Elite FS 9" touchscreen with Active Imaging HD 3-in-1. The 9" step up from Elite FS 7, with Active Imaging HD and network capability.
Lowrance Elite FS 9 with Active Imaging 3-in-1
The Lowrance Elite FS 9 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 is the 9" variant of the Elite FS with included Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, priced in this tier Same feature set as Elite FS 7 AI but with 9" screen. Touchscreen + keypad UI, Active Imaging HD Down and Side, built-in GPS, ActiveTarget live sonar ready, and NMEA 2000 networking.
At this price point,, the Elite FS 9 AI 3-in-1 is the 9" step up from Elite FS 7 AI at premium for 7" to 9" is significant for console-mounted applications where screen readability matters. Elite FS 9 positions against Humminbird HELIX 7 MSI G4N and Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv , all in the same mid-premium tier. Ecosystem preference (Lowrance Ghost trolling motor, existing Lowrance rig, or ActiveTarget plans) usually drives the choice between these three.
Lowrance fishfinder line context: Eagle (this price range) is the entry tier. Eagle Eye (this price range) is the premium Eagle variant. Elite FS (this price range) is the mid-premium touchscreen tier with Active Imaging HD and network capability. HDS PRO (this price range) is the flagship tier with premium processor, Active Imaging HD, and full network capability. Lowrance transducer naming: Bullet Skimmer (entry CHIRP), Splitshot (CHIRP + Down Scan), Tripleshot (CHIRP + Down Scan + Side Scan), Active Imaging 3-in-1 (CHIRP + AI Down + AI Side), Active Imaging HD (premium AI), and ActiveTarget (live sonar, Lowrance equivalent to Garmin LiveScope and Humminbird MEGA Live 2).
Key Features
- 9" Color Touchscreen. Multi-touch IPS display with keypad backup
- Dual-Frequency CHIRP Sonar
- Active Imaging HD Down
- Active Imaging HD Side
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Included
- Built-In GPS
- ActiveTarget Live Sonar Ready. Add ActiveTarget transducer separately
- NMEA 2000 Network Capability. Lowrance Ghost, radar, autopilot compatible
- MicroSD Card Slot. C-MAP, Navionics, C-MAP Genesis Edge compatible
- Touchscreen + Keypad Combo
Who This Is For
This unit is best for serious bass anglers on mid-size boats, tournament anglers at club and BFL levels, multi-species anglers wanting 9" touchscreen, Lowrance Ghost trolling motor users, and anglers planning to add ActiveTarget live sonar. Step down: Elite FS 7 AI 3-in-1 saves money with same feature set at 7". Step up: Elite FS 10 DISCOVER OnBoard adds 10" and premium DISCOVER cartography. Two steps up: HDS PRO 9 AI HD adds flagship processor and Active Imaging HD premium transducer.
Choose This If...
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You want a Lowrance fishfinder in the this price range tier. This is the right price bracket.
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You fish kayaks, jon boats, bass boats, or small center consoles. Application fits this size class.
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You prefer Lowrance ecosystem. If you run Lowrance Ghost trolling motor, have existing Lowrance rig, or plan to add ActiveTarget live sonar, stay in Lowrance.
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Your fishing style matches the feature set. Review Key Features above to confirm you need what this unit offers and don't need features it lacks.
Specifications
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Display: 9" color multi-touch IPS touchscreen with keypad backup
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Sonar: Dual-Frequency CHIRP + Active Imaging HD Down + Active Imaging HD Side
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Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1 transom-mount (included)
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GPS: Built-in, C-MAP / Navionics chip compatible via microSD
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Networking: NMEA 2000 compatible
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Waterproof: IPX7
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SKU: 000-15692-001
Warranty
Covered by Lowrance's 2-year limited warranty. Carolina Sportsman Outfitters provides post-purchase setup guidance by phone. Call 252-431-6001 with setup questions, transducer mounting advice, or upgrade recommendations if this unit is not the right fit for your fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Eagle, Elite FS, and HDS PRO?
Eagle is entry tier with button UI. Elite FS is mid-premium with touchscreen, Active Imaging HD, and network capability. HDS PRO is flagship with premium processor, Active Imaging HD premium transducer, and full network capability. Eagle maxes out at around (Eagle 9 Tripleshot), Elite FS spans -an HDS PRO spans this price range
What does Active Imaging HD mean?
Active Imaging HD is Lowrance's premium imaging technology. Sharper detail on structure, cover, and fish than standard Down Scan / Side Scan. Comparable to Humminbird MEGA Imaging and Garmin ClearV/SideV Ultra. Active Imaging HD requires a compatible transducer and is standard on Elite FS and HDS PRO units.
What is ActiveTarget?
ActiveTarget is Lowrance's forward-scan live sonar system. Direct competitor to Garmin LiveScope Plus and Humminbird MEGA Live 2. Shows real-time sonar imagery of fish swimming toward lures. Requires ActiveTarget transducer (sold separately) and a compatible head unit (Elite FS or HDS PRO). Eagle tier is not ActiveTarget compatible.
What is C-MAP DISCOVER / Contour+ / Genesis Edge?
Lowrance cartography options. C-MAP DISCOVER is premium HD bathymetric cartography (DISCOVER US Inland, DISCOVER US/CA, DISCOVER OnBoard variants). C-MAP Contour+ is premium US freshwater contour mapping. C-MAP Genesis Edge is the Lowrance equivalent to Humminbird AutoChart Live and Garmin Quickdraw Contours, letting you record custom 1-foot contour maps as you fish.
Does this work with Lowrance Ghost trolling motor?
Elite FS and HDS PRO units integrate with Lowrance Ghost trolling motors via NMEA 2000 networking. Features include waypoint steering, GPS coordinates display, and unified fishfinder + trolling motor control. Eagle tier is standalone and does not integrate with Lowrance Ghost or any trolling motor.
How does Lowrance compare to Humminbird and Garmin?
At comparable tiers, Lowrance, Humminbird, and Garmin offer similar feature sets. Lowrance strengths include Active Imaging HD clarity, C-MAP Genesis Edge custom mapping, ActiveTarget live sonar, and Ghost trolling motor integration. Humminbird strengths include MEGA Imaging, One-Boat Network with Minn Kota, MEGA Live 2, and AutoChart Live. Garmin strengths include LiveScope live sonar, Panoptix, Garmin Force trolling motor, and BlueChart cartography. Choice is usually driven by ecosystem preference, specifically which trolling motor brand you run.
Is this used in tournaments?
Elite FS is common on bass and crappie tournament boats at club and BFL levels, sometimes B.A.S.S. Opens. HDS PRO is common at top circuits (B.A.S.S. Elite, MLF Pro Tour). Eagle tier is typically recreational/beginner and not common in competitive tournament settings.
Financing available. No credit needed. Apply at checkout for instant approval. Military and First Responders are encouraged to use credentials in the cart section before checking out.
Carolina Sportsman Outfitters has been outfitting anglers with Lowrance fishfinders since 2015. We know the tier differences across Eagle, Elite FS, and HDS PRO, and which features matter for specific fishing styles. Call 252-431-6001 for pre-purchase tier questions or post-purchase setup help.
Need help with fit, compatibility, or networking? Carolina Sportsman Outfitters has been outfitting Carolina bass, striper, and crappie anglers since 2015, we know the Lowrance HDS PRO, Elite FS, and Eagle lineups and can verify compatibility, transducer pairings, and network expansion before you order. Call 252-431-6001.
Backed by Lowrance manufacturer warranty and CSO's expert product support. Financing available at checkout, no credit needed. Military and First Responders are encouraged to use credentials in the cart section before checking out.
