Elite FS 12 with Total Scan cheaper than w/ no Transducer at BPS???

[markson]

Why is the Elite FS 12 with TotalScan transducer included $350 cheaper than an Elite FS 12 with no Transducer at Bass Pro Shops??? Does not make any sense unless something is missing from the TotalScan included model (feature or software?). No obvious answer from research and BPS. Please advise...I bought the TotalScan included model but have not opened it cause I feel like there is a catch I will regret later...Please advise...Thanks, Mark

[NoCAL]

TotalScan is an 8 or 9 year old product that came out originally for the Gen 3. It is not equivalent to AI 3in1 but was a serviceable all in one transducer if you can get it mounted correctly. They are likely trying to move very old stock.

[markson]

TotalScan is an 8 or 9 year old product that came out originally for the Gen 3. It is not equivalent to AI 3in1 but was a serviceable all in one transducer if you can get it mounted correctly. They are likely trying to move very old stock.

Yeah, highly unlikely they would sell an equivalent product with an older transducer for $350 less, makes no sense...I went ahead and mounted it and initial testing indicates they may have locked out the AI 3-1, because when I change the source to the AI thru Ethernet or even the HDS Live unit channel with the AI it pauses and switches right back to the Minn Kota US2. And I did reset the entire Network and Data Sources but I will update the software and take it out on the water tonight to confirm.

[TN Crappie]

I bought one of the Elite FS 12 w/ the totalscan xducers from BPS and went to the lake 1x with it. I had read where the totalscan was close to 10 y/o technology BUT I came from the HDS 8 Gen1 &2 with LSS1, so... I still have a Gen2 HDS 8 on the console beside the Elite FS 12, and there is a night and day difference between the two screens, in terms of clarity, pic quality, etc. The SS/DS is much better IMO with the Elite FS 12 screen, again night and day difference to my eyes, but I had Gen 1/2 HDS units. I am considering buying another Totalscan ducer package due to the price primarily for the upgrade in the screen quality.

[BassCatDan]

I just bought the same unit. I figured an elite 12 FS is an Elite 12 FS. The price is excellent and I had a 10% off club coupon code. Even if you just put the totalscan in storage it’s a great deal.

[markson]

It does seem like the unit is functioning correctly after the Software update, it shows both the AI 3-1 at the transom (HDS Live) and the MK transducer, confirmed on the water (although it listed the MK ducer as another AI). I just connected another AI at the bow to the new Elite FS and all indications are that it is seeing that transducer as well, at least in my driveway. On the water test later today. Cautiously optimistic, if it does work it is a great deal. I can spend the $350 saved on a Fishing Spot / Boat Lane chip!