Search:
ShopContactWholesaleWarrantyFish FindersFAQDelivery & ReturnsMy AccountBasket

Category: Fish Finders & Sonar

  • Humminbird HELIX vs Garmin ECHOMAP: Best Mid-Range Fish Finder Comparison

    In the £600-£1,000 mid-range bracket, Humminbird’s HELIX and Garmin’s ECHOMAP series are the two most popular combo fish finder/chartplotter ranges — both punch well above their price point. Here’s how they compare.

    UnitScreenPrice
    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73cv GN+ with GT20-TM Transducer7-inch£747.99
    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv Fish Finder Chartplotter – 7 Inch, GT54UHD Transducer7-inch£632.99
    Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4N Fish Finder7-inch£632.99
    Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA SI+ G4N with AutoChart Live9-inch£977.99

    Garmin’s Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73cv GN+ with GT20-TM Transducer (£747.99) and Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv Fish Finder Chartplotter – 7 Inch, GT54UHD Transducer (£632.99) both bring UHD2 sonar clarity and GPS mapping into a 7-inch display — the “sv” model adds Garmin’s scanning sonar (ClearVü/SideVü) over the “cv” model’s ClearVü-only setup, worth the price difference if reading structure detail matters to you.

    Humminbird’s Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4N Fish Finder (£632.99) matches the ECHOMAP on screen size while adding MEGA Down Imaging sonar, and the Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA SI+ G4N with AutoChart Live (£977.99) steps up to a 9-inch screen with AutoChart Live for building your own depth maps.

    Which Should You Choose?

    • Choose ECHOMAP if you want Garmin’s Navionics chart ecosystem and a path to adding Panoptix LiveScope later.
    • Choose HELIX if you want MEGA Imaging sonar clarity and AutoChart Live’s self-building depth maps, particularly useful on less well-charted inland waters.
    • Prioritise screen size? The Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA SI+ G4N with AutoChart Live gives the largest display in this bracket at £977.99.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the difference between “cv” and “sv” Garmin models?
    “cv” models include ClearVü scanning sonar only; “sv” models add SideVü for wider side-scanning coverage, at a higher price.

    Is MEGA Imaging better than Garmin’s scanning sonar?
    Both are strong performers — Humminbird’s MEGA Imaging is often praised for sharper structure detail, while Garmin’s ClearVü/SideVü integrates tightly with the wider Garmin ecosystem including LiveScope.

    Which is better value for a first combo unit?
    Both the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73cv GN+ with GT20-TM Transducer and Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4N Fish Finder sit at similar price points and are excellent first combo units — the choice mostly comes down to chart and ecosystem preference.

    Still deciding between HELIX and ECHOMAP? Our team can talk through your priorities — browse both ranges in our online shop.

  • Best Live Sonar System 2026: Garmin LiveScope vs Humminbird MEGA Live vs Lowrance ActiveTarget

    Live, forward-facing sonar is the biggest shift in fishing electronics of the last decade — instead of seeing what’s already passed beneath the boat, you see fish and structure in real time, ahead or beside you, as they move. Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance each build a competing system. Here’s how they compare.

    SystemBrandPrice
    Garmin LiveScope Plus System — LVS34 Transducer & GLS10 Black Box ComboGarmin£1494.99
    Garmin Panoptix LiveScope Plus System with GLS 10 and LVS34 TransducerGarmin£2069.99
    Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing SonarHumminbird£1609.99
    Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Imaging Live Sonar SystemHumminbird£1839.99
    Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar SystemLowrance£1494.99
    Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar System with TransducerLowrance£1953.99

    Garmin Panoptix LiveScope

    Garmin’s Garmin LiveScope Plus System — LVS34 Transducer & GLS10 Black Box Combo (£1494.99) and the higher-spec Garmin Panoptix LiveScope Plus System with GLS 10 and LVS34 Transducer (£2069.99) pair a black box processor with the LVS34 transducer, delivering forward, down and historical scanning modes. LiveScope is widely regarded as the system that popularised live sonar for recreational anglers, with a large accessory ecosystem for mounting on trolling motors and poles.

    Humminbird MEGA Live 2

    The Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing Sonar (£1609.99) and full Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Imaging Live Sonar System package (£1609.99) deliver Humminbird’s second-generation live imaging, with a reputation for exceptionally clean, high-contrast target definition — useful for picking individual fish out from cover.

    Lowrance ActiveTarget 2

    The Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar System (£1494.99) and bundled Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar System with Transducer (£1953.99) integrate tightly with Lowrance’s HDS and Elite series displays, with a wide field of view that some anglers find easier to track moving fish with.

    Which Live Sonar System Should You Choose?

    • Already run a Garmin, Humminbird or Lowrance chartplotter? Staying within the same brand’s live sonar system is almost always the simplest and best-supported route, since compatibility and software integration are guaranteed.
    • Buying a display and live sonar together? Compare the bundled system prices above rather than buying separately — bundles are usually better value.
    • Prioritise target clarity if you fish heavy cover and need to distinguish individual fish from structure; prioritise field of view if you fish more open water and track moving schools.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a compatible chartplotter to run live sonar?
    Yes — all three systems require a compatible display from the same brand to process and show the live sonar feed.

    Can I mount live sonar on my trolling motor?
    Yes, all three brands offer trolling motor and pole mounts as accessories, letting you scan ahead of the boat as you move.

    Is live sonar worth the cost?
    For anglers targeting individual fish in real time — bass, crappie, pike — most say yes. For general cruising or trolling, a standard CHIRP or imaging sonar is usually sufficient.

    Not sure which live sonar system fits your existing electronics? Our team can check compatibility before you buy — browse the full range in our online shop.

  • Best Kayak Fish Finder UK: Top Picks for Kayak Anglers

    Kayak fishing puts different demands on a fish finder than a boat does — space, weight and power draw are all tighter, and a lot of kayak anglers don’t want to run wiring at all. Here’s our pick of the best options for kayak anglers in the UK.

    Best Overall for Kayaks: Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish Finder

    The Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish Finder (£229.99) needs no wiring, no mounting bracket and no battery beyond its own — cast it out on your line, and it streams sonar straight to your phone over WiFi. For kayak anglers who don’t want to drill a hull or run cables, it’s the simplest option available.

    Best Wired Options: Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS and Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder

    If you’d rather have a fixed screen mounted to your kayak, the Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS (£172.99) is compact, low-power and includes GPS for marking spots — ideal for a small 12V battery setup. The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder (£287.99) steps up to a larger display with CHIRP sonar for sharper target separation, still small enough for most kayak consoles.

    Best Compact Colour Display: Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fish Finder

    The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fish Finder (£172.99) packs a bright colour display into a small footprint — easier to read in direct sunlight on the water than many budget units, without the bulk of a larger unit.

    What to Look for in a Kayak Fish Finder

    • Power draw: kayak batteries are small — check the unit’s current draw against your battery’s capacity.
    • Mounting: look for track-mount or RAM-compatible units if you want to switch between kayaks or remove the unit for storage.
    • No-wiring options: castable sonar like the Deeper PRO+ avoids drilling or running cable through the hull entirely.
    • Screen size vs weight: bigger screens are easier to read but add weight and draw more power — balance against your kayak’s setup.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to drill my kayak to fit a fish finder?
    Only for a fixed transducer. Castable units like the Deeper PRO+ need no drilling at all, and many kayak anglers use suction or clamp transducer mounts to avoid it too.

    What battery do I need for a kayak fish finder?
    A small sealed lead-acid or lithium battery in the 5–12Ah range is typically enough for a compact fish finder for a full day on the water.

    Is GPS worth having on a kayak fish finder?
    Yes — marking productive spots and finding your way back in poor visibility is genuinely useful, even on small inland waters.

    Need help fitting a fish finder to your kayak setup? Our team can advise on mounts and power — browse the full range in our online shop.

  • Best Fish Finder UK 2026: Top 7 Picks for Every Budget

    Choosing the best fish finder in the UK for 2026 comes down to matching sonar power, screen size and mapping features to how and where you actually fish — a small boat angler chasing bass off the Solent has very different needs to someone running a rigged bass boat on a reservoir. Below are seven fish finders we stock, picked to cover every realistic budget from your first unit to a full flagship display.

    Our Top 7 Fish Finder Picks for 2026

    Fish FinderBest ForPrice
    Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPSBest budget entry point£172.99
    Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 TripleShot Fish FinderBest value TripleShot sonar£287.99
    Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish FinderBest compact GPS unit£287.99
    Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish FinderBest for kayak and bank fishing£229.99
    Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot with SideScanBest mid-range SideScan£574.99
    Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N Display UnitBest large-screen display£1263.99
    Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4NBest all-round flagship£1954.99

    Best Budget Fish Finder: Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS

    At £172.99, the Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS is the easiest way to get built-in GPS and CHIRP sonar on a small boat or kayak without spending big. It won’t compete with a flagship on screen size, but it plots waypoints, marks your favourite marks and shows water temperature — genuinely useful basics that a lot of anglers never move past.

    Best Value: Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 TripleShot Fish Finder vs Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder

    Both the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 TripleShot Fish Finder and Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder sit around £287.99, and both bring proper GPS mapping into the budget bracket. The Lowrance leans on TripleShot sonar for wider side coverage, while the Humminbird’s CHIRP DualBeam PLUS sonar is slightly better at picking out individual fish arches in deeper water. If you fish mixed structure and open water, the Lowrance’s side coverage tends to find more; if you fish primarily deep water for species like pike or cod, the Humminbird’s target separation has the edge.

    Best for Kayak and Bank Fishing: Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish Finder

    Not every angler wants a fixed transducer. The Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish Finder is a castable, WiFi-connected sonar ball that pairs to your phone — cast it out from the bank, a kayak or a float tube and it maps depth and fish position in real time. At £229.99, it’s the only fish finder on this list that needs no mounting or wiring at all.

    Best Mid-Range: Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot with SideScan

    Step up to £574.99 and the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot with SideScan adds a bigger 7-inch display and proper SideScan alongside TripleShot sonar — enough to actually read structure either side of the boat rather than just what’s directly underneath.

    Best Large-Screen and Flagship Options

    For serious tournament anglers, the Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N Display Unit (£1263.99) and Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N (£1954.99) bring MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging with genuinely crisp, photo-like structure detail. If budget stretches further, the Humminbird XPLORE 12 CMSI+ Fish Finder (£2989.99) and Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 (£2874.99) sit at the top of the range, built for anglers who want the largest, sharpest picture available and don’t want to compromise on chart detail or split-screen views.

    How to Choose the Right Fish Finder

    • Screen size: 4–5 inches suits kayaks and small boats; 9 inches and up suits helm-mounted use on larger boats where you’ll glance at it from a distance.
    • Sonar type: CHIRP gives sharper target separation in deep water; Side/Down Imaging gives a wider, more photo-realistic view of structure either side of the boat.
    • GPS and mapping: worth having on any unit above entry level — it turns a fish finder into a basic chartplotter for marking spots and finding your way home.
    • Transducer compatibility: higher-end units support swappable or dual transducers, useful if you fish both shallow inshore marks and deep offshore water.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the best fish finder for a small boat under 16 feet?
    A 5–7 inch unit like the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 TripleShot Fish Finder or Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot with SideScan gives enough screen space without dominating the console.

    Do I need Side Imaging?
    Only if you fish structure — docks, weed lines, drop-offs. If you mostly fish open water or troll, standard CHIRP sonar with GPS is enough.

    Can I use a fish finder as my only chartplotter?
    Combination units like the Humminbird HELIX and Garmin GPSMAP ranges include full chart plotting, so yes — many UK anglers run one as their sole display.

    Still deciding which fish finder suits your boat and budget? Our UK-based team can talk through your setup before you buy — or browse the full range in our online shop.

  • Garmin Panoptix LiveScope vs Humminbird MEGA Live 2: Live Sonar Showdown 2025

    Live sonar has changed fishing forever. Being able to see fish swimming in real time — watching them react to your lure — gives anglers an edge that traditional sonar simply can’t match. The two dominant live sonar systems right now are Garmin Panoptix LiveScope and Humminbird MEGA Live 2. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both systems.

    Quick Verdict

    Garmin Panoptix LiveScope remains the gold standard for forward-facing live sonar and is the choice of most professional tournament anglers. Humminbird MEGA Live 2 is the better choice if you’re already in the Humminbird ecosystem and want seamless One-Boat Network integration — it delivers comparable real-time imaging with excellent target separation.

    How Each System Works

    Garmin Panoptix LiveScope uses the LVS34 transducer with a GLS 10 sonar module to deliver live sonar in three modes: LiveScope Forward (see what’s ahead of the boat), LiveScope Down (live view straight below), and LiveScope Perspective (wide-angle real-time view). The system connects to any compatible Garmin chartplotter via Ethernet.

    Humminbird MEGA Live 2 connects directly to XPLORE, APEX, or SOLIX units via the Ethernet port and offers MEGA Live Forward, MEGA Live Down, and the new 360-degree view available when paired with MEGA 360. The second-generation MEGA Live 2 transducer delivers notably improved target separation and refresh rates over the original.

    Image Quality & Target Separation

    Both systems produce stunning live sonar images. Garmin’s LiveScope has long been praised for its high refresh rate and crisp target definition — you can clearly see individual fish and watch lure-to-fish interactions in real time. Humminbird’s MEGA Live 2 closes the gap significantly with improved MEGA frequency sonar that delivers sharper images in deeper water.

    • LiveScope edge: Slightly faster refresh rate, wider community of tutorials and tips
    • MEGA Live 2 edge: Performs better in very deep water, deeper MEGA frequency penetration

    Forward Range & Coverage

    Garmin LiveScope forward range reaches up to 60 metres (200 feet) ahead of the boat. Humminbird MEGA Live 2 forward range also reaches 60 metres (200 feet). Both systems offer adjustable tilt angles to scan the water column at your preferred angle — critical for sight-fishing suspended fish.

    Compatibility

    This is where the ecosystem matters most.

    • LiveScope requires a compatible Garmin chartplotter (ECHOMAP UHD2, ECHOMAP Ultra, GPSMAP series) plus the GLS 10 sonar module
    • MEGA Live 2 requires a compatible Humminbird unit (XPLORE 9/10/12, APEX, SOLIX) — connects directly via Ethernet, no extra sonar module needed

    MEGA Live 2 wins on simplicity — plug directly into the head unit, no GLS 10 box required. LiveScope requires the external GLS 10 sonar box plus Ethernet cable routing. Both systems run happily from a 12V DC marine supply — ask us about clean-power busbars and 230V shore-power charging for your battery bank.

    Total System Cost

    ComponentGarmin LiveScope SystemHumminbird MEGA Live 2 System
    Head UnitECHOMAP UHD2 93sv (~£1,200)XPLORE 9 CMSI+ (~£1,300)
    Live SonarLVS34 + GLS 10 (~£1,499)MEGA Live 2 (~£999)
    Total~£2,699~£2,299

    The Humminbird system saves approximately £400 in total system cost while delivering comparable live sonar performance.

    Tournament Angler Preference

    At the highest competitive levels, LiveScope has been the dominant system for several seasons. Many elite anglers credit LiveScope’s forward imaging specifically for finesse applications — watching a fish’s body language as you slow-roll a swimbait is unmatched at the elite level. However, an increasing number of touring pros — including on the growing UK and European predator circuits — are switching to or adding MEGA Live 2 as Humminbird’s technology has caught up considerably.

    Which Live Sonar System Is Right for You?

    • Choose LiveScope if you’re a competitive angler prioritising the most proven live sonar technology, already own Garmin equipment, or want to learn from the largest community of live sonar content creators online
    • Choose MEGA Live 2 if you’re buying a new Humminbird XPLORE or SOLIX, want simpler installation with no extra sonar box, and want to save £400 on the complete system

    Final Word

    You can’t fish wrong with either system. Both deliver the game-changing real-time sonar experience that has redefined what’s possible on the water. Both are available at Pro Marine Electronics with expert support and free delivery on qualifying orders over £1,300 — and every system includes a full manufacturer warranty completely valid for local servicing and technical support within the UK and Europe.

  • Humminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+ vs Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv: Which Fish Finder Wins in 2025?

    Choosing between the Humminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+ and the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is one of the toughest calls in marine electronics right now. Both are elite 9-inch fish finders loaded with sonar tech, GPS, and networking — but they take different approaches to nearly every feature. We break it all down.

    Quick Verdict

    The XPLORE 9 CMSI+ wins on imaging clarity and included mapping value. The ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv wins on sonar versatility and Garmin ecosystem integration. If MEGA imaging and premium maps matter most, go Humminbird. If you want Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope compatibility and deeper ActiveCaptain integration, go Garmin.

    Display & Interface

    Both units feature 9-inch displays, but Humminbird’s glass-bonded panel gives it an edge in direct sunlight readability. The XPLORE’s Cross Touch interface — simultaneous touchscreen and keypad — is outstanding for gloved hands on rough water. Garmin’s touchscreen on the ECHOMAP UHD2 is responsive and clean, with a straightforward menu system familiar to any Garmin user.

    • XPLORE 9: 1280×720, glass-bonded, Cross Touch (touchscreen + keypad)
    • ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv: 800×480, multi-touch, keypad option

    Humminbird’s higher resolution display is a clear advantage for reading fine detail in imaging returns.

    Sonar Capability

    This is where both units flex their best technology.

    The XPLORE 9 leads with MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+ — Humminbird’s highest-frequency imaging sonar, delivering photographic-quality underwater pictures out to 60 metres (200 feet) on each side. Combined with Dual Spectrum CHIRP for traditional sonar, it covers every water column scenario.

    The ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv runs Ultra High-Definition scanning sonar (UHD) plus CHIRP sonar, and is fully Panoptix LiveScope compatible. If real-time forward-scanning live sonar is on your must-have list, only Garmin delivers it natively at this tier.

    • XPLORE 9 wins: MEGA imaging resolution, wider side range, sharper bottom detail
    • ECHOMAP UHD2 wins: LiveScope forward sonar compatibility, more transducer options

    Built-In GPS & Maps

    For UK and European buyers, mapping is closer than the US spec sheets suggest. The XPLORE 9’s premium map card equivalent for our waters comes via compatibility with C-MAP European coastal charts and detailed inland coverage, while Garmin’s ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is pre-loaded or compatible with Garmin Navionics+ Western Europe grids and Navionics UK & Ireland charting — excellent for both coastal and freshwater work. Budget roughly £150 if you add a premium regional chart card to either unit.

    • XPLORE 9: Basemap + premium regional charting (C-MAP European coastal compatible)
    • ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv: Garmin Navionics+ Western Europe / Navionics UK & Ireland compatible

    Networking & Ecosystem

    Both units offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet. Humminbird’s One-Boat Network connects the XPLORE 9 natively to Minn Kota trolling motors and Cannon downriggers — ideal if your boat already runs Minn Kota Ulterra or Ultrex. Garmin’s ecosystem is equally strong, with Panoptix LiveScope, Force trolling motor integration, and the full Garmin marine suite via GN network.

    Price Comparison

    FeatureHumminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
    Price£1,299.99~£1,199.99
    Display9″ 1280×720 glass-bonded9″ 800×480 multi-touch
    ImagingMEGA SI+ / MEGA DI+UHD Scanning Sonar
    Live SonarMEGA Live 2 compatiblePanoptix LiveScope compatible
    Maps IncludedBasemap + premium regional chartingNavionics+ Western Europe compatible
    NetworkingWi-Fi, BT, NMEA 2000, EthernetWi-Fi, BT, NMEA 2000, Ethernet

    Who Should Buy the Humminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+?

    • Pike, perch, zander or coarse anglers who want the best imaging sonar available
    • Anglers running Minn Kota trolling motors (One-Boat Network is seamless)
    • Anyone who fishes inland lakes and wants premium mapping without extra cost
    • Buyers who value a higher-resolution, glass-bonded display for sunny days on the water

    Who Should Buy the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv?

    • Anglers who want Panoptix LiveScope real-time forward sonar (a game changer for sight fishing)
    • Coastal boaters who rely on Navionics UK & Ireland navigation
    • Existing Garmin users who want ecosystem consistency across devices
    • Budget-conscious buyers who want to allocate savings toward a LiveScope transducer

    Bottom Line

    Both are exceptional fish finders — you won’t make a wrong choice here. The Humminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+ delivers more value out of the box with superior imaging and included premium maps. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv edges ahead for anglers committed to the Panoptix LiveScope ecosystem. Either way, both are available now at Pro Marine Electronics with free delivery on qualifying orders — and every unit includes a full manufacturer warranty completely valid for local servicing and technical support within the UK and Europe.