Opinions on new sonar system

Hey all, I'll keep this short and to the point .....

My current setup is a (2016 model year) HB 999 SI - DI, with a transom mounted TD, with front and rear connections for head unit. I also have a 2018 Terrova TM on the front.

I have a friend that fishes with me quite often, who wants to finance a dedicated sonar system for the front of the boat. :highfive He's willing to spend $2,500 on said system. He says livescope, (or similar) but I'm leaning toward HB mega Live, or 360, so I can use the i-pilot on the terrova.

The choice is mine.

I've been using HB units for almost 2 decades, but know virtually nothing about the newer systems. I've been through the stickies, but still am quite confused .....

I mainly fish for crappie and big redear, but also like to chase the green carp around as well.

This new system will be for front of boat only. The lakes I fish are mostly small, and not on any Navionic ? charts, so I really don't need any mapping capabilities.

My questions are :

1- What is the BEST system I can get for around $2,500 ish dollars ? I can probably throw in a few a few hundred extra $$$ .....
2- Will I be able to use the i-pilot link from the Terrova with a new head unit ? Most likely a new 9" Helix.
3- I'm pretty sure I won't be able to network a new HB unit with my old one, so should I look at the Lorance, Garmin offerings ? I know even less about these systems.

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but these will get me started .....

I'm in no real hurry, just want to be up and running by spring.

ANY opinions, help or pointing me in the right direction for comparison, will be greatly appreciated.

IPilot Link is compatible with any generation HELIX 8 and larger (and some HELIX 7 if it has an “N” in the model name) ...

HELIX 8 and larger generation 1 can share waypoints, accessories and Sonar with your current core unit ...

HELIX 8 and larger G2N (and helix 7 G2N) and newer can share waypoints and accessories (no Sonar sharing)..

Rickie

i'm a Johnson product type of guy. Humminbird, Minnkota, Lakemaster, eureka tents, etc.
I have a Helix 9 Gen4 MDI on teh bow, Terrova 24v with MDI and I-Pilot Link with blue tooth Heading Sensor, M360, and just added Mega Live. Counsel I have a Helix 9 Gen 4 MSI. and I connected everything thru a 5 port ethernet hub.
I recommend staying with the one boat network. the system works fantastic. I can control teh TM from either sonar unit, from the remote, or from teh foot pedal. The sonar units can see all how 4 transducers, MDI built into the TM, M360, Mega Live, and MSI on the transom.
As for M360 or MLive, up to you. Each has a place and a purpose. Depends on how you want to use them or how you fish. I use M360 to find cover/structure around the boat and the direction/distance from me. I am starting to use the MLive to watch my bait and the fish reaction.

Honestly, when I go fishing i start out using MSI and map an area using AutoChart. While mapping a new area I look for cover/structure and add waypoints. I also watch for fish schools. When it's time to fish I head back to one of those waypoints/schools and drop my M360 to get a better view of the area and see if I missed anything, cover/structure/fish. Then I drop MLive to fish. The MLive is new to me, so I'm still learning how to use it.
When I spider rig, I use the M360 and watch for cover/structure/schools and work my way toward them. Not sure how MLive will fit into this scene, but I'll give it a shot. That is how i use my electronics.
I also use my Bimini top in inclement weather and sit under it while spider rigging. I use my counsel unit to control the TM and poke out when i get a bite. This winter I want to set the boat up for pulling cranks, spider rigging off the back.

As for your situation, How do you want to use it? I'd stick with HB products for connectivity, one-boat-network.