As a general rule, when making a product comparison, it is always best to compare apples to apples.

Sometimes, exceptions are made, as is the case when comparing Lowrance DownScan Imaging™ to Garmin ClearVu™.

While these products are similar, there is one key difference that makes them quite different.

Both are marketed as down-scanning products, but only one of them has an actual down-facing element in its transducer. That makes a big difference where it matters most – on the water.

How did we get to the point of comparing these two products?

DownScan Imaging™ – a fishfinding technology that gives anglers photo-like images of rocks, trees and underwater structure – was developed by Lowrance and patented by its parent company Navico®.

It is a game-changing technology that provides clear images of structure – the areas where fish like to hide. DownScan Imaging™ also makes it easier to identify how fish relate to structure, which is critically important for anglers.

Knowing the importance of DownScan Imaging™ for fishermen, other marine-electronics companies licensed the technology from Navico – with one exception.

In 2014, Garmin began shipping their version of down-scanning technology called DownVu™. As you may know, in 2015 the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that DownVu™ infringed upon Navico’s patents in the U.S. for DownScan Imaging™.

After a minor redesign to the DownVu™ transducer, Garmin made plans to move forward with U.S. imports. But, the ITC issued a ruling that caused Garmin to move away from the modified DownVu™ design. An ongoing enforcement action is underway relating to Garmin’s U.S. importations and sales of the modified transducer without seeking ITC approval.

That brings us to ClearVu™, which is now marketed as Garmin’s side- and down-scanning solution.

ClearVu™ does not infringe on the Navico U.S. patents, because it does not include a down-facing element in the transducer. This creates a scanning gap directly beneath the boat.

In the U.S., the Garmin ClearVu™ approach is to stitch together the side-scanning returns to fill the scanning gap directly under the boat. This reduces clarity and range, distorts the appearance of targets picked up by both side-scanning beams and completely misses some targets directly beneath the boat.

The idea of creating a down-scan view by using only the side-scan sonar signals is not new. Other marine electronics manufacturers tried this solution, but recognized it did not work well — opting to provide their customers with a true DownScan Imaging solution, which is why other marine electronics manufacturers, including Humminbird® and Raymarine®, now license the true Navico DownScan Imaging technology for use on their fishfinders.

Check out this video to see a side-by-side comparison of Lowrance DownScan Imaging™ and Garmin’s ClearVu on-the-water performance.