Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 Fish Finder Review in 2023

By Wade Johnson

Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 Reviews in 2021 - Unbiasedly Reviewed

When you decide to upgrade your fishing gear without an ostentatious splurge of money, there’s no fish finder better than Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3.

The device comes with only one intent: to deliver unerring results at record speed.

Whether it’s saltwater or freshwater, inshore or offshores, it promises to find fish for you with its incredible Chirp and structureScan (side and down-imaging) sonars.

The large touchscreen display with button user-friendly controls complemented by detailed maps and fast GPS further make it a desirable option, especially for serious fishermen and light commercial purposes.

We would recommend all avid anglers to purchase this fish finder because of its unequivocal assurance of bringing you back with as many catches as you can carry single-handedly or in a boat.

What Makes Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 Stand Out From The Crowd?

There are many top-of-the-line fish finders yet Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 steals the limelight because its Chirp technology, built-in charts and touchscreen are the best of their kinds. It’s a bit pricier but a performer nonetheless.

 

Our Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 Fish Finder Review

It’s not easy to capture a user’s attention at first glance but Lowrance HDS 9 gen3 accomplishes the challenge with flying colors.

The unit is placed among top-end models due to its incredible Chirp sonar functions and accuracy with which it announces the presence of every living creature below the water surface at lightning speed.

Its tablet-like, 9” large touchscreen with keyed setup is like the crown jewel of this whole structure. You’ll be amazed to see how easy it actually is to run this multi-functioning display.

Not to mention, you’ll be enthralled by the clarity and vibrancy of the underwater view depicted on it.

Like most fish finders this one also employs internal GPS and extensive preloaded charts of US lakes and rivers.

That means you will have an inanimate guide on-board to help you steer through current with confidence and at the same time keep a record of waypoints, tracks and routes along with your boat’s speed.

This data will prove vital when you’ll want to improve your catch rate on future fishing excursions by visiting productive spots only.

The device is quite bulky but its built-in wireless connectivity ensures that things remain neat and mess-free on your vessel.

Despite belonging to an expensive lot, we would recommend anglers, especially those related to commercial and sport fishing, to buy it because there’s hardly any catch to it and you receive more than what you expected.

 

Sonar Functions

HDS 9 gen 3 has amazing Chirp sonar technology sans transducer. It can be a blessing in disguise as you’ll be able to crank up the power of the device with a beast of a transducer that will support not just Chirp but SideScan and DownScan Imaging as well.

While its Chirp sonar is the first option of anglers for swiftly detecting targets, they will have an upper hand with the StructureScan sonar. With this at hand, they will be able to observe the bottom landscape and vegetation beneath as well as on either side of the boat with incredible clarity.

Furthermore, it offers the option of tracking sonar history through the Trackback view feature. Meaning, you can skim through sonar scans to find results for a specific area that you want to further scrutinize.

Touchscreen Display

Display of this model is better than many other high-end gadgets because running it doesn’t involve learning rocket science. The combination of touchscreen and keyed menu makes it resemble a tablet with the only exception that its use is limited to fish hunting.

Not only it reveals a brightly lit picture of the aquatic world but also responds to the commands without a second’s delay, both of which are the secrets behind its huge appeal.

Internal GPS

Keeping up with the top-of-the-line response of other features, the internal GPS of this model is also going to impress you with its efficiency.

Let’s just say you will never be lost with this unit at hand. Plus, the ability to mark waypoints, highlight routes and tracks will allow you to always know ahead where your next catch is loitering at the given time.

Other Features

We aren’t done impressing you. Lowrance HDS 9 gen 3 is regarded as the best fish finder gps combo because its preloaded charts are very extensive, leaving little to the imagination.

Moreover, its ability to connect through Bluetooth and wireless connection makes it more charming as you’ll have the choice to update and download maps without overburdening your luggage with cables and internet devices.

Some other Great Lowrance Models:

Pros

  • Impressive Chirp technology with StructureScan HD.
  • Accurate and prompt response.
  • Built-in GPS and comprehensive preloaded charts help overcome fishing challenges.
  • 9” large touchscreen with keyed menu offers smooth running and crisp imagery.
  • Sonar tracking feature.
  • Bluetooth and Wireless connectivity.

Cons

  • Costly.
  • Learning curve is a bit overwhelming.
  • Heavy.

 

Why Should You Buy Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3?

Although Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 falls in the expensive category of cost spectrum, it’s power, precision and commitment to pass every fishing challenge with flying colors makes it a worthy alternative for upgrading from one’s current fishing techs.

Bottom Line

Lowrance retains its streak of impressing fishermen with HDS 9 Gen 3 model, another one of its top-of-the-line performance fish finders. Although it doesn’t come with a kit, but with the right transducer at hand there’s no denying that this one will perform far better than some other advanced models. Whether it’s for sport or commercial freshwater or saltwater fishing, the combination of Chirp with side and down-imaging, GPS and hyper-detailed maps will ensure you never miss a catch. Buy it because you’ll get a top-end-like fish finder with large viewing for a lot lesser than what other feature-packed models cost.

Wade Johnson
Latest posts by Wade Johnson (see all)