LiveScanner QuadScan vs. Garmin Spy Pole
Keeping your live sonar beam on a brush pile while the trolling motor swings on Spot-Lock is the whole job of a motorized turret. Both of these do it, and both offer point-and-steer gesture aiming. They differ in price, compatibility, and how the automation works. If you’re looking for a Garmin Spy Pole alternative, here’s how they compare.
Two ways to automate your transducer
| Feature | The LiveScannerQuadScan$1,515 | GarminSpy Pole$2,999.98+ |
|---|---|---|
| Aiming & automation | ||
| Rod-gesture aiming | Yes, with TrackCast Remote clips to your rod; add-on, $395.99 |
Gesture remote included |
| Automated full-range sweep | 340° | Full 360° SpyScan |
| Dedicated Port / Starboard scan modes | Yes | — |
| Target lock / hold zone | Lure Lock adjustable ~10°–340° |
SpyLock fixed point only |
| Trolling-motor heading sync | Optional Sync sensor | SpyLink Force Pro motors only |
| Controls | ||
| Foot pedal included | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless remote included | 10-button | Included |
| Control from chartplotter | — | Yes compatible Garmin chartplotters |
| Compatibility | ||
| Live sonar transducers | Garmin LiveScope (LVS32/34) and Lowrance ActiveTarget 1 & 2 | Garmin LiveScope / GT360UHD only |
| Trolling motors | Ultrex, Ultrex Quest, Garmin Force, Garmin Kraken, Lowrance Ghost, Power-Pole ZR | Any (deck/gunnel mount) SpyLink sync needs Force Pro |
| Build & support | ||
| Shaft / tubing construction | 3/4″ Schedule 40 aluminum (6061-T6) | Not published |
| Warranty | 1 year electronics, defects & workmanship; remote excluded |
Not published |
Where the QuadScan pulls ahead
Point your rod, aim your sonar
The TrackCast Remote clips to your fishing rod. Point the rod tip at the water you want to see, and the QuadScan turns your LiveScope or ActiveTarget transducer to match. No buttons, and your eyes stay on the graph.
Works with Garmin and Lowrance
The Spy Pole only runs Garmin LiveScope. The QuadScan runs Garmin LiveScope and Lowrance ActiveTarget 1 & 2, so you’re not locked into one electronics brand when you upgrade your graphs.
More ways to automate a scan
Dedicated Port and Starboard modes cover one side of the boat at a time, and Lure Lock holds an adjustable zone from about 10° up to 340°. The Spy Pole’s lock holds a single fixed point.
Built heavier where it takes the hits
Every LiveScanner uses 3/4″ Schedule 40 6061-T6 aluminum tubing, with about twice the wall thickness of typical consumer-grade tubing, so it shrugs off stumps, docks and rough water.
Gesture aiming without the premium price
If you run Garmin electronics and want to control your turret from the chartplotter, the Spy Pole is built for that. If you want rod-gesture aiming, more scan modes, and support for both Garmin and Lowrance at about half the price, the LiveScanner QuadScan with TrackCast is the stronger value.
- Garmin Spy Pole pricing is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 42″ and 49″ bundles; street prices vary by retailer.
- QuadScan units built in roughly the last year ship TrackCast-ready and pair with the remote without returning the unit. Older units need a factory retrofit; contact us with your purchase date to check.
- “Not published” means the information wasn’t available in the manufacturer’s public documentation at the time of writing, not that the feature is confirmed absent.
Not sure which LiveScanner is right for your boat?
Call us at (636) 586-5856 or shop the full lineup online.