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  1. 06-12-2019, 04:03 PM #1
    GLOCKMEISTER
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    So is a HDS "LIVE" unit really worth it over the carbon???

    I have run across some great deals for some Lowrance "Live" units and I was thinking about upgrading. Its my understanding that the latest greatest transducer/box LIVESIGHT that makes it live really isn't out yet. So with that being said, is the "Live" really that much better in screen, clarity and processor power then the Carbon? Also what benefit would the "Live" unit give you at the console with scanning? I understand at the bow with the trolling motor, but not sure at the helm.

    Need some quick input. I gotta jump on these deals quick if im gonna get them.
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  2. grandbassslayer
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    #2 06-12-2019, 04:50 PM
    The screen alone is worth it IMO, much easier to see at angles and with glasses on.
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  3. rbarrow
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    #3 06-12-2019, 05:01 PM
    Live is faster. But...if I already had a Carbon and it was working fine...it would be a close call.... as both will do AI.

    Livesight...well...lets just say that isn't a reason to upgrade either....a least in its current form....<LOL>. Maybe the next version of it.... but even with the Live, a V2 will likely require an external module... as it will be more than a transducer change to get to the higher frequencies needed.

    Unfortunately there is a tendency to blame the engineering/dev team but we really have no idea what constraints were being placed on them around LiveSight - legal and otherwise.

    Just MHO...
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  4. drifter106
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    #4 06-12-2019, 08:43 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by grandbassslayer View Post
    The screen alone is worth it IMO, much easier to see at angles and with glasses on.

    With my Carbon I experience the same thing. As a matter of fact, last time I was out the fisherman that was with me noticed the same thing. First time he had seen a Carbon in action. His reply was, so much easier to see...you don't have to be in front of it.

    Quad-Core vs. Dual-Core on the Carbon. (Processing speed)
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  5. sjcorpst
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    #5 06-12-2019, 09:17 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by drifter106 View Post
    With my Carbon I experience the same thing. As a matter of fact, last time I was out the fisherman that was with me noticed the same thing. First time he had seen a Carbon in action. His reply was, so much easier to see...you don't have to be in front of it.

    Quad-Core vs. Dual-Core on the Carbon. (Processing speed)
    Just remember, quad-core will take twice the battery to power it.
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  6. Fishton
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    #6 06-12-2019, 09:32 PM
    Carbon is great
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  7. wetaline2
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    #7 06-13-2019, 12:47 AM
    Both the Lives and Carbons have the better screens with good viewing angles, in sunlight, with sunglasses/polaroids on - compared Gen3 and older.
    For my money the Carbon does everything I need and is fast enough, so the extra processing power makes no difference.
    I'm pretty sure the Carbons are slightly smaller for the same screen size if space is tight.
    The Lives flat glass screens are much easier to clean, but more reflective than Carbons.
    I recently bought a new Carbon 7 on clearance for $900 (the Live 7 was $1300). If money is not object, the choice is easy.
    Last edited by wetaline2; 06-13-2019 at 01:01 AM.
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  8. tandrew
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    #8 06-16-2019, 04:28 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by sjcorpst View Post
    Just remember, quad-core will take twice the battery to power it.
    According to Lowrance specs

    HDS Carbon 12 typical - 26 watts

    HDS Live 12 typical - 29.9 watts
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  9. jjjaymmman
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    #9 06-16-2019, 06:24 PM
    Nope, not worth it $$$ for a live. Get an even better deal on a carbon and wait a year or two for them to work on livesight. But you get a good laugh at Lowrance's puffing marketing commercials.
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  10. RangerGW17
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    #10 06-17-2019, 07:10 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by GLOCKMEISTER View Post
    I have run across some great deals for some Lowrance "Live" units and I was thinking about upgrading. Its my understanding that the latest greatest transducer/box LIVESIGHT that makes it live really isn't out yet. So with that being said, is the "Live" really that much better in screen, clarity and processor power then the Carbon? Also what benefit would the "Live" unit give you at the console with scanning? I understand at the bow with the trolling motor, but not sure at the helm.

    Need some quick input. I gotta jump on these deals quick if im gonna get them.
    I'd base the decision on how good the deal is, If you can sell your old units to make up a good portion of the difference, go for it. At full retail I don't think it would make sense. Also on the processors, The HDS live 12 does have a quad core, but the 7 and 9 have dual core. The touch screen on the live units are fantastic, very responsive and very crisp clear images. Is this going to make you catch more fish? Probably not, but if your like me and you like playing with tech toys, its very satisfying
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