- Key Features Overview
- Lowrance Elite FS 10 w/Active Imaging 3-In-1
- Lowrance Elite FS 9 Chartplotter/Fishfinder w/Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 Transom Mount Transducer
- Lowrance Elite FS 7 Chartplotter/Fishfinder w/Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 Transom Mount Transducer
- Lowrance Elite FS 12 w/Active Imaging 3-In-1
- Performance on Small Boats
- Pros and Cons
- Lowrance Elite FS vs Garmin ECHOMAP vs Humminbird HELIX
- Who Should Buy It?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you fish from a small boat, you already know the struggle. You need a fish finder that’s powerful but not overkill.
The Lowrance Elite FS has been turning heads among bay boat, skiff, and kayak anglers. Lowrance built the Elite FS for serious anglers. It packs ActiveTarget Live Sonar and Active Imaging into one affordable display.
Lowrance, but does it actually hold up on the water?
I broke this unit down completely so you don’t have to guess.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this review:
- What makes the Elite FS stand out from the competition
- How it actually performs on small boats in real fishing conditions
- How it compares against the Garmin ECHOMAP and Humminbird HELIX
- And exactly who should and shouldn’t buy it
Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or buying your first combo unit, this guide gives you a straight answer.
Key Features Overview
The Elite FS is not just a fish finder. It’s a full fishing system. Let me break down what makes it stand out.
ActiveTarget Live Sonar Compatibility
Figure: Lowrance ActiveTarget
The Elite FS doesn’t come with Live Sonar out of the box. But it’s fully ready for it.
You can add ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar to the Elite FS and watch fish move in real time. Before you even make a cast.
This is a big deal for serious anglers. Most units at this price point don’t support it at all.
We carry the ActiveTarget 2 bundle right here. Check it out on our site
FishReveal, CHIRP sonar,
The CHIRP sonar is excellent at showing you pictures of fish and how deep the water is. Fish reveal even more.
It puts the CHIRP fish targets on top of the DownScan images. This means you can tell the difference between fish and things like rocks, logs, and weeds on the same screen.
This is a big time saver for you. You do not have to waste time trying to figure out what is what. You can just focus on fishing with the sonar and FishReveal.
Screen Size Options (7″, 9″, 10″, and 12″)
The Elite FS comes in four sizes to fit different boat setups.
The FS 7-inch fits perfectly on kayaks and jonboats.
The FS 9-inch is ideal for bay boats and skiffs where you want a bigger split-screen view.
The FS 10-inch is a great middle ground for center consoles and larger aluminum boats where you want more screen real estate without going full-size.
The FS 12-inch is the biggest display in the lineup. It’s built for anglers who want maximum visibility and run larger setups with multiple sonar views open at once.
All four sizes are touchscreens and work just like your phone; there’s no learning curve.
One thing to know: the 10-inch and 12-inch models do not support ActiveTarget 2 split-screen. If Live Sonar with split view is important to you, stick with the 7 or 9.
You can compare all sizes here:
-
Lowrance Elite FS 10 w/Active Imaging 3-In-1
$1,999.00 -
Lowrance Elite FS 9 Chartplotter/Fishfinder w/Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 Transom Mount Transducer
$1,099.00 -
Lowrance Elite FS 7 Chartplotter/Fishfinder w/Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 Transom Mount Transducer
$949.00 -
Lowrance Elite FS 12 w/Active Imaging 3-In-1
$2,499.00
Mapping Capabilities
This is where the Elite FS really shines for small boat anglers.
It comes preloaded with C-MAP Discover Onboard maps covering 8,900 lakes with 1-foot contours right out of the box; no extra purchase is needed.
You can also upgrade to C-MAP Genesis Live and create your own custom maps while you fish.
Genesis lets you build 1-foot contour maps you can actually trust based on your own sonar recordings.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | “9”/7″/10″/12″ High-Resolution Multi-Touch Touchscreen |
| Sonar | Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 (CHIRP + SideScan + DownScan) |
| Live Sonar | ActiveTarget™ Ready |
| Fish Detection | FishReveal™ |
| Preloaded Maps | C-MAP® Contour+ — 1-foot contours on 8,900 lakes (7” & 9”) 19,000 lakes across the U.S. and more than 9,400 in Canada (10” & 12”) |
| Mapping Options | C-MAP®, Navionics®, Genesis Live onscreen mapping |
| Routing | C-MAP® Easy Routing + Navionics® Autorouting |
| Connectivity | WiFi, NMEA 2000®, Ethernet |
| Transducer | Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 Transom Mount — Included |
| Trolling Motor Control | Ghost® Trolling Motor (full touchscreen control) |
| Anchor Control | Power Pole® Anchors (full touchscreen control) |
Performance on Small Boats
Features look great on paper. But how does the Elite FS actually hold up on a small boat? Let me break it down.
Usability in Tight Spaces
Small fishing boats have space.
When you are out fishing, you need a device that does not take up room.
The Elite FS 9 features a 9-inch touchscreen.
It works like a smartphone, which is really convenient.
You can swipe, tap, and even pinch to zoom out on the FS 9.
This thing is really helpful because you do not have to worry about pressing buttons on a moving fishing boat.
The 7-inch version of the FS is perfectly suited for the Elite FS 7 on kayaks and small fishing boats, such as the ones I use for fishing.
If your console is tight on space, you can check out the FS 7 on our website for more details about the Elite FS 7.
Power Consumption
The Lowrance Elite FS series is a choice for people who want a fishing system that does not use a lot of power. It has a lot of features like ActiveTarget and Active Imaging.
The amount of power it uses is the same for the 7, 9, and 12-inch models. The bigger screens might use a little more power when they are really bright.
Maximum Power Draw: The Lowrance Elite FS series uses 28 watts of power when the backlight is all the way up. This is like 2 to 2.5 amps at 13.8 volts.
Typical Power Draw: The Lowrance Elite FS series usually uses 2 amps at 13.8 volts.
Voltage Range: The Lowrance Elite FS series needs 12 volts of current to work. It can handle between 10.8 and 17 volts.
Recommended Fuse Rating: You should use a fuse that can handle 3 amps for the Lowrance Elite FS series.
Screen Visibility in Sunlight
Fishing in the sun is really tough on any screen. The Elite FS handles it well.
The screen on this thing is super bright; I mean, over 1,200 nits. You can actually see it well from the side, even at 50° from the top, 60° from the bottom, and 70° from either side.
When you’re fishing with the Elite FS, you don’t have to stop to check what’s going on below the hull.
In terms of ease, you can easily read the Elite FS screen from across the boat. This is a deal when you are standing up to cast on a skiff or bay boat with the Elite FS.
USAnglers full hands-on review confirms that the Elite FS screen holds up well in direct sun conditions.
Ease of Installation
The Elite FS is really great for people who like to go fishing on boats.
When you buy the Elite FS, it already comes with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transom mount transducer.
So you do not have to look for things to buy before you can go on the water.
The screen is easy to put up with a gimbal bracket.
The transducer is easy to attach to the back of the boat with tools that you probably already have.
Most people can put the thing together in less than one hour.
If you want to see how to do it, Lowrance has a guide that shows you every step.
The Elite FS is easy to install.
You can get the FS 9 with the transducer bundle and start using it right away.
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Touchscreen That Actually Works on the Water
The response is fast when zooming maps and switching pages with Lowrance, even with wet hands.
There are no issues viewing with sunglasses either, which was a known problem on older Elite Ti models. That’s a real improvement that anglers on the water actually notice.
2. Sonar Detail Is Hard to Beat at This Price
The Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer delivers powerful CHIRP and conventional sonar with side scanning that’s hard to match at this price point.
You’re getting three sonar types in one unit: CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan without paying HDS Pro prices.
3. Mapping Right Out of the Box
The unit comes preloaded with C-MAP Contour+ covering almost 8900 lakes, all with 1-foot contours.
Most anglers won’t need to buy another map pack. You’re ready to fish the day it arrives.
4. Grows With You
The Elite FS comes standard with great features, but also has a lot of optional upgrades.
So you can really grow with it as your fishing skills and demands increase.
Adding ActiveTarget Live Sonar later is a straightforward upgrade when you’re ready.
5. Easy Installation
Most small boat anglers finish the full install in under an hour.
The gimbal bracket mount is simple.
The 3-in-1 transducer bolts straight to the transom with basic tools. No professional installation needed.
Cons
1. Live Sonar Costs Extra
ActiveTarget Live Sonar is not included. It’s a separate purchase.
If Live Sonar is your main reason for buying, budget for the full bundle upfront.
2. Pure Touchscreen Can Be Frustrating in Rough Conditions
Some anglers wish there were more button controls or a joystick for when the screen gets too wet.
Though it’s not a dealbreaker for most.
If you fish in rough chop regularly, this is worth knowing before you buy.
3. Not the Best for True Beginners
While the interface looks modern and is easy to use, it is not as simple to set up and use as the top-of-the-line Garmin products.
When it comes to using a fish finder, for the time it may take a few outings to get really comfortable with all the menu options.
The Garmin devices are really easy to use out of the box.
This one takes a little time to get used to.
Once you do it, it works well.
The menus can be a bit tricky at first.
4. Customer Support Can Be Slow
This is the most consistent complaint from real users. Some anglers report long hold times and delayed responses when contacting Lowrance support.
It’s worth registering your unit immediately after purchase and keeping your receipt handy.
For any purchase questions, our team at Gulf Coast Outfitters is always available to help.
5. Sonar Frequency Capped at 800 kHz
There are transducers available that provide clearer pictures. Some new models even work in the MHz range.
The Elite FS 9 is not quite as good. For people who fish inshore and in freshwater, this will not be a problem.
But if you are someone who cares a lot about details when fishing for structure, then the Humminbird HELIX with MEGA Imaging is better.
Lowrance Elite FS vs Garmin ECHOMAP vs Humminbird HELIX
| Features | Lowrance Elite FS 9 | Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv | Humminbird HELIX 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 9” Touchscreen | 9” Touchscreen + Buttons | 9” (Mostly Buttons) |
| Sonar | CHIRP + SideScan + DownScan | CHIRP + ClearVü + SideVü | CHIRP + MEGA Side + Down Imaging |
| Live Sonar | ActiveTarget (optional) | LiveScope (optional) | MEGA Live (optional) |
| Mapping | C-MAP Contour+ (8,900 lakes) | Garmin LakeVü / Navionics | LakeMaster / Navionics |
| Custom Mapping | Genesis Live | Quickdraw Contours | AutoChart Live |
| Ease of Use | modern UI | very user-friendly | learning curve |
| Connectivity | WiFi, NMEA 2000, Ethernet | WiFi, NMEA, networking | Limited (varies by model) |
| Best For | Serious anglers | Beginners and intermediate | Structure-focused anglers |
Who Should Buy It?
Buy It If You Are…
- A Small Boat Angler Who Fishes Seriously. You fish skiffs, bay boats, or jon boats regularly. This unit was made for you.
- Someone Who Wants to grow into better tech starts with the base unit. Add ActiveTarget Live Sonar later when you’re ready.
- A Fresh and Saltwater Angler. One unit handles both. No need to buy two fish finders.
- Upgrading from a basic fish finder, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Better sonar, better maps, better screen.
- Fishing in a Larger Boat? The FS 10 and FS 12 give you a bigger display without jumping to the HDS Pro price range. Same great software, just more screen.
Skip It If You Are…
- A True Beginner: The Garmin ECHOMAP is easier to start with.
- An Offshore Angler: looks at the Lowrance HDS Pro series instead.
- On a Very Tight Budget: Talk to our team, and we’ll find the right fit.
- Someone Who Needs Radar: The Elite FS doesn’t support it.
Conclusion
Is the Lowrance Elite FS the best combo unit for small boats?
Yes, for most serious small boat anglers, it is.
You get ActiveTarget compatibility, Active Imaging sonar, and preloaded C-MAP maps in one unit. That’s hard to beat at this price.
Live Sonar costs extra, and beginners may feel overwhelmed. But the value you get is unmatched in this price range.
Our pick is simple:
- Fish bay boats or skiffs? Get the Elite FS 9
- On a kayak or in a tight space? Get the Elite FS 7
- Running a center console or larger aluminum boat? Get the Elite FS 10 or 12
- Not sure? Talk to our team — we’ll help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Lowrance Elite FS support live sonar?
Is the Lowrance Elite FS good for beginners?
It depends. The touchscreen is easy to use daily. But the full feature set has a learning curve. Advanced features may require time to master for new users. If you are new to this, the Garmin ECHOMAP is easy to start with.
If you are upgrading from a simple fish finder, the Elite FS is a good choice.
Can I use the Lowrance Elite FS in saltwater?
Absolutely. The Elite FS is built to give you sonar and navigation in both freshwater and saltwater.
It’s a pick for anglers who fish inshore in skiffs and bay boats in coastal areas.
The Elite FS works well in fishing conditions.
Which Lowrance Elite FS size should I get?
It depends on your boat. Here’s a quick breakdown:
7-inch: Kayaks and small jon boats
9-inch: bay boats and skiffs are best if you want Live Sonar split-screen
10-inch: Center consoles and larger aluminum boats want more screen
12-inch: Largest setup, maximum visibility with multiple sonar views open
Note that the 10 and 12 do not support ActiveTarget 2 split-screen. For everything else, all four sizes run the same software and features.
Does the Lowrance Elite FS come in sizes bigger than 9 inches?
Yes. Lowrance expanded the Elite FS lineup to include 10-inch and 12-inch models as well. All four sizes, 7, 9, 10, and 12, run the same software and features. The main difference is screen size and the fact that the 10 and 12 do not support ActiveTarget 2 split-screen mode. If live sonar split view matters to you, the 7 or 9 is the right pick.
