Lowrance 000-14489-001 Active Imaging 3-In-1 Transducer

The Verdict

If you’re running an older Lowrance HDS or Elite unit and wondering whether the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is a worthwhile upgrade, the short answer is yes — with a caveat about mounting. This isn’t a drop-in replacement for every boat, but for anglers who want SideScan, DownScan, and CHIRP sonar from a single transducer, it delivers serious imaging capability for the price.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the transducer itself, a 7-pin blue connector cable (about 20 feet), a transom mount bracket with stainless hardware, and a fairing block kit. The housing is a rugged, saltwater-rated composite — no flimsy plastic here. The bracket allows both transom and trolling motor mounting, though the included hardware is really only sufficient for transom installs; trolling motor setups will need additional parts.

Real-World Performance

Here’s where this transducer earns its keep. The SideScan range is genuinely impressive — I’ve seen clear bottom structure at 200 feet to each side on an Elite FS 9, and the DownScan shows brush piles and standing timber with enough clarity that you can distinguish individual branches. The 455/800 kHz CHIRP frequencies give you the flexibility to trade depth for detail, and target separation on the 2D sonar is noticeably better than the older HDI transducers.

One thing that stands out in customer feedback: consistent praise for how well it performs at speed. As one verified buyer put it, “I was skeptical about losing bottom at 30 mph, but this thing holds a clean reading where my old transducer blew out at 15.” That tracks with my testing — the low-profile design and angled element help it stay locked on even through moderate chop.

Where It Falls Short

The mounting bracket is genuinely large. At just over 11 inches wide, it’s not going to fit cleanly on every transom — especially smaller aluminum boats or stepped hulls. Several reviewers note they had to fabricate custom mounting plates or move to a trolling motor mount to get proper performance. If you’re not handy with a drill and marine sealant, budget for professional installation.

The other quibble: the temperature sensor only reads through the CHIRP element, and I’ve seen it run 2-3 degrees warm in direct sunlight when the boat’s been sitting. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you’re particular about water temp data.

Who Should Buy This

This transducer makes the most sense for three types of anglers:

• HDS or Elite owners who bought their unit without the Active Imaging transducer and want to add SideScan/DownScan capability without buying a new fish finder
• Multi-species anglers who fish both shallow structure and deep water and want one transducer that handles both without constant adjustment
• Bass and walleye tournament anglers who need reliable imaging at speed to cover water efficiently

If you’re running a brand-new unit that already includes an Active Imaging transducer, this is redundant. And if you’re strictly a deep-water troller targeting salmon or lake trout, you’d be better served by a dedicated CHIRP transducer with more surface area.

FAQ

Q: Will this work with my Lowrance Hook2 or older Elite-4 unit? No. This requires a 7-pin connector compatible with Elite FS, Elite Ti/Ti2, HDS Carbon, HDS Live, and newer units. Hook series uses a different connector.

Q: Can I mount this on a trolling motor? Yes, but you’ll need the optional trolling motor mounting kit — the included bracket is transom-specific.

Q: Does it include a temperature sensor? Yes, but it’s integrated into the CHIRP element, not the imaging elements. Readings are accurate but can lag slightly in extreme conditions.

The Verdict

Buy it if you own a compatible Lowrance unit and want to add high-quality SideScan and DownScan imaging without stepping up to a more expensive all-in-one transducer package. The image clarity and speed retention are genuinely impressive at this price point.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable with a somewhat involved mounting install, or if you need a transducer that works with older Lowrance connectors. Also skip if your unit already has Active Imaging built in — you’d just be buying a spare.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A strong performer that’s held back only by its bulky mounting design and minor sensor quirks. For the imaging quality you get, it’s hard to beat.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.