Going to Cabelas next week, which FFS should I get?

[BucksBasser]

I'll be stopping by Cabela's next week with intention to buy a FFS system.

What should I get?

Most electronics on the boat is 7 years old so I will probably scrap and put an all new system onboard.

Thinking sideview on transom and FFS on trolling with two monitors, front and aft.

Ability to see either from either position.

Suggestions?

I'm leaning Garimin.

[Dirtyeggroll]

The most budget friendly mixed with best image/user friendly system would be to get the Garmin 106SV with. GT54 transducer on sale for $999 paired with the LVS34/GLS10 transducer for $1699.

 

There are some other options, but IMO that is the best bang for the buck by a long shot.

[Reel]

I don't know which brand you have right now, but going to another brand is always a challenge.  This is more true if your adding new technology like FFS. If you want connectivity, you should also consider what brand of rolling motor you are using.  For FFS, screens that are a little bigger ( 12 inch) help a lot.

[gim]

Integration is important and should be based on what operating system you're already used, to as @Reel already stated.

[BucksBasser]

Current system is a mix of equipment.  Low end Hummingbird sidefinder on rear and older Lowrance 2d on bow through trolling motor transducer.  I'm going to pull it all out and start new.  

Some may be repurposed to kayaks.

Trolling motor is an older Minn Kota, I think early Terrova with an older transducer.  I'm not sure the transducer is compatible with current units.  Still works great so I my not upgrade.

[CaughtMeABiggun]

I’m sure you have already purchased a setup but the correct answer is none. If at any point FFS starts seeing bans, the stores are not going to give your money back.. The movement to ban FFS is growing momentum as more pro anglers are starting to speak out. I may be wrong but it would be unwise to drop the cash for a FFS with the possibility of it becoming an expensive garage shelf ornament.. I would wait on building a new electronics setup once there is a clear direction on the future of FFS in tournament fishing.

[DaubsNU1]

Good advice from @gimruis. Had a Garmin unit on my previous boat and liked it very much. Down and side imaging was good.

 

With the new boat I opted for Humminbird, and wanted everything tied together...so networked two Helix 9's with the Ulterra. I do not have FFS currently...maybe in the future. 

 

Spot lock, auto pilot, cruise control and auto deploy and stow are great features of the Ulterra.

 

Another cool feature...I can drive around and mark waypoints on the console unit...when I find a brush pile I like, deploy the TM, hit "go to mark" and the Ulterra drives me to the mark, spot locks, and holds me there. I haven't messed with tracks and "follow track" or "follow contour" yet. Pretty cool. 

 

Pretty sure Garmin and Lowrance unites have similar features. Something to consider when making your decision. 

 

[gim]

9 hours ago, CaughtMeABiggun said:

I’m sure you have already purchased a setup but the correct answer is none. If at any point FFS starts seeing bans, the stores are not going to give your money back.. The movement to ban FFS is growing momentum as more pro anglers are starting to speak out. I may be wrong but it would be unwise to drop the cash for a FFS with the possibility of it becoming an expensive garage shelf ornament.. I would wait on building a new electronics setup once there is a clear direction on the future of FFS in tournament fishing.

 

That might be a bit extreme.  The OP did not state anything about competitive fishing in tournaments either so I am assuming he is asking about it purely from a recreational standpoint.  State agencies aren't going to ban it.  Too many people have it already.  What they might do is require certification on your annual angling license and add a fee.  I could definitely see that.

[BucksBasser]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

That might be a bit extreme.  The OP did not state anything about competitive fishing in tournaments either so I am assuming he is asking about it purely from a recreational standpoint.  State agencies aren't going to ban it.  Too many people have it already.  What they might do is require certification on your annual angling license and add a fee.  I could definitely see that.

Correct, I'm not a competitive angler.  I don't expect PA to ban it.

 

I mentioned in other posts I'm a just retired engineering manager who developed many technology products for Motorola.  So I understand the technology and I'm very informed on where microelectronics is advancing.  My guess is that within 5 years you will see products that combine FFS, sidescan, and high def down imaging into a single transducer system.  You will be able to see everything within 75 feet of your boat in minute detail.  It could really be done today but the costs wouldn't work for 95% of the market.

[Craig P]

21 minutes ago, BucksBasser said:

It could really be done today but the costs wouldn't work for 95% of the market.

Not to mention that most electronic manufacturers have developed the same sales philosophy as computer and phone manufacturers, incremental updates to keep the consumer engaged and spending.

 

FWIW, I am in Pa myself and I am using 2 106SV with GT56 on the transom and a GLS10/LVS32 and steady cast.

 

I love this setup. The GT56 brings another level of image quality over the GT54 and the 10” has more pixels per inch than other displays in the Echomap category.

[Team9nine]

Garmin/Lowrance - haven’t heard many positives about HB’s FFS, but they have good DI/SI and mapping. I like Garmin’s FFS screen image better, but have heard Lowrance’s FFS is a bit more user friendly - more plug and play. Lowrance DI is good, too. Think mapping and SI between the two might be toss-up or personal preference. Lowrance also has a pretty decent waypoint mgmnt system…or at least used to. And yes, SI/DI/2D on console and FFS on bow.

[gim]

3 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

Lowrance also has a pretty decent waypoint mgmnt system…or at least used to.

 

I've used them for 23 years now, upgrading units 4 times now over that span.  I still have waypoints from the previous 3 units (and a hand held) in the current unit.

 

That's the primary reason I continue to stick with them.  20+ years of waypoints is an invaluable amount of information.

 

When I upgrade to a live sonar system in the future, I'll be looking at the Lowrance Ghost.

[Born 2 fish]

I run all Humminbird except my FFS that’s a Garmin gps map 1222 with a LVS 34 transducer.

[Tennessee Boy]

I run all Humminbird.  Solix, 360,  Live,  Target Lock,  Minn Kota Ultrex.   If I was starting over I would strongly consider switching.  I love 360 and it would be hard to give up.  Humminbird’s FFS is considerably worse than the competition.   Going all Humminbird/Minn Kota with one Garmin for FFS would be a good option.

 

You have to have a long term plan in the modern world where everything is integrated.  Even if your trolling motor is not networkable,  your next one probably will be.

[DaubsNU1]

On 3/28/2024 at 11:13 AM, Craig P said:

Not to mention that most electronic manufacturers have developed the same sales philosophy as computer and phone manufacturers, incremental updates to keep the consumer engaged and spending.

 

Ain't that the truth!

 

[Smokinal]

I just picked up a 106sv Ultra and LVS34

I'm a bird guy and the rest of my stuff is bird, but I feel Garmin has the best ffs...imo

I'll mix it together with my Mega 360 and call it good. I'm not one that has to have them all the same.

 

Note: I haven't even mounted the FFS yet. Should get to it in the next 2 weeks. Can't wait

[gobig]

I think Garmin has the best ffs. You can tweak the settings in different situations and get better target separation than the other two. Lowrance would be my second choice. Much more plug and play than Garmin and a better choice for someone who just wants something to work out of the box. I was not impressed with Humminbirds ffs but their mapping, side scan and 360 are fire.

[BucksBasser]

I bought a Garmin echomap ultra 106sv and mounted to the stern of the boat.

Decided to hold off on FFS because I may have an offer on some land I'm selling.

If the land sells I'll probably upscale my bow system beyond what I had intended.

It will be a Garmin.