"ranking" the SS/DI transducers from Lowrance...

[78Staff]

Recent post on SS3D got me thinking about this, as well as the temp sensor issue with the current SS3D software release...

Have considered adding a 2nd SS transducer in addition to my SS3D. I actually thought I had an HD3n1 still from my various Pro's, but looking for it I can't find it. I know I sold a couple off, so must have sold all of them. Anyway, if I were to add a SS transducer, is there a consensus on if one model is better than the others, etc? Seems a used SS transducer is not a whole lot more money than a temp sensor lol.

One would assume the latest (HD3n1) would be the best, but I've read comments where some prefer the earlier AI version, and even a post or two that say the TotalScan was better (possibly with older head units, I can't recall). Realistically I'd probably be looking for a used "2n1" variant if I could find one. Basically to serve as backup SI/DI transducer, but offering a different view (800khz), and also getting a working temp sensor with v25.1 (hopefully). (Keeping the SS3D, of course)

Or, I have also considered adding a HB to the console, which would of course then add HB's SI+ transducer instead, since it's universally regarded as the best implementation of SI/DI.

[NoCAL]

Since you can only use 1 Structure source at a time, checking other frequencies for a better view isn’t really an argument. Just switch frequencies of the one you have. I think there might be an argument for AI HD if you are very interested in seeing extreme detail at very close range. Other than that, I can’t see adding a different SS transducer when you already have 3D. As for the temp issue, hopefully Lowrance will fix what they’ve done but in the meantime a PDRT is always an option for not very much money

[78Staff]

Since you can only use 1 Structure source at a time, checking other frequencies for a better view isn’t really an argument. Just switch frequencies of the one you have. I think there might be an argument for AI HD if you are very interested in seeing extreme detail at very close range. Other than that, I can’t see adding a different SS transducer when you already have 3D. As for the temp issue, hopefully Lowrance will fix what they’ve done but in the meantime a PDRT is always an option for not very much money

but but but... I have is SS3D - only one frequency. At least I thought so - I'm going to feel real stupid if it has more lol. But yeah, if runnin say HD3n1 (or ideally a 2n1 really) yeah, just flipping frequency on that transducer makes sense.

The whole temp thing has me bummed. Lowrance said to install it (again) and do a soft reset on the HDS. I'll admit, a soft reset is something I have not tried. I've done a hard reset though, so I don't hold out much hope... going to give it a try this afternoon when I am prepping the boat for the weekend.

I think, worst case I'll buy just the NMEA temp sensor, not an entire Thru Hull with temp like the PDRT (unless I found one for really really cheap). Since I already have a Thru Hull, and tbh hooking up a nmea sensor would be much much easier than running another transducer cable up to the console. That little Skeeter wiring access hole at the console is damn near full of wires already. I've got a lead on a used one, just waiting to hear back from the guy.

Edit, well a quick search shows used PDRT's are about half the cost of the NMEA temp... so I may go that route, it's probably worth the $60 savings to run that cable lol.

[NoCAL]

You are right. No frequency choice with 3D

[BigCranks]

I switched out my 3n1 to the hd3n1 and I'm not impressed. I ended up with 2 of them in a trade, switched them out this morning but haven't had the boat out. We'll see tomorrow. My ss3d was hard to beat.

[justinp61]

I went from LSS 2 to AI 3-1 to AI HD 3-1, wasn’t impressed with the AI over the LSS 2 and wouldn’t recommend the change. I do feel the AI HD 3-1 has better detail than either of the others. I have no experience with 3D.

[Whistler]

I went from LSS 2 to AI 3-1 to AI HD 3-1, wasn’t impressed with the AI over the LSS 2 and wouldn’t recommend the change. I do feel the AI HD 3-1 has better detail than either of the others. I have no experience with 3D.

I'm think thinking of going from my lss2 to the AI HD 3-1. Are you saying that you wouldn't do this? I've had the LSS2 since I got the boat but bought a new HDS Pro with with the AI HD 3-1. But I don't want to take a step back.

[justinp61]

I'm think thinking of going from my lss2 to the AI HD 3-1. Are you saying that you wouldn't do this? I've had the LSS2 since I got the boat but bought a new HDS Pro with with the AI HD 3-1. But I don't want to take a step back.

I feel the HD provides better detail.

[Atrain89]

Recent post on SS3D got me thinking about this, as well as the temp sensor issue with the current SS3D software release...

Have considered adding a 2nd SS transducer in addition to my SS3D. I actually thought I had an HD3n1 still from my various Pro's, but looking for it I can't find it. I know I sold a couple off, so must have sold all of them. Anyway, if I were to add a SS transducer, is there a consensus on if one model is better than the others, etc? Seems a used SS transducer is not a whole lot more money than a temp sensor lol.

One would assume the latest (HD3n1) would be the best, but I've read comments where some prefer the earlier AI version, and even a post or two that say the TotalScan was better (possibly with older head units, I can't recall). Realistically I'd probably be looking for a used "2n1" variant if I could find one. Basically to serve as backup SI/DI transducer, but offering a different view (800khz), and also getting a working temp sensor with v25.1 (hopefully). (Keeping the SS3D, of course)

Or, I have also considered adding a HB to the console, which would of course then add HB's SI+ transducer instead, since it's universally regarded as the best implementation of SI/DI.

My vote is to add a HB Solix unit at the console and use that for temp until Lowrance fixes their temp issue.

[BigCranks]

X2 on adding a solix at the console. Did last year...main reason I'm not too worried about lowrance si. I was hoping it would be as good as hb and I could get back to one brand but not so much.

[78Staff]

Yeah I have wanted to drop a HB on the console for a while now, partly for VX Mapping, partly for thier SI+ which is supposed to be the best of the 3. Now with the xplore release I am def watching Solix G3 SI prices ;).

Think I will just stand pat with my SS3D atm, no need to add a 2nd Lowrance SI/DI really...tbh I though I already had a HD 3n1 but I guess I sold it at some point. Probalby just add a NMEA temp sensor for quick and simple fix for the short term.

[Marc Marcantonio]

The answer to which is the "best" depends on the user and the use. It all comes down to which frequency is best for your fishing situation, and what you prefer to see.

The higher the frequency the more detail and target separation; but you lose range. So if you want to see structure or fish at very close range, then you might say the HD is best with its megafrequency.

If you want to see what your 2D sonar is showing you on the bottom in 30 feet of water then the 800 frequency in DownScan would be best.

If you want to see SideScan at great distances from the boat, then you need 455kHz for the power to see the distance.

For my bass fishing needs I don't need or even want the HD megahertz transducer. If I need more detail I lower my AquaVu camera. Now if it came in the Ghost nosecone I would have bought it, but I would never replace my 3DSS for the HD3in1.

The SS3D transducer has multiple elements in it (crystals) which allows it to produce better images than any other transducer in its frequency. This is a huge advantage in getting clear images on SideScan at great distances. This alone makes it the best choice for my needs (yours may be different). And because it has the extra elements in the transducer you can use it to produce 3D images which at times do play a role in finding fish not detectible with other models. And it better shows bottom contours and structure. I have screen shots with 3D of structure that provide phenomenal detail at depths not possible with other transducers.

So it all depends on your needs. If I were a crappie fisherman I would want the megahertz (HD) transducer on my trolling motor (nowhere else).

If I were fishing Florida shallow lakes or Delaware where I grew up, I would only want the SS3D for its reach in shallow water. Even being on the west coast I need the SS3D for its reach when fishing in 50-foot water searching hundreds of feet out to each side.

[Bassbme]

As far as the question of going from an LSS2, to the standard AI 3 in 1 for side scan. My experience is totally opposite of what justinp61 expressed earlier in this thread. Range is better with the AI 3 in 1, regardless of the frequency being used. And IMO, it's not even close as far as detail is concerned. I get noticeably better detail with the 3 in 1, than I did with the LSS2. Again .... regardless of the frequency being used. My AI 3 in 1 is mounted in the exact same spot and manner, that my LSS2 was.

I will say that I was running the LSS2 on an HDS Gen 2 Touch, and I'm running the AI 3 in 1, on an HDS Pro, so that may need to be a consideration. And yes, I am running the standard A1 3 in 1 on the HDS Pro. I bought my HDS Pro earlier this year from Russell Marine Products, awesome place to deal with BTW. It was a factory reconditioned unit, and the standard AI 3 in 1 is the transducer they advertised with it, and that shipped with it.

[BigCranks]

Probably going back to the ai 3n1 on my pro ss well

[MichaelJ3]

I agree w/ Marc. Definitely depends on usage.

That Said, I have never wanted for more than SS3D will give me, it lets me find Walleye with no issues whatsoever. Are some of the new High Frequency Side and Down scan transducers awesome, I bet they are. Can they reach out a few hundred feet like my SS3D and still let me see fish...not so much. SS3D is the best tool on my boat when looking for fish.

Here is a set of images from 2019 w/ SS3D and My HDS Carbons --> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#...5-506D7E8E8870

SS3D still on my boat, also have a live on there now that I really just use as a display for my VVLink and Mapping.
Some of the screen shots are a little more blurry, those were taken basically while I was spot locked...not a real great application for side scan...but still let me see fish.
It is truly too bad Skeeter didn't install a Through Hull Temp sensor. Ranger put one on the step in my 1850...and it is great to have.

[Gofish2day]

With the LSS2 you really lost the downscan image quality. It was the best out of all the fishfinders.
Now its low quality on the AI 3-1
I am very happy with the AI 3-1 sidescan. The dark band on each side where the bottom starts is not good
but the image is great otherwise.