Need some help - Garmin UHD2 93SV vs. Ultra 106SV?

[thilltony]

I just got a Livescope LVS34 and need to upgrade head units.

The choices I'm considering in the $1k range are:

1. UHD2 93SV w/GT56($1,199)
2. Ultra 106SV w/GT54 ($999) W/GT56, it's $1,819- a bit much.

Which is a better head unit, the UHV2 93SV or the 106SV Ultra? Anything in particular stand out?

I initially like the 106SV with both fresh and saltwater maps, since I fish both. Are the included maps decent, or will I end up buying upgraded maps?

Secondly, is the difference between the GT54 and the GT56 transducers a night and day difference?

I'm way behind in my knowledge, so I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance!

[ifishinxs]

Both great units. I just picked up the 106 with the GT 56 at Sheels for 1499.00.

I currently have 93SV UHD models. The new 93 UHD 2’s are a step up with a faster processor and better screen resolution at 1199.00. So it just depends on if you want a larger screen or

[thilltony]

Thanks for the quick reply. Do you think the UHD2 and the 106 are pretty comparable, when using the same transducer? Just a slight difference in screen size?

[fishin couillon]

I had/have both 9" and 10" on bow and use the 10" for LS...for me its more real estate when looking at the screen.....outside of the screen size, the UHD 2 has the updated UI and will be good for future products that may be produced. The 106 will eventually no have updates anymore and will not get the updated UI that we are seeing on the UHD2/Ultra 2 units. If you are ok with that then I'd say go with 10"......if you buy another unit in the future you can always get the latest one at that time.....sounds like you are using this unit for the bow, with that said, dont think you would see a large difference in ducers cause you will be looking at LS the whole time.......here is how i'm looking at it.....being on the bow and using LS, go with the GT54 being you wont be using side/down all the time......if you have another dedicated unit for side/down, then get the GT56....just a thought......I had a GT56 on my troller until i smacked the side of a stump and the right side crystal went out.....i put my GT54 back on and didnt worry about it.....now on my console unit i have the GT36 for when i'm idling around.....

[thilltony]

Thanks, FC and Ifishinxs,

I didn't realize the Ultra 106SV was an older unit that won't be getting the same updates as the UHD2. That is a major factor. EDIT - I just found the Ultra 2, but the price is more than I want to pay right now.

I use Livescope a lot in freshwater, mainly when looking for crappie. My old unit works fine for that.

But in saltwater and on the big lakes, I have two friends are using the Hummingbird Mega and Simrad systems respectively, and they can see FISH out 100-150' on the sides, not just shadows. They both say that the high frequency is the ticket. So I hope to use the UHD SideVu in the same way, mainly for finding stripers and trout in fairly shallow water (50' down to 2' of water)

For this reason, SideVu quality is high on the importance list for me. I notice that the GT54 actually has a higher SideVu frequency. (1200 kHz vs 1000 kHz) Does this make any difference in seeing targets, or does the higher power of the GT56 trump the frequency?

[BobKlindworth]

Higher frequency produces greater detail not greater range.

The main reason for greater range is the power output.

I have had both transducers. The GT56 has about 30% greater effective range than the GT54, in my experience.

[thilltony]

Well, I've been thinking about this at length, and I'm leaning toward the Ultra 106SV for several reasons...

1. Charts - It comes with fresh and saltwater charts for no extra cost, which I would use regularly
2. Networking ability - Having two Ethernet ports, I can run my livescope and network it with my current 93SV+ without the need to buy a hub. That is a big thing for me.
3. Size + Resolution - It is bigger and has better pixel count than the UHD2 93SV And the GT54 is a good transducer, still a step up from my current transducer.
4. Cost - The unit is $999, but I have some BPS gift cards, so in the end, it will cost me the same out of pocket as a discontinued UHD 93SV.

So, for that price, I get a great screen, a great network and money in the bank for future upgrades. I lose the wireless networking and updates, but it should last me a number of years before I have to worry about that.


The other strong contender is a display model Ultra 126SV with the GT56 transducer. Unfortunately, I can't use my BPS gift cards for that, so it will end up costing me double. But a 12" screen is tempting!

So my torture is almost over.

[fishin couillon]

106 is a great choice.....IMO its a win win either route you go.....If you want to add the GT56 at a later date you can.....

[thilltony]

Okay guys, I've decided on a plan of action.


I'm going to return the LVS34 that was $1,200+ after tax
Buy the Ultra 106SV for $999 - gift cards = $699
Buy a used LVS32 for $330 locally from FB. (I'm perfectly happy with the LVS32 images)
Sell my existing Echomap 93SV (for @$330?)
AND... add iPilot to my Riptide ST with the extra cash.

I think this is the best plan of action for me. Spot-lock would be more valuable to me than a slight upgrade in imaging. And later, I might be able to upgrade to a GT56 transducer if I can sell the GT54 for enough. I guess we will see if I see the need

Feels good to finally have a solid decision. No more looking at specs and weighing options for hours on end.

Does anyone know what iPilot kit works to upgrade a Riptide ST (Saltwater Terrova) with CoPilot and AutoPilot? I don't need wi-fi, just spot lock.

AND THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR FEEDBACK AND HELPFUL COMMENTS!

[Bass in the grass]

I don’t know man, that lvs32 has a god awful ghost tree, where stuff will completely disappear off the screen. That lvs34 is way, wayyyyy better.