 12. Also, the Active Target is $1k for the “old” version and $1.6k for the “New version 2”. So I am looking at either $3k for the Live and older Active Target system, or $5k for the “latest and greatest” Pro and v2 system. What are the differences between the two systems? Are there features I will miss out on if I get the older system? Does the v2 of Active Target have higher resolution? I’m lost. Thanks for any input!

[WIGuide]

That's a tough call as I haven't seen the pro's in person yet. From my understanding, they can handle multiple active imaging transducers so you can a forward and down or forward and scout at the same time where the live would only allow for one at a time. With the 2nd active target transducer you can unlock a few new views like scout wide view and the 180* view that looks both forward, backwards, and down at the same time. I believe in order to do this you need a second at module along with the transducer so that's a big chunk of change right there. If you want to move up to structure scan HD you'll have to have the module regardless of which series it's used on as well so there's really no advantage there either. Screen resolution on both units are also identical so they'll be equally as clear. 

 

Keep in mind that Structure Scan HD, Active Target, Active Target 2, and the Ghost are all compatible with the HDS Carbon, HDS Live, and HDS Pro. If you wanted to run Active Target 2 on a HDS Live you can go that route and still have just as clear of a picture on the screen. I'm thinking if you're not planning on running more than 1 Active Target transducer the Live would be the better deal. 

[Siebert Outdoors]

I've got a carbon and some lives.  I have a Pro on order but waiting like everyone else.  My main thing is if you are wanting to run whatever comes out next I'd buy the pro.  Eventually soon the Carbon will move into the legacy then the Live.  The Pro will be more up gradable in the future.  I have been hearing of new upgrades for the ghost but no one is saying what they are.  Same with new features coming out that the non pro may not handle, or maybe just the Live.  Its a tough choice.  If your not worried about future updates or items I'd go Live.  But if you are I'd probably lean towards the pro.