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The Lowrance Elite 9 Ti used to be one of the best fish finders from the Lowrance brand. However, it has been discontinued and replaced with an upgraded Ti2 version. So, in this Lowrance Elite 9 Ti review, we’ll talk about the upgraded Ti2 version that is available on the market today. It features the next generation display, as well as more advanced sonar and GPS capabilities. You can read in more detail about all its features below.
Lowrance Elite 9 Ti Features
Display Unit
Similar to the older Ti version, the Elite 9 Ti2 model also features a high resolution touchscreen. This provides easier control since all the settings are at your fingertip. Instead of cycling through the settings with just a few buttons, you can quickly access different settings with just a tap. However, there’s also button operation for quick access to some of the main functions, such as homepage, zoom and waypoint map.
The display is also very easy to read. It’s equipped with backlighting, so you can read in different light conditions. You can adjust it to your preference to get improved readability whether you’re fishing on a sunny day or at night. For night fishing, there’s also the Night Mode, which automatically optimizes the color and backlight level for low light conditions.
Another advantage of the display is its size and quality of the picture. It measures 9 inches in diagonal and offers a pixel resolution of 800 x 480. It offers enhanced screen clarity, which makes it easier to separate fish and structure. Moreover, it features an enhanced color palette, which allows you to customize both color and contrast. For example, if you want to make it easier to distinguish fish, structure and bottom, you can increase the contrast.
This fish finder also supports display of multiple panels with simultaneous view of up to four panels. With a push of a button, you can choose the pre-defined split pages. Or you can customize it by choosing your favorite ones yourself.
The display features one micro SD card slot. The memory card is not included, but you can purchase one separately if you want to be able to upgrade chart data or software. This card can also be used for transferring user data and system backups.
There’s also great connectivity capability. It supports NMEA 2000 connectivity and it can automatically detect compatible devices for connecting. For example, this function can be used for controlling and maintaining the engine of the boat.
Moreover, the unit features wireless connectivity. First of all, it allows getting software updates without the need to connect to a computer. Secondly, it makes it possible to share different data, such as your waypoints, mapping and sonar information.
There’s also integrated Bluetooth connectivity. This gives you the capability to sync the unit with your smartphone or tablet, which would allow viewing calls and messages on your fish finder. It can be handy if you want to keep your phone safely away from the water.
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Sonar
The Lowrance Elite 9 Ti2 also has a lot to offer in terms of sonar. It comes with a 3-in-1 Tripleshot transducer, which offers three types of sonar in one unit. It supports CHIRP sonar, Active Imaging DownScan and Active Imaging SideScan.
There are two main frequencies for 2D sonar, which are 83/200kHz. For the other two sonars, it’s 455/800kHz. All three sonars provide highly detailed images, giving you a glimpse of what is under your boat.
One of the upgrades of the Ti2 is the Active Imaging sonar. It’s the highest quality sonar as it offers the highest resolution images with the SideScan provides wide coverage of the seabed to the sides of the boat and the DownScan showing structure and fish directly below your boat.
When using Active Imaging sonar and the 455kHz frequency, the beams extend up to 300 feet either to the sides of the boat or down below the boat. At 800kHz frequency, you get better clarity but lower depth capability with the beam reaching only up to 100 feet.
When using any of the three sonars, you can zoom in on any part of the image. The unit can also record the sonar data and save it for later viewing. Moreover, you can make screenshots of the sonar images.
For SideScan sonar, there’s also the StructureMap feature. It works by overlaying the SideScan images, so you can see the underwater environment in relation to different points of interest or your boat’s position.
There’s also a lot of adjustability that you can do. For example, you can adjust the sensitivity if you want the display to show more or less detail. For example, if the screen is too cluttered, you can lower the sensitivity. Alternatively, you can opt for the auto sensitivity feature.
On top of that, you can adjust the Colorline, which can be helpful for separating target fish from the bottom. You also have control over the scroll speed and ping speed. And if there’s any signal interference from other devices, you can adjust the noise rejection setting.
There are a few other sonar features that are worth mentioning. For one, there’s the Bottom Lock feature, which can be used for viewing targets close to the bottom. Secondly, there’s the flasher mode, which can be handy for ice fishing or stationary fishing. Another useful feature is the Depth line that makes it easier to distinguish the bottom from fish.
Navigation
When it comes to navigation capabilities, the Lowrance Elite 9 Ti2 comes with preloaded charts, which include C-Map US inland mapping. It covers more than 4,000 lakes with 1-foot contours. These are detailed maps that will probably be sufficient for most anglers. However, the system is also compatible with various chart upgrades, such as Navionics, Lake Insight, Fishing Hotspots Pro and more.
Another feature of this unit’s GPS system is C-Map Genesis Live. It does real-time mapping with a high level of detail and ½-foot contours. You can use this feature to map unmapped areas or your favorite fishing spots. With these maps at hand, it can be easier to find areas where fish like to hide.
One more important feature is the Man Overboard waypoint function. It can be really useful in an emergency situation. By saving the boat’s position, it will be easy to navigate to that point.
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Lowrance Elite 9 Ti Pros and Cons
- High resolution 9-inch display.
- Adjustable backlighting.
- Touchscreen technology.
- Supports up to 4 panels for simultaneous view.
- Includes the 3-in-1 transducer.
- Sonar recording and screenshot function.
- Alarm system.
- Up to 1,000 depth capability.
- Includes C-Map cartography.
- GPS and sonar overlay capability.
- Waypoints function.
- Compatible with various chart upgrades.
- C-Map Genesis Live.
- Trolling motor autopilot.
- Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Compatible with NMEA 2000 connectivity.
- One micro SD card reader.
- Fairly easy to install and use.
- 2-year warranty.
- Expensive.
- Many of these fish finders seem to have a software issue with the head unit not being able to recognize the transducer.
Final Thoughts
In all, the Lowrance Elite 9 Ti2 excels in sonar and navigation performance. It offers a high quality display, great sonar capabilities and superior chart options. However, there seems to be one major issue that we are not sure if Lowrance has been able to resolve yet. On top of that, it’s an expensive product, so we would not recommend buying this fish finder that has a high chance of being defective. Instead, if you’re looking for the same level of performance, we would recommend checking out the Lowrance Hook2 9 Tripleshot or Humminbird Helix 9 fish finders.
