The Kurrent

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Best Budget FFS Setups for Bass Fishing

Forward-facing sonar (FFS) has become a game-changer in bass fishing, allowing anglers to see fish and structure in real time. However, the cost of a full setup can be overwhelming, some reaching setups reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, budget-friendly options exist, offering reliable performance without breaking the bank. In this guide, we break down the best affordable FFS setups from Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird, covering both lower-cost, older tech and affordable, newer models.

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BEst SAles and Deals for Forward-Facing Sonar Electronics

Until February 19th, 2025 Bass Pro Shops is offering one of the best deals I’ve seen in years. In fact, the exact Garmin LiveScope setup I use on my boat is available at a fraction of the cost I paid. For as low as $2299.97 you can have a Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 and Garmin LiveScope Plus LVS34. The sale doesn’t end there: both Lowrance and Humminbird are included and the deals are the best I’ve seen. Jump on em’ while you still can!

LOWEST PRICE ON GARMIN LIVESCOPE
SAVE $500 ON LOWRANCE ELITE FS 10
SAVE 42% ON HUMMINBIRD HELIX 10

Garmin: Best Budget FFS Options

Garmin LiveScope LVS34 with ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv (Older Tech, Budget-Friendly)

  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: The first FFS manufacturer, Garmin, has launched multiple iterations of the technology. At this point, their current model, Livescope LVS34 is only available. BUY IT HERE
  • Recommended Graph: Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv – A solid balance of performance and affordability, the UHD 93sv is a 9″ touch screen graph offering compatibility at the lowest cost. Get them while you still can as the UHD2 93sv is replacing this model and is nearly $400 more expensive. BUY IT HERE
  • Best For: Anglers who want Garmin’s reliability without paying for the newest version.

2. Garmin LiveScope Plus with ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv (Newer Tech, Cost-Conscious)

  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: While LiveScope Plus is the newest era, pairing it with an ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv or 126sv instead of the higher-end GPSMAP series helps save money. You’ll still have the touch screen options and high quality visuals, but at a lower cost compared to the GPSMAP series. BUY IT HERE
  • Best For: Anglers who want improved clarity and target separation without a top-tier price.

Lowrance: Best Budget FFS Options

1. Lowrance ActiveTarget 1 with Elite FS 9 (Older Tech, Budget-Friendly)

  • Best For: Lowrance users who want an entry-level FFS setup at a great price. BUY THE Lowrance ActiveTarget 1 HERE
  • Recommended Graph: Lowrance Elite FS 9 – A cost-effective yet powerful, touchscreen display for ActiveTarget. BUY IT HERE
  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: ActiveTarget 1 provides excellent real-time imaging at a fraction of the cost of ActiveTarget 2.

2. Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 with HDS Live 9 (Newer Tech, Cost-Conscious)

  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: While ActiveTarget 2 is more advanced, pairing it with an HDS Elite FS 10 (instead of the more expensive HDS PRO) keeps costs down. Buy the ActiveTarget 2 HERE and the HDS Elite FS 10 HERE.
  • Best For: Anglers looking for the latest Lowrance technology without a premium price tag.

3. NEW: Lowrance Eagle Eye 9″ Fish Finder with Live Sonar

  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: The traditional ActiveTarget, generation’s 1 and 2 are in the $1k+ range. Add in a graph and you’re looking at nearly $2k minimum. The Eagle Eye Lowrance Bundle cuts that in half, all while delivering on true live sonar and affordable access. BUY IT HERE
  • Best For: Anglers looking for a complete, entry-level live sonar solution at a fraction of the cost.

Humminbird: Best Budget FFS Options

1. Humminbird MEGA Live with Xplore 9 (Older Tech, Budget-Friendly)

  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: MEGA Live delivers solid forward-facing sonar performance at a lower cost than MEGA Live 2. BUY IT HERE
  • Recommended Graph: Humminbird Xplore 10 – A great alternative now that Helix models are becoming harder to find, still right around the $1k mark. BUY IT HERE
  • Best For: Anglers using Humminbird electronics who want an economical FFS solution.

2. Humminbird MEGA Live 2 with Xplore 10 (Newer Tech, Cost-Conscious)

  • Why It’s Budget-Friendly: MEGA Live 2 offers improved target separation and clarity, and pairing it with an Xplore 10 (rather than an Apex) keeps costs reasonable. BUY THE MEGA LIVE 2
  • Best For: Humminbird users looking for an affordable way to access newer technology.

Essential Accessories for Running Forward-Facing Sonar on a Budget

1. Batteries for FFS

  • Battery Types: While my personal recommendation would be to run lithium batteries, a heavier and less efficient AGM battery will work. Either way, deep cycle batteries are key for running forward-facing sonar as you’ll pull continuous amps whenever your system is turned on.
  • Battery Sizes: From my personal experience, a 12v 50ah Lithium battery or Group 27 AGM battery should be your minimum with FFS system & graphs. I run a Garmin LiveScope Plus LVS34, GLS10 Black Box, Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 126sv & 93sv on a single Ionic Lithium 12v 50ah and at $299, it’s treated me well for years.
  • Batteries We Recommend: Mentioned previously, I use Ionic Lithiums throughout my boat for both electronics and my trolling motor. Between value, quality and service, I would recommend them to anyone. Others that we’ve either used: Norsk Lithium 14.8v 50ah, Bass Pro Shops Power Series AGM and Dakota Lithium 12v 46ah.
  • FFS Battery Tip: When running lithium batteries as recommended, ensure you investigate the proper lithium specific charger. Additionally, consider the correct gauge wiring, harnesses, breakers and fuses during initial setup.

2. Mounts for FFS

  • What Mounts Are Needed For FFS? Both transducers and graphs alike will typically come with their own mounts from the factory. But, if you’re looking to upgrade your configuration, there are additional ways to optimize your setup with aftermarket graph and FFS transducer mounts.
  • Mounts I Use For FFS: Out of the box, for both my graphs and FFS transducer, I use OEM parts. For my LiveScope Transducer, I mounted it to the trolling motor shaft with the Garmin Perspective mount. For my ECHOMAP UHDs, I utilize OEM mounts, but mounted to those, I have the Bass Pro Shops Lockdown Dash Mount and Bow Mounts. To my surprise based on the low price tag, these additions have performed exceptionally well.
  • Advanced Mounts For FFS: Beyond the standard mounts, many professionals and weekend anglers alike utilize telescoping transducer mounts, multi-graph mounts and other gadgets.

3. Accessories For FFS

Conclusion

Forward-facing sonar doesn’t have to be an ultra-expensive investment. By choosing slightly older models or pairing newer tech with more affordable graphs, high-quality sonar performance without overspending is possible. Additionally, investing in the right accessories—such as lithium batteries, mounts, and cables helps you maximize the value of your FFS setup.

Ready to upgrade your sonar game on a budget? Check out our top picks here:

BEST OF FFS GEAR

FROM THE AUTHOR

I’ve fished my entire life, going on three and a half decades. From offshore and inshore saltwater fishing to bass and fly fishing, I’ve seen a lot of fish and a lot of gear. None of them have been as powerful and impactful as forward-facing sonar.Not only have I learned more about fish than I ever have before, it’s helped me to catch fish in the times that I struggle. As for personal choice on my boat, I’ve gone with the Garmin system and have had minimal complaints. That’s not to say I am a devout Garmin FFS user as I’ve used and come to like all of the most up-to-date technology from each brand.

Kyle M.

Multi-Species Fisherman / Tournament Angler