Mega Live VS Livescope VS Active Target (On Ice) - WHICH IS THE BEST?

So who has the best live imaging sonar? Is it Garmin Livescope, Humminbird Mega Live, or Lowrance Active Target? Hope this video helps answer that question for you!
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[@hunterdersham5663]

Laughing at how intrigued I am in this video knowing damn well I can’t afford a single one of those 😭

[@kylejordan2654]

Right I want one sooooo badly. But that's just because it looks cool.

[@Norwisco]

Same

[@willschaust7978]

100% totally want one but not gonna invest $4k in a flasher that I’ll use a hand ful of times a winter. Maybe if I had a boat it would make sense since you can use it during the summer.

[@dbk81]

This guy knows.

[@hunt_trap_fish]

@@kylejordan2654 you n me both. I’d love one of them. But at $4k? Even IF I used it on my boat, it’s just not worth it

[@DROutdoors18]

I hope everyone appreciates how much work a video like this is to make. Thanks Jay!!

[@joeduvall3891]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

[@inkd6138]

Jay! Just purchased my first livescope for the 2021-22 season. And I went with the Garmin 8610xsv. I put a 60inch flat screen in my ice house. And am gonna hook the 8610 up to it! Super excited for this season and I cannot wait to see how it all turns out. Love the videos keep it up!

[@paromanin]

it seems to me like Garmin typically has the least amount of noise when ice fishing in close proximity to other ice fishermen, and this seems to prove it again. Regardless, these are all super impressive. Looking forward to the day this tech becomes a little more affordable for us plebs.

[@CastleBrookKrew]

Wouldn't it be cool to be sponsored. I only wish I could get send this stuff for free to try. Its nice to dream somedays at least we have Jay.

[@RogueStatusX]

never happen. these companies set the prices, and they know damn well that the total cost of a panoptix is under 500 dollars USD. you really think this technology costs more than a standard 30 series GPU for a pc? which does WAY MORE computations than all of these combined? lol. no. same as a vexilar, at least vexilar is handmade and made in the usa.

[@paromanin]

@@RogueStatusX Yea, it might not ever happen. But if it does, I would be happy.

[@chex4214]

It will happen because of money. We have it, we are willing to spend it, and they want it. The price of fitting this "live view" technology just has to come down a bit to fit it into a $1,000-ish retail package. Just look at the down imaging on $200 fish finders. Obviously, it won't be as good as a Livescope, but a $1,000 poor man's live view unit would fly off shelves and the companies know this.

[@bigz5262]

Give it a couple years. Maybe vexilar or marcum will come out with something similar to expand their brands

[@growinnorth3643]

This is a GREAT video!!!! Thank you so much for putting this together. Flippin’ awesome to see how well these units work and compare! Loved the whitefish strike!

[@gnibs1492]

I bought a Livescope with a 9" UHD last year. Having used this on the ice and on open water, it is amazing. Switching from boat to ice is a cinch. Reeds Sporting Goods in Walker MN set it up for easy switchover. I wasn't sure if I was still using the best one. I think it is. Lake of the Woods ice fishing last winter and crappie fishing in Southern Missouri in the spring to walleye fishing all summer in Minnesota this thing is a game changer. You will use it all year long. Great video, thanks for doing all the leg work and making a very entertaining, informative video!

[@josephklimmek2666]

Thanks for making this great informative video! I just bought at Garmin Livescope and this reassures me that I bought the right unit for me. Good fishing!

[@AlexTimm]

Great comparison, great video. Alex is making a KZbin comeback it seems 👍 love it! I'm a huge Garmin fan of the live imaging for now, we will see how it changes as they all evolve.

[@mr.wannabe2786]

On my Garmin I run the same color palette as you are using. However, it might have been interesting to have the color palettes all the same. Also removing the grid from the Garmin would have made the comparison easier. Minor points as overall a great video. I really appreciate all the hard work you guys put into making this video.

[@sevenfishyoutube]

Very well done! Thanks so much for putting this together!!

[@FoxFishing4K]

Garmin wins hands down. That being said the other 2 companies for their first version is very good. In 5 years when all companies have done R&D on live imaging it will be interesting to see who will be leading.

[@stevensteiner2539]

This is Lowrance second try

[@erics667]

From my understanding Lowrance actually licensed the tech from Garmin but were not allowed to use the same angles along with other technical limitations. Bird did there own.

[@FoxFishing4K]

Take the best of each unit and put it into 1. BAM now we are talking!!

[@bigpoppa101101]

In 5 years I bet states will be banning it (which I don't agree with). Just like states banning trail cameras.

[@maccathirtythree]

Fantastic comparison mate - clear, concise and fair. Good work.

[@aaronwbakeman]

You are so much more professional and advanced then Alex. Its like Alex is for teenage fisherman and your content Is for the advanced. Nice work dude!

[@cjherriman7226]

It was a great non bias comparison of the three main units and like you said it really depends on where you live and what your application is. Also great to see Alex on your video.

[@kingstondunk3465]

Be interesting to see this same video next year to see what the changes are. Even a video between this years models and next years to see how they progress. Awesome video as usual. Can’t wait for ice here in Kingston Ontario.

[@forddanger8152]

Thanks for the video! Love my livescope, but nice to see how the others compare. Keep Up the good work!

[@gray1572]

Great video. I appreciate the effort and expertise needed to put this together. Amazing.

[@devinjarko904]

Thanks for the content Jay always great information!

[@fishinwithlandon]

So close to 100k!!! Keep up the grind Jay! Awesome video too btw

[@davidandersoninmn]

Great video. Thanks for doing this video, it was great to see this Tripel comparison. I really enjoyed how you showed the delay comparison. The only issue I have is that your bird showed interface while on alone, many other videos I have seen does not show interfere, you may have some more tweaking to do for a fair test. But all three look sweet! Thanks

[@LuRanOutdoors]

Thanks for the side by side review!!! Very informative!!! 👍👍

[@tobinlakeguideservices]

Thanks for the video. By far the best comparison video I’ve seen on the new technology

[@wogg5450]

Garmin sets the standard for all others the follow! Thanks Jay for this great side-by-side comparison, you continue to set the standard for quality of fishing videos. Now if I could just scrounge up a bit of extra change:)

[@jaredolsen4242]

Thanks for this video. Really appreciate the direct comparison.

[@austinsmith319]

Love the videos!! Keep them coming.

[@troymoravec6552]

Great video, love the information shared. Thank you. It would've been nice to use the same color pallet and same gain to truly get the side by side comparison. I went with the Garmin, so far it's been great, we ice fish with groups of people up to 7-10 with several units running at the same time to include Marcum, Vexlar, and the interference of the Garmin is by far superior over the others.

[@jamesfletcher2302]

Wicked I was just looking at getting one I was waiting for this video thank you jay!!!

[@joef.2908]

Great video Jay, you are the best in the business and its showing with your success. No doubt you will be a household name in fishing soon. I Appreciate your efforts!

[@ksoutdoorsports]

Awesome side by side comparison! Garmin is hard to beat. I'm really surprised at the Lowrance delay.

[@PhotonChief]

This was a really good test. I'm glad I went with the Garmin (even though I don't have the Livescope yet).

[@AmpedUpAngling]

The video we’ve all been waiting for!!🙌🙌

[@jimmykav44]

I think I’m treating myself to Livescope. Really appreciate your videos, this was awesome to see

[@E2renne]

Garmin seems to have the best image stability, and probably one of the most user friendly to get dialed in, which is super important. Having had the privilege to work with some pretty fancy Didson sonars, I find the Lowrance most familiar in the type of image it creates and like you mentioned, it's really impressive in its target definition. Out of the three, it seemed like potentially the best for people who might be interested in knowng what exactly is coming after their bait. I swear I could see pectoral and pelvic fins and the forked tail on that Whitey when it got hooked and turned skyward! And to see each individual fish in that bait ball near the end... So cool. A bit underwhelmed with Humminbird, but the convenience of live imaging in the same unit that can run Lakemaster chips is worth some bonus points.

[@GarrettDunlapyoutub1]

What unit are you talking about here? Thanks

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Best live comparison I have seen! Nice work!

[@doubleahomestead7794]

Thanks for the video. Confirms that I made the right choice in livescope last year. Suggestion on the fish batter. My wife has celiac so it’s tough to find those things to cook fish. Perhaps you could come up with a certified GF batter. Might do really well considering the options are extremely limited.

[@loganroberge7632]

:) thanks for the info. I've been waiting for a good comparison.

[@d3l71]

Great video Jay, if as you suggest the computing with the mega is being accomplished within the ducer itself I wonder if that may be the source of some of the interference in the Mega.

[@travelers1]

Really appreciate this video, I'm in Moorhead Minnesota, would love to fish with you some time. You have helped me with my decision for the Garmin, but I hope you can do this again in 2022 at the start of ice season so before I buy I can see any technical advances made with this new stuff over one year. Thanks alot.

[@BJWEIJAZZMIN]

Thanks for the great vid. This will save us fishermen some time and cash with this great comparison. Thanks for keeping real!

[@mattbrown7483]

I got my Garmin ice bundle a few weeks ago, just waiting for the ice. unfortunately, I live in central NY, it might be a few more weeks before we get ice. I also ordered your catcher & the cooker bundle. can't wait to try the beer battered fish.

[@iannikolas2902]

Awesome video. Thank you. This will definitely help me decide which one to spend my money on.

[@wisconsinangling3054]

Love the informational videos Jay! It’s really nice to know how all three look at the same time. Great camera work and awesome video!

[@kennethwilson1547]

Excellent video Jay. Alex is getting to be a pretty good ice angler. Thank you.

[@Duds_-ze4cf]

I would definitely go with garmin looks so much cleaner and all around a great product. Keep up the great work jay

[@muskybites505]

This will be the most viewed ice fishing vid of the year. Great vid Jay!!

[@humminbird_tips_and_tricks]

Great review. Try turning the Mega live noise rejection to high combined with dynamic contrast #2. Some color pallets have advantages over the others. I like #11 (used in the video) but #1 and #12 are great options as well.

[@joeybouillon9756]

Ya something doesn't look right , I was watching mega live yesterday in 25ft of water , that a friend bought, and it seemed way clearer then all of these pictures,. Weird

[@renemorin9542]

Thanks for the great video Jay. Just a suggestion, maybe for the holidays offer a Catch and Cook 3 pack that includes the original, spicy, and beer batter. McFads would understand as a Chef.

[@rickie2sticky66]

Been waiting for you or uncut to do this video!

[@terryattewell5842]

Excellent review Jay. If I was looking for an expensive live scope based on your review, I would buy the Garmin. The other two have too much interference for my liking but they are all game changers. Thanks for sharing

[@hemps37]

Great video! Seems to be a fight between Garmin and Lowrance right now to me. I'm not a fan of the delay on the lowrance, that could be the deciding factor.

[@dbk81]

Yea, Garmin by a mile, Humminbird will probably sell allot of units just because guys can pair it with existing head units already owned, and I’d agree the delay on the lowrance is not good. Garmin is the first to do it and is better in every single way to this point.

[@rykerrobinson810]

Every video is awesome, love the channel

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks!

[@meetoo50]

Love this type of vid doing side by sides! In the future could you do a side by side of Under water cameras including Marcum and Aqua Vu and any others you might come by?

[@Jasperbanaan]

Nice video, thanks for the efford!

[@xShadowWolfe]

Once you did the units by themselves it cleared up all the interference, that Lowrance image is clean, you can really see the fish details the most.You can see your swivel on the Lowrance. That image is really clean.

[@mikechristensen9682]

Thanks for the video give you a good idea of which live scope you would like to purchase

[@natesbaits4413]

Really fascinating video! Well done. And I must stay I feel slightly smug and vindicated in my choice of Livescope.😄

[@shinuizabusa2180]

Aaaah. Had a hard day, but now a fresh cup of coffee and a new video. Day saved, let´s go.

[@levonluther9494]

Hey Jay great video as always. Next year id be interested to see your reasoning behind your statement on the mapping being better on the Humminbird. I have both a Garmin UHD model and a couple Helix. I still think Garmin is the best deal on the water, the "hummigbird tax" of all the adapters and cost of a blank SD zero lines card is annoying. Feature wise though I think the bird does give bottom hardness which if used probably adds a nice dynamic if you have time to study the topography and the hardness you can find where those fish are hiding on the transition. Keep it up almost 100K!

[@SLYFishing]

Thanks for doing this video. Great job!! Since you are planning to keep the Mega Live, I wanted to let you know that there is an Interference Rejection Setting for the Mega Live that would have greatly reduced or eliminated the flashing semi-circles. The Interference Rejection Setting is explained on page 43 of the Mega Live Operations Guide.

[@DennisLeppell]

I've been using 'birds on the ice since the Ice 35 (currently on Helix 7 gen3, with a couple of other LCD's in between). No matter what you do, sometimes there's spots on a lake that cause interference on Humminbird units. I haven't been able to pinpoint a pattern on it yet, but it's something I run into consistently on certain spots every winter.

[@jeremyfrigo2231]

@@DennisLeppell 3

[@THESHITTTTT65]

Other than the delay it seems the lowrance has the best image and it seemed at times you could see stuff in the Garmin and not the bird but always on the lowrance

[@A.C._Taylor]

Great side by side comparisons. I might be able to afford one when the technology is outdated, much like a rotary phone was, when everyone else had touchtones. 😄

[@primetimeangling9803]

Great video I'm curious to see how these units would perform in a deep water situation like lake trout in 100 ft or deeper

[@FoxFishing4K]

They perform terrible. All of them

[@galliogarcia]

Just got my livescope! Very pleased so far. One thing to note is that the clarity of livescope has a lot to do with the head unit you are using. From what I understand the gps units have a better picture quality so I’ll be upgrading to a gps unit in the near future for that reason. Most people use echo map because there are more portable and pull less power, but if I’m gonna make this kind of investment I want the best option possible

[@benfisher8863]

Do the ice kits not come with a gps unit?

[@brockus35]

I use a 10 inch chart plotter

[@gmx440]

im so jealous you guys have ice already lol. im from NYC never been on ice before, i love fishing but never before i was on ice i spend close to 2k$ for ice fishing this season lol and cant wait to go on ice and catch some PBs. good luck

[@devindrawenek641]

Cool video learned a lot thanks

[@danrivera9084]

I would love to upgrade my Garmin. I'm using the Striker 4. It gets the job down, but the Garmin in this video is amazing.

[@joshcardon8241]

Picked up the garmin 75 uhd for $650 CAD and the ice fishing bundle (both on sale for 50% off) at cabelas. Garmin also has a newer panoptix live scope transducer that doesn’t appear to require a box to hook it up.

[@tbonesoutdooradventures6474]

Love this vid I bought a garmin and fell in love with it good vid jay

[@ricklundquist8298]

Should have used same color for all.

[@robclark1215]

Hummingbird needed some adjustment. I Know they are much Clearer than that. Great video Jay. 👍👍

[@davidtisch5237]

Great comparison Jay

[@lorthao09]

Great video!

[@notlisteninganymore]

Jay- can you do a settings video on the livescope. I know others have done it, but your videos are in-depth and high quality.

[@DaveDangles]

My favorite mittens. Super warm by themselves, but I use thin fishing gloves underneath for jigging.

[@chesschess100]

Such a great comparison video. I’ve seen these used before, but now I really get it. Well done. Thanks.

[@Nyquist_Outdoors]

Jay to break the internet! 3 live units?! Flexing bud! Great review!

[@hyoutdoors7054]

I like looking at the Lowrance the least, but it definitely worked the best at marking fish early. That delay is rough though. Didn't like the look of the humminbird much, and it wasn't reading well near bottom. Garmin is really nice to look at, shows fish almost as well as Lowrance.

[@jso8130]

Great video. I'd like to see a deep water over 100ft comparison.

[@rickweinhandl3564]

great informative video.

[@drewmiller9411]

Thanks for the video and great comparison! Really helps on the decision of what brand to go with.

[@kluckfabrication5991]

Agree, Garmin just flows nicely, price is cheaper also. Lowerance does have the delay but you can see the fish details. I think humminbird will get it eventually it looks alright and there still on firmware 1.

[@daved2403]

Overall I agree the Gamin is best, but the bait image on the Lowrance seemed a little crisper. Most of the time you could see the weight or leader knot above the actual bait, where it wasn't always visible on the Garmin. Also the bait image was a little fuzzier on the Garmin compared to Lowrance. The delay on the Lowrance was the biggest issue and it would keep me away from a Lowrance just for that reason - hopefully the will fix in the future.

[@dashybaby255]

I am half way through the video. I think you did a great job in letting us see for ourselves. To me personally, it looked like the Garmin was the best. but maybe that was mostly the distortion on the other screens.

[@DennisLeppell]

The color palate he used for the Garmin masked the interference; If you look closely you can see there were aberations on that unit as well.

[@calterry]

Been using livescope for a while but I have hope for humminbird in the future

[@Kdog26]

Strange how HB was the last to the party and knew what they were up against. They should have been above the others.

[@dalbert4991]

Enjoyed the side by side by side 😃 Garmin def clear all the time.

[@big-jit]

Great video

[@normneufeld9688]

Well done and thank you! So, you didn’t where you were fishing. That is important to lots of us. Thanks.

[@Ray-rd2sn]

Great video as usual wha'ts the best way to buy catch and cook in the States?

[@xShadowWolfe]

Watching the jigging session my eyes went to the Garmin screen, it was the easiest to watch, the other two were harder to see the image. Thanks for the live comparison.

[@jamietyson7059]

Are all those pole mounts the same or is there different ends for each transducer? Looking to get one for my mega live

[@Captain_Kdawg]

Nice dang video. I’ve never been on top of any ice being from the south 😂 but that looks fun as hell

[@406rts3]

Garmin has done a bunch of software updates, it will be interesting to see if humminbird will get live dialed in with their updates.

[@kenbrown5449]

took a while to get to this video but I'm glad I finally did. I run Birds but that that Garmin was Sa-Weet!

[@thekoolkidsrock]

Just bought my garmin and lake simcoe can’t freeze soon enough!

[@jeffdicks]

I guessed Garmin on your facebook post, and after seeing this video I'll stick with my decision. Garmin4life!

[@philmcneil2743]

Can I buy the garmin this season and run it with a standard transducer ? And upgrade to the live scope next year

[@johnzach8528]

Each of the units have their pros and cons, but I think the Garmin wins. My podium rating would be 1st place: Garmin Livescope, 2nd place Humminbird Mega Live, and in 3rd place Lowrance Active Target. However, this is bearing in mind that my being in my early teens means I could never afford Live Imaging... lol. I did buy the Garmin Striker 4 and build the same portable kit Jay invented, and I'll be testing it in two weeks. Can't thank you enough Jay!

[@russcarlson1702]

Hello Jay have you noticed a difference on any of the screens when in bright sunlight?

[@wiscowalleye7954]

I think some of the interference your seeing on the mega live is from the signal bouncing off the bottom of the ice. Included with the transducer are some masking strips to stick on it. It might help.