Spread the love

Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle Review

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle (part number 010-02880-10) packs a 10-inch chartplotter, preloaded Garmin Navionics+ charts, and Garmin’s flagship live sonar into one box. It is one of the most popular ways to get into live sonar without building a system piece by piece, and that is exactly why it keeps showing up among Amazon’s best-selling marine electronics.

Live sonar has changed freshwater fishing more than any other technology since GPS. Instead of seeing a fish arch after you have already passed it, you watch fish swim, react to your lure, and strike in real time. For years, that meant buying a premium display, a black box, and a transducer separately. This bundle brings the whole package together at a price well below that of Garmin’s flagship GPSMAP displays.

In this review, we cover what is in the box, how the screen and sonar perform, what the bundle does not include (an important point many buyers miss), installation, and who should buy it. If you fish lakes, rivers, or inshore waters from a bass boat, a center console, or even a kayak with a trolling motor, read on.

Check the current price on Amazon

Save

Quick verdict

This is the best-value way to get Garmin LiveScope Plus on a 10-inch screen with full mapping. You get a sharp 1280 x 800 IPS touchscreen, multi-band GPS, Navionics+ charts and the latest LiveScope Plus transducer in one purchase. The main catch: the bundle has no traditional CHIRP or side-imaging transducer, so budget extra if you want those views too.

What we like

LiveScope Plus delivers sharper images, less noise, and better target separation than the original LiveScope
Forward, Down and Perspective modes, with the Perspective mount included
Bright 10″ IPS touchscreen with keyed assist buttons for rough water
Preloaded Garmin Navionics+ Inland & Coastal charts with Auto Guidance+
Multi-band, multi-constellation GPS with 10 Hz updates
Costs noticeably less than buying the display and LiveScope Plus system separately

What could be better

No GT56 or other traditional/side-imaging transducer in the box
10″ is tight if you want LiveScope and a chart split-screen at the same time
LiveScope video cannot be shared wirelessly to other displays
Installation of the GLS 10 black box and cabling takes real time and planning
Still a major investment for casual anglers

What’s in the box

The bundle combines the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv chartplotter with the complete LiveScope Plus system. According to The GPS Store’s listing, you get:

ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv 10″ chartplotter with preloaded Garmin Navionics+ charts
GLS 10 sonar black box, the processing module that drives LiveScope
LiveScope Plus LVS34 transducer
Perspective mount for the shallow-water scanning view
Trolling motor shaft mount and barrel mount
All required cables

Retailers list the shipping box at about 11″ x 15″ x 17″ and 23 lb, so expect a hefty package.

What is not included matters just as much. The 106sv has built-in CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar processing, but those views need a separate transducer such as the GT56UHD-TM. Garmin sells the display with that transducer as a different package (010-02880-01). With this LiveScope bundle, you get live sonar only until you add a second transducer.

Display and hardware

The 10-inch WXGA IPS screen at 1280 x 800 pixels is the heart of the unit and a big step up from older ECHOMAP models. IPS panels maintain color and contrast when viewed at an angle, which matters when you are standing at the bow looking back at a console-mounted unit. The screen is sunlight-readable, and LiveScope’s high-contrast palettes stay clear even at midday.

Input is touchscreen with keyed assist. Physical buttons let you zoom, switch pages, and mark waypoints when spray, gloves, or chop make touch control unreliable.

Key hardware specs, per GPS Central:

Spec	ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv
Screen	10″ WXGA IPS, 1280 x 800
Unit size	11.6″ x 7.7″ x 3.9″ (29.5 x 19.5 x 9.8 cm)
Weight	4.0 lb (1.8 kg)
Water rating	IPX7
Mounting	Bail (quick release) or flush
Card slots	2 x microSD
GPS	Multi-band, multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), 10 Hz
Data	NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183
Memory	5,000 waypoints, 100 routes, 50 saved tracks

The quick-release bail mount is a practical touch. You can pop the display off at the ramp and take it home while the cables stay plugged into the mount. Flush mounting gives a cleaner, factory look on a dash.

LiveScope Plus: live sonar explained

LiveScope Plus is the reason to buy this bundle. Traditional sonar draws a history of what passed under the boat; live sonar shows a moving, video-like image of fish, structure, and your lure as it happens. LiveScope Plus is Garmin’s improved version, with better resolution, less noise, fewer sonar artifacts and sharper target separation than the original LVS32 system.

The LVS34 transducer works at 530–1,100 kHz, reaches up to 200 ft (61 m) in Forward and Down modes, and covers a 20° x 135° beam. Garmin’s spec sheet, as listed by Thorne Bros, quotes a target separation of 14″ at 100 ft. In practice, that means two fish suspended close together show as two fish, not one blob.

Three modes, one transducer

Forward mode looks ahead of the boat. It is the go-to mode for casting at brush piles, docks, and suspended fish, and for watching your lure approach a fish.
Down mode looks straight beneath you. It is ideal for vertical jigging, drop-shotting, and ice-fishing-style presentations from the boat.
Perspective mode turns the transducer into a top-down, live overhead view of shallow water. You see fish moving around the boat as if looking down from above, which is excellent for spotting bedding fish, shallow schools, and weed edges.

All three use the same transducer; switching modes means changing the mount angle. The bundle includes the Perspective mount, so you are not paying extra for that view.

Image quality features

A built-in image stabilization system keeps the picture steady when the boat rocks, a common complaint with early live sonar. Seven vivid color palettes let you tune contrast for clear or stained water and for how your eyes read the image. Many anglers favor high-contrast palettes for picking out a jig or swimbait against a brush pile.

One practical limit: live sonar has a minimum working depth of about 3 ft. In very skinny water, Perspective mode does most of the work.

Built-in CHIRP, ClearVü and SideVü

The 106sv has Garmin’s traditional and scanning sonar built in, ready for a second transducer. ClearVü (down-imaging) and SideVü (side-imaging) operate at 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz, delivering Ultra High-Definition, almost photo-like images of the bottom and structure.

Why add them if you have LiveScope? Each sonar type does a different job:

SideVü scans wide swaths to each side of the boat at speed. It is the fastest way to find new brush piles, rock humps and wrecks across a big lake.
ClearVü shows detailed structure directly below, great for reading bottom composition and vegetation.
Traditional CHIRP gives reliable depth, bottom tracking and fish arches at higher boat speeds and greater depths than live sonar handles well.

A common workflow is to search with SideVü, mark waypoints on promising structure, then return and fish it precisely with LiveScope Forward mode. To unlock that, add a compatible transducer such as the GT56UHD-TM. If you already own a Garmin 12-pin scanning transducer from a previous unit, check compatibility before buying a new one.

The unit ships with Garmin Navionics+ Inland & Coastal charts preloaded for the U.S. and Canada, covering offshore, coastal, and inland waters. For a GPS-focused buyer, this is where the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 earns much of its value: you do not need to buy a chart card on day one.

Auto Guidance+ suggests a route to your destination based on chart data and your boat’s settings. Treat it as a planning aid, not autopilot; always check the suggested path against depth and hazards.
Quickdraw Contours lets you build your own HD fishing maps with 1-ft contours as you drive. It is invaluable on small or poorly charted lakes, and the maps stay on your unit.
Tide tables are built in for coastal anglers.
Optional charts: the unit also supports Garmin Navionics Vision+, BlueChart g3 and g3 Vision, and TOPO 100K via its two microSD slots. Vision+ adds satellite overlays and extra detail for popular fishing waters.

The multi-band, multi-constellation GPS receiver updates 10 times per second and uses GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, as well as WAAS. Multi-band reception reduces position errors near tall shorelines, bridges, and tree cover. That accuracy matters when you are trying to hold over a 3-meter brush pile you marked last week.

For anglers outside North America, note that the preloaded Navionics+ coverage is for the U.S. and Canada. European buyers will need a regional Navionics+ or Vision+ card for local waters.

Connectivity and ecosystem

The ECHOMAP Ultra 2 is a networked display, so it can grow with your boat. It supports NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 for engine data, wind, depth and heading sensors, plus AIS and DSC data from a compatible VHF radio. It also works with Fusion-Link compatible stereos, so you can control music from the chartplotter.

ActiveCaptain app: pair your phone to receive smart notifications, plan routes at home, sync waypoints, and download software and chart updates.
Multi-display setups: you can network two ECHOMAP Ultra 2 units (for example, one at the console and one at the bow) and share waypoints, routes, and sonar scans between them.
Panoptix compatibility: the 106sv works with the full Garmin Panoptix line, so later upgrades are easy.
Trolling motor integration: when paired with a compatible Garmin Force trolling motor, you can control anchor lock and heading from the display.

One limitation to know: LiveScope video cannot be shared wirelessly to a second display. If you want live sonar on both the console and bow units, you will need a wired Garmin Marine Network connection, often with a GMS 10 network port expander.

Installation and power

Plan the install before the box arrives; most problems with live sonar come from rushed wiring, not the hardware. A typical setup has four parts: the display, the GLS 10 black box, the LVS34 transducer, and power.

Mount the display on the bail mount or flush in the dash, where you can see it from your main fishing position.
Mount the GLS 10 black box in a dry, ventilated spot such as a console or rod locker. It measures about 9.7″ x 5.9″ x 2.6″ and weighs 4.3 lb.
Mount the LVS34 transducer on the trolling motor shaft (most common for Forward mode), or on a pole for Perspective mode. The transducer cable is 20 ft, so measure your cable route first.
Connect the GLS 10 to the display via the Garmin Marine Network, then run power.

Power draw is significant. The LiveScope Plus system runs on 10–32 V, draws about 21 W typical and 58 W max, and uses a 7.5 A fuse. Many anglers run the system from a dedicated battery or the trolling motor bank with a proper fuse block, and use a noise filter to avoid interference.

If you are not confident with marine wiring, a professional install is money well spent. Clean power and tidy cables will directly improve your sonar picture.

On the water: who should buy it

On the water, LiveScope Plus changes how you fish more than it changes what you see. Instead of fishing a spot and hoping, you cast to a fish you can see, watch how it reacts, and adjust your retrieve in seconds. Anglers who learn to read the screen often report shorter learning curves on new lakes and more bites from suspended fish.

There is a learning curve. Expect to spend a few trips learning range settings, gain, and how fish, brush, and bait schools look in each mode. Start in Forward mode at a 60–80 ft range around known structure, then experiment.

Buy it if you are

A bass, crappie, or walleye angler who wants live sonar in one purchase
Fishing from a bass boat, jon boat, or small center console with a trolling motor
Upgrading from an older ECHOMAP or a basic fishfinder and want modern mapping too
Looking for a capable bow-mount display that can later network with a console unit

Skip it or look elsewhere if you

Mainly fish offshore deep water, where 200 ft of live sonar range is limiting
Want side imaging out of the box (choose the GT56 package instead and add LiveScope later)
Need a bigger screen for constant split views (consider the 12″ version)
Fish only occasionally and do not want to invest around the price of a used outboard

Alternatives to consider

The 10″ bundle sits in the sweet spot between screen size and cost, but a few options may suit you better.

Option	Screen	Live sonar	Side/down imaging	Best for
ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle	10″	LiveScope Plus included	Needs extra transducer	Live sonar first, mapping included
ECHOMAP Ultra 2 12″ LiveScope Plus Bundle	12″	LiveScope Plus included	Needs extra transducer	More room for split screens
ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv + LiveScope Plus Bundle	9″	LiveScope Plus included	Needs extra transducer	Tighter budget or smaller boats
ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv with GT56UHD-TM	10″	Add LiveScope later	Included	Side imaging first, live sonar later

Retail prices move often. During research, the 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle was listed between about $2,500 and $3,000 at U.S. dealers, while the standalone LiveScope Plus system alone sold for around $1,700. Buying the bundle is usually cheaper than buying the display and LiveScope separately.

Outside Garmin, Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 and Humminbird MEGA Live 2 are the main live-sonar rivals. They are worth comparing if you already own a display from one of those brands, since mixing ecosystems rarely makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

Does the bundle include a traditional sonar transducer? No. It includes only the LiveScope Plus LVS34 transducer and the GLS 10 black box. For CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü, you need a separate compatible transducer such as the GT56UHD-TM.

What is the difference between LiveScope and LiveScope Plus? LiveScope Plus uses the newer LVS34 transducer, with improved resolution, less noise, fewer artifacts, and better target separation. Owners of the original system can upgrade by replacing only the transducer and keeping the GLS 10 black box.

How deep and far can LiveScope Plus see? Up to 200 ft (61 m) in Forward and Down modes. Real-world clarity depends on water conditions, range settings and installation quality; most anglers fish at well under 100 ft.

Can I use it for ice fishing? The bundle is set up for boat use. Garmin sells a separate LiveScope Plus Ice Fishing Bundle with the LVS34-IF transducer and a portable setup for the ice.

Does it work outside the U.S. and Canada? Yes, the hardware and GPS work worldwide. The preloaded Navionics+ charts cover the U.S. and Canada, so buyers elsewhere should add a regional Garmin Navionics+ or Vision+ card.

Can I show LiveScope on two screens? Yes, through a wired Garmin Marine Network. LiveScope cannot be shared wirelessly between displays.

Final verdict

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle is the smartest single purchase for most freshwater anglers who want live sonar and good charts without paying flagship prices. The 1280 x 800 IPS screen is sharp and readable, multi-band GPS keeps your waypoints precise, and LiveScope Plus delivers the cleanest live sonar picture Garmin has offered in this class.

Go in with clear expectations. You will want a second transducer if side imaging matters to you, a clean power setup to get the best image, and a few trips to learn the screen. Do that, and this bundle can genuinely change how you find and catch fish.

Rating: 4.6 / 5 – excellent value for live sonar, held back only by the missing scanning transducer and the 10″ screen’s limits for split views.

Check the current price of the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle on Amazon

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor.