Fishing is an activity as old as time. And almost as old is the process of innovation for fishing gear, techniques, and technology. The world of fishing has seen monumental shifts in how anglers build their plans and it seems that every couple years there is a newer, even more advanced, evolution to the game. Today, it is clear that one of the largest advancements in recent years has been the adoption of sonar technology for finding fish, surveying underwater structure, and more. What isn’t always as clear to anglers is what kinds of sonar systems are available and the differences between those products; especially when it comes to Forward-facing sonar (FFS) and how it differs from Traditional sonar.
FFS has become a significant buzzword worldwide as anglers (both professional and recreational) have adopted this new technology as a critical part of their strategy for being more efficient with their time on the water.
This article will help you understand what this new tech is, key differences between it and alternative products, and the benefits of each.
What is Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS)?
Also known as “Live Sonar,” Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS) provides a real-time, forward-looking view of the underwater environment. Unlike traditional sonar that only shows what has already passed beneath the boat, FFS delivers instant imaging of fish, structure, and your lure as they move—before you pass them.
Key FFS Benefits
- Real-time visuals of fish, structure, and movement in the water column;
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Multiple viewing modes (forward, down, and panoramic) to suit different fishing situations; and
- Instant feedback on how fish respond to your lure, helping you adapt your technique at the moment not after.
This technology gives anglers a powerful edge by allowing them to actively search, watch, and react in real time. It’s become an unbeatable advantage for locating and targeting fish across all types of recreational fishing—from bass and walleye to crappie and lake trout.
Identifying Movement
With FFS, anglers that are looking at their image can see fish swimming in a fluid motion. This is especially helpful because it allows you to understand how fish are behaving with your lures. Are they inspecting your lure but not biting? Then you may need to change the type of bait. Are the fish not reacting to your lure at all? Perhaps you need a lure with more action or shine if it is a low-visibility day.
In contrast, Traditional Sonar provides you with an image of what was, not what is. Because of this, you can get an idea of where the fish are and if they are getting closer, farther, etc. However, there is much more guess work involved as you will miss the context that is picked up by FFS such as micro-movements.
What is Traditional Sonar?
Traditional sonar, often referred to as "2D sonar," works by sending a single conical sound beam directly downward into the water. As the sound wave hits objects like fish or the lakebed, it reflects back to the transducer, which then creates a visual representation of what’s below the boat.
This technology is commonly used for basic fish detection and depth tracking. With the introduction of CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) sonar in the early 1990s, the imaging clarity and target separation of traditional sonar greatly improved—especially in higher-end models.
However, traditional sonar has one key limitation: it only shows what has already passed beneath the boat. The data appears on a scrolling screen, so the angler is viewing a historical snapshot of what the transducer just passed over.
Is FFS Better than Traditional Sonar?
Declaring whether one unit is better than another unit depends on what an angler is looking for from their technology. If you are looking for sonar that will provide you with the most accurate and real-time information of your boat’s surroundings, then FFS might be the best choice for you. This is because the extra money you spend on FFS units goes to good use by paying for additional bands on your transducer, powerful technology to process the information, and high-tech display solutions that allow for a clear, crisp image on your monitor.
However, if all you’re looking for is an affordable sonar option that gives you a basic understanding of the structure beneath your boat and are willing to sacrifice real-time information for cost, then a Traditional sonar might be better suited for you. This is because you will spend significantly less money and, although the image pales in comparison to FFS, you will still get a basic understanding of structure that has passed under your unit.
So which do you pick, quality or cost? Luckily, you no longer have to choose between the two. The all-new PingLive Sonar by Accuphy is the ultimate FFS solution without breaking the bank. PingLive is designed to provide users with exceptional image quality. Moreover, it also cuts costs for users that have an iOS device by leveraging an iPad or iPhone as your monitor making your system not only more affordable but more portable as well.
Level-up Your Game with PingLive FFS Sonar
The PingLive Sonar system revolutionizes underwater imaging by transforming your iPhone or iPad into a real-time sonar display. It offers seamless USB-C or Wi-Fi connectivity for versatile use. Unlike traditional live sonar setups, PingLive integrates the powerful sonar processor directly into the transducer unit, eliminating the bulky black box and reducing cable clutter by 50%. The transducer efficiently transmits data via an included Wi-Fi Router or USB-C Brick directly to your Apple device, providing crisp, real-time underwater visuals. This streamlined, easy-to-set-up system offers immediate visual feedback, making it indispensable for underwater exploration.
PingLive Features
- 3 Viewing Modes: Forward view, Down view, and Panoramic;
- Built-in Processor: No more bulky black box needed;
- Connect to Control: Live image from your iOS device via Wi-Fi or USB-C;
- 2 year warranty; and
- Shipping from Canada.
Your Forward-facing Sonar is Waiting
In summary, while traditional sonar offers a basic understanding of underwater environments, Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS) revolutionizes fishing by providing real-time, dynamic insights into fish behavior and lure interaction. This live view empowers anglers to make immediate adjustments and significantly increases their chances of success. Experience the unbeatable advantage of FFS for yourself—visit our product page to buy your PingLive Sonar today!
