Lowrance TripleShot Skimmer Review: Strong but Conditional
One Amazon buyer put it simply: “works as good as new,” summing up a sentiment many share for the Lowrance TripleShot Skimmer Transducer for Hook Reveal and HOOK2 — a product that earns a solid 8.2/10 based on cross-platform feedback. Anglers praise its triple sonar views and wide coverage, but recurring compatibility hiccups and mixed customer support experiences keep it short of perfect.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent if paired with supported Hook²/Reveal TripleShot models, risky if assuming feature upgrades on incompatible units.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear downscan, sidescan, and chirp views | Limited compatibility with specific Hook²/Reveal TripleShot models |
| Double sonar coverage vs traditional fish finders | Side scan failures on unsupported models |
| Easy transom installation | Spotty, slow customer support response |
| Built-in temperature sensor for fish location insights | 30-day return window frustrates some buyers |
| Durable build for freshwater/saltwater | May require learning curve on sonar modes |
Claims vs Reality
Lowrance markets the TripleShot with bold claims: “double the sonar coverage of most fish finders” and the ability to “get picture-like views beneath and to the sides of your boat.” Digging deeper into buyer stories, that extra coverage does prove useful to those fishing open, feature-rich waters. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The detailed scan from this one is very clear. Side scan or down scan all very clear,” after replacing a cracked original.
Yet “adds side scan to your Hook Reveal 5x” isn't true in practice. One buyer warned: “bought TripleShot for Hook Reveal 5x but does not add side scan, just shows a black screen.” This underscores a critical gap — while Lowrance’s specs promise triple-mode imagery, hardware/software limits on certain models leave those features locked.
The brand also leans on ease-of-use marketing: “Installing the transducer is a breeze.” On platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot, this mostly holds up. Users frequently cite the single transom mount as quick and intuitive, allowing more fishing time. However, as one Amazon customer’s exhaustive return story illustrates, installation is painless only if the unit works out of the box.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, Trustpilot, and even eBay seller notes, one thing stands out: triple sonar view capability. For tournament anglers scanning big lake structures, the 300-foot sidescan range draws consistent praise. Reddit user feedback described it as giving “unprecedented amount of information at your fingertips,” with clear fish arch views via chirp sonar. Recreational boaters value the downscan’s “clear straight-down view” for mapping reefs and drop-offs.
The built-in temperature sensor earns love from those targeting species sensitive to water temp changes. A Trustpilot review emphasized: “This information can be crucial in finding the right spots where fish are more likely to gather,” and consistently helped guide catch strategy.
Durability also finds praise. After three and a half years, one Amazon buyer replaced their original saying, “works perfectly” and expecting similar lifespan. This aligns with Lowrance’s saltwater/freshwater versatility claim, reassuring those who fish varied environments.
Common Complaints
The most cited frustration? Compatibility assumptions. Several buyers believed adding TripleShot would unlock sidescan in lower-tier Hook units, only to face blank screens. These users felt misled by vague marketing, with one calling it “a waste of money” due to non-functional features.
Customer support is another sore point. Multiple Amazon reviews mention long hold times — “after 3 days of sitting on hold, finally spoke to a representative” — and unresolved promises. Slow responses exacerbate the sting of a firm 30-day return policy, particularly for seasonal anglers.
Functionality issues in rare cases go beyond compatibility. One buyer recounted trips ruined by “a screen full of red dots” despite rechecking cable routing and positioning. Repeat failures without resolution led them to vow trying other brands.
Divisive Features
Ease of installation splits opinion. Many agree the hardware setup is quick, but the learning curve for interpreting sonar modes makes some feel less “plug-and-play.” Others relish experimenting in different fishing spots to master readings, seeing it as part of the sport.
The wider coverage claim also has nuance. While big-water anglers see obvious benefit, small-pond fishermen may find it overkill. A few, especially kayak users, questioned whether the larger scan cone offered real advantages in their limited range environments.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot narratives mirror Amazon’s longevity success stories — sturdy build and reliable performance when matched correctly — but also spotlight Lowrance’s support bottlenecks. Promises of “stress-free time on the water” falter when buyers spend that time chasing parts or tech support responses.
Three to four-year lifespans before replacement are common, suggesting solid durability for those fishing regularly. The fact that some return to buy the identical model again hints at underlying trust in the core hardware, even after service frustrations.
Alternatives
From the data, SplitShot emerges as the nearest alternative within Lowrance’s lineup. It offers downscan and traditional chirp only — simpler, potentially more reliable for users fishing predominantly beneath the boat rather than scanning wide lateral ranges. For kayakers or those with console space limits, Bullet transducers are discussed as viable, sacrificing sidescan entirely for compact form.
Price & Value
Current listings span $173 new on Amazon to over NZD $300 on eBay, with premium Hook² bundles pushing $800+. Resale holds up if bundled with functioning fish finders; standalone units sell briskly, often just below retail — evidence of ongoing demand.
Community advice leans toward timing purchases before peak fishing seasons, allowing for testing within return windows. Savvy buyers also insist on confirming full feature compatibility with their model before committing.
FAQ
Q: Can the TripleShot add side scan to any Hook² model?
A: No. It’s specifically designed for Hook Reveal and Hook² TripleShot units. Lower-tier models like the Hook Reveal 5x won’t unlock sidescan simply by attaching it.
Q: Is it easy to install for beginners?
A: Yes for physical mounting — the single transom bracket is straightforward. The challenge can be learning to interpret its three sonar modes effectively.
Q: Does it work in saltwater?
A: Yes, user accounts confirm durability and function in both freshwater and saltwater environments, aligning with Lowrance’s design intent.
Q: What’s the range on the side scan?
A: Up to 300 feet on each side of the boat, a feature many anglers use to scan large structures and cover vast areas efficiently.
Q: How long does it typically last?
A: Reports suggest 3–4 years of regular use before mechanical or electrical issues lead to replacement.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a compatible Hook²/Reveal TripleShot unit and fish varied terrains where triple sonar views and temperature data are assets. Avoid if you expect it to add sidescan to unsupported models or rely on swift customer support responses. Pro tip from the community: test immediately after purchase to ensure feature functionality within the return period.
