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Tag: marine electronics UK

  • Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 vs Lowrance HDS Pro: 12-Inch Chartplotter Showdown

    Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 vs Lowrance HDS Pro: 12-Inch Chartplotter Showdown

    Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 vs Lowrance HDS Pro 12 inch chartplotter

    If you’re shopping for a 12-inch chartplotter, the shortlist almost always comes down to two names: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 and Lowrance HDS Pro. Both are LiveScope/ActiveTarget-ready, both come in similar price bands, and both have loyal followings. We’ve sold and fitted plenty of each, so here’s how they actually compare.

    Screen and interface

    The ECHOMAP Ultra 2 runs Garmin’s familiar touchscreen UI with physical keypad backup — handy in rough conditions or with gloves on. The HDS Pro uses Lowrance’s SolarMAX HD display, which is noticeably brighter in direct sun, plus a hybrid touch/keypad layout of its own. In side-by-side testing on a bright afternoon, the HDS Pro’s screen held a very slight edge for glare; the ECHOMAP’s menus felt a touch more intuitive for first-time users.

    Sonar and live imaging

    Garmin pairs the ECHOMAP with GT-series transducers and is LiveScope-ready — arguably the most established forward-facing sonar on the market, now in its second generation with LiveScope 2. Lowrance counters with Active Imaging and ActiveTarget 2, which many bass anglers rate just as highly for real-time target tracking. Neither is a wrong choice; it often comes down to which ecosystem your local fishing community already runs, since shared knowledge and settings help.

    FeatureGarmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 126svLowrance HDS PRO 12
    Display12-inch touchscreen + keypad12-inch SolarMAX HD touch + keypad
    Live sonarLiveScope-readyActiveTarget-ready
    ChartsNavionics+ preloadedC-MAP Discover OnBoard preloaded
    NetworkingGarmin Marine NetworkLowrance/Simrad NMEA 2000 ecosystem

    Our verdict

    Both units are excellent, genuine, well-supported chartplotters and you won’t go far wrong either way. If you already run other Garmin electronics or want the deepest LiveScope ecosystem, go ECHOMAP. If brightness in direct sun is your priority or you’re already invested in the Lowrance/Simrad/B&G network, the HDS Pro is the stronger pick. Browse the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 126sv Bundle or the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Bundle — both genuine stock with UK & Europe delivery.

    FAQs

    Can I mix Garmin and Lowrance electronics on one boat? Yes, but they won’t share sonar/network data across brands, so most anglers standardise on one ecosystem per boat.

    Which has better resale value in the UK? Both hold value well; Garmin has a slight edge in the UK secondhand market currently. Unsure which is right for you? Get in touch and we’ll talk through your setup.

  • Complete Marine Electronics Package for a New Boat: Buyer’s Guide

    Complete Marine Electronics Package for a New Boat: Buyer’s Guide

    complete marine electronics package for a new boat buyer's guide

    Kitting out a new (or new-to-you) boat with electronics from scratch is genuinely overwhelming — there are a dozen categories to consider and it’s easy to overspend on one thing while missing something essential. Here’s a sensible order of priority and what to budget for each category.

    1. Chartplotter

    Your primary navigation display is the foundation everything else connects to. See our full chartplotter buying guide for options across every budget, or our breakdowns of units under £500 and under £1,000.

    2. VHF Radio

    Non-negotiable safety kit for anything beyond very sheltered water. See our VHF radio guide for fixed vs handheld advice — most boats benefit from both.

    3. Battery and Charging

    Every other piece of electronics depends on a properly sized, properly charged battery system. Start with our marine battery guide and pair your battery with a smart charger — see our charger recommendations.

    4. Fish Finder / Sonar

    If fishing is part of why you’re on the water, sonar is where a genuine budget decision needs to happen. Our fish finder guide covers everything from entry-level to flagship, and our live sonar comparison covers the newest forward-facing systems if budget allows.

    5. Trolling Motor (If Fishing)

    For anglers, a trolling motor is arguably as important as the chartplotter. See our trolling motor buying guide and pair it with the right battery from our trolling motor battery guide.

    6. Anchoring

    Don’t overlook anchoring gear when budgeting a new boat — see our anchor guide for traditional and shallow water options.

    7. Safety Equipment

    Round out the package with a PFD for every person aboard (see our PFD guide) and, for offshore trips, a PLB (see our personal locator beacon guide).

    Suggested Budget Order

    1. Safety essentials (PFDs, VHF, PLB if going offshore) — non-negotiable regardless of remaining budget.
    2. Battery and charging system — everything else depends on it working properly.
    3. Chartplotter — your primary navigation and information hub.
    4. Fish finder / sonar, if fishing is a priority.
    5. Trolling motor, anchor and accessories — build out from here as budget allows.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much should I budget for a full electronics package?
    It varies enormously by boat size and ambition — a modest small-boat setup (chartplotter, VHF, battery) can be done for under £1,500, while a full tournament-ready angling setup with live sonar and a premium trolling motor can run well into five figures.

    Should I stick to one brand?
    Not essential for every category, but chartplotter, sonar and live sonar systems generally need to be the same brand to network together — see our brand comparison guides for details.

    Can I add electronics gradually rather than all at once?
    Yes, and it’s often the sensible approach — start with safety and navigation essentials, then add fishing-specific electronics as budget allows.

    Planning a full electronics fit-out for a new boat? Our UK-based team can help you plan and budget the whole package — browse the full range in our online shop or get in touch.

  • Humminbird SOLIX vs Garmin GPSMAP: Which Flagship Wins?

    Humminbird SOLIX vs Garmin GPSMAP: Which Flagship Wins?

    Humminbird SOLIX vs Garmin GPSMAP flagship comparison

    At the top end of the market, Humminbird’s SOLIX range and Garmin’s GPSMAP xsv series are both built for anglers and boaters who want the sharpest possible picture and don’t want to compromise on chart or sonar detail. Here’s how they compare.

    Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv GN+ Multifunction Chartplotter
    Price£2874.99£3414.99
    Screen12.1-inch12-inch
    SonarMEGA Side/Down Imaging+ClearVü/SideVü CHIRP
    MappingHumminbird AutoChart LiveGarmin Navionics/BlueChart

    The Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 is built around Humminbird’s MEGA Imaging+ sonar, which produces some of the sharpest, most photo-realistic side and down images on the market — genuinely useful for reading structure and cover in detail. It also supports AutoChart Live, which builds and refines your own depth maps as you drive, layering your real-world data over factory charts.

    The Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv GN+ Multifunction Chartplotter leans on Garmin’s broader ecosystem — Navionics and Garmin’s own BlueChart mapping, plus compatibility with Panoptix LiveScope live sonar, radar and autopilot integration if you’re building out a full helm. If you value one connected system across chartplotter, autopilot and engine data, Garmin’s network tends to be the more mature option.

    Which Should You Choose?

    • Choose Humminbird SOLIX if imaging sonar detail and self-built depth mapping (AutoChart Live) are your priority — strong for anglers focused on structure fishing.
    • Choose Garmin GPSMAP if you want the widest ecosystem for autopilot, engine data and live sonar (LiveScope) integration, or you’re already invested in Garmin handhelds and watches.
    • On a tighter budget: the Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N (£1954.99) gives you Humminbird’s MEGA imaging technology in a smaller, more affordable 12-inch package.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is SOLIX only for freshwater fishing?
    No — SOLIX units are used offshore too, though their imaging sonar strengths are most noticeable in structure-rich inshore and freshwater fishing.

    Does GPSMAP support live sonar?
    Yes, the GPSMAP xsv series is compatible with Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope system for real-time forward-facing sonar.

    Which has better factory charts for UK waters?
    Both support UK chart cards (Navionics for Garmin, standard chart cards for Humminbird) — check the specific chart card included or required before you buy.

    Torn between SOLIX and GPSMAP? Our team can walk through both systems before you invest — browse the full range in our online shop.

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

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

    Garmin Panoptix LiveScope vs Humminbird MEGA Live 2 forward-facing live sonar

    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?

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

    Humminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+ vs Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv fish finder comparison

    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.