Lowrance currently makes three different series fish finders for different needs and budgets.
HDS Live is top of the range, Elite FS is the middle, and HOOK Reveal lies at the lower end of the market.
In this article, you’ll learn what features these different models offer and which one is the best choice for your kind of fishing.
Let’s get started!
Lowrance Fish Finders Compared
| HDS Live | Elite FS | HOOK Reveal | |||
  |   |   | |||
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | ||
| Display | 7", 9", 12", 16" | 7", 9" | 5", 7", 9" | ||
| Resolution | 7" 1024x600 9" 1280x720 12" 1280x800 16" 1920x1080 | 7" 800x480 9" 800x480 | 5" 800x480 7" 800x480 9" 800x480 | ||
| CHIRP | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| DownScan | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| SideScan | ✔ | ✔ | TripleShot model only | ||
| Live Sonar | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ||
| Trolling Motor Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
Better Displays on HDS Live
HDS Live has a special anti-glare coating. You can see it easily on a sunny day from any angle, even with polarized sunglasses on.
The displays on HDS Live have higher resolution and are brighter than Elite FS and HOOK, which you can see comparing the models side-by-side.
If touchscreen size is important to you, only HDS Live has 12″ and 16″ options.
Compatible Sonars and Mapping
All three fish finders here have built-in GPS, CHIRP, DownScan and SideScan capabilities.
However, if you want SideScan on your HOOK Reveal, you will need to get a TripleShot model.
HDS Live and Elite FS are compatible with Lowrance ActiveTarget live sonar, which lets you see live images of fish under and around your boat.
Both models come with preloaded C-MAP US mapping but do check before buying.
Networking and Trolling Motor Control
Both HDS Live and Elite FS have Ethernet ports and NMEA2000 ports.
NMEA2000 allows you to integrate multiple units and devices.
They also can be hooked up to a Lowrance Ghost or MotorGuide trolling motor as well as Power Pole anchors. You can then control them with a touchscreen on your fish finder.
HOOK Reveal doesn’t support NMEA2000, and it can’t be linked with a trolling motor.
Memory Card Storage
While Elite FS has a single Micro SD memory card reader, HDS Live has two. This is not a deal-breaker for many of you. However, if you like using different maps in one device, HDS Live will serve you better.
Summary: Which One Is For You?
HDS Live
Lowrance HDS Live is expensive, especially if you want a larger screen – 12 and 16 inches. If you want to use your fish finder in any conditions, even in direct sunlight, then this extra money will be worth it.
A better screen is the most important reason you will pick the HDS Live over other models.
Elite FS
If you don’t need the very best screen quality, Elite FS will serve you well.
Elite FS has all the advanced sonar and networking features at a significantly lower price.
HOOK Reveal
HOOK Reveal was designed for an average fisherman, who doesn’t need the best technology or networking features.
HOOK is the only fish finder from Lowrance that comes with a 5-inch display. That makes it suitable for kayaks, canoes and other small boats.
HOOK Reveal is also much cheaper.
Things You Should Know Before Buying a Fish Finder
Understand Different Sonar Types
2D Sonar
A 2D Sonar is a traditional type available on most fish finders. It uses 83kHz and 200kHz frequencies.
CHIRP
CHIRP uses different sonar frequencies simultaneously to give a better image quality. It’s sometimes called a broadband sonar.
Down Imaging
Down Imaging uses a high-frequency sonar, usually between 400kHz and 800kHz. It gives you a high-resolution image of what is under your boat so that it easier to identify what exactly it might be.
Side Imaging
Side sonar is the latest feature found mostly on more advanced fish finders. It generates a high-frequency sound wave directed to the sides of the boat.
Get the Right Display Size
It’s just so much easier to see and read the detail on a display that is not only high resolution but also large enough. I would recommend getting a display at least 7″ and larger if you can afford it.
GPS Capability
Although your trolling motor might have GPS anchor and spot marking features, it is just much more convenient to use your fish finder and mark those spots right on the chart.
