Best Battery Options for Garmin LiveScope Systems

When you’re out on the water, focused on finding those elusive fish with your Garmin LiveScope system, the last thing you want is a dying battery. Trust me, I’ve been there – seeing that “low power” warning pop up just as the bite heats up is incredibly frustrating. While the main LiveScope black box and transducer demand significant 12V power, many of us also rely on other Garmin devices, like chartplotters, handheld GPS units, or even dog tracking collars, that play a role in our fishing adventures. Finding the best battery options for Garmin LiveScope systems isn’t just about the main power source; it’s about ensuring all your crucial Garmin gear stays powered throughout the day.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	MPF Products 1100mAh 361-00056-00, 361-00056-50 Battery…	View on Amazon
	3.7V 2200mAh Li-ion Replacement Battery for Garmin…	View on Amazon
	Garmin PRO Series Li-Ion Battery	View on Amazon
	MPF Products 900mAh Extended 361-00056-08 Battery…	View on Amazon
	Garmin Rechargeable NiMH Battery for GPSMAP 64s/Oregon 600…	View on Amazon

This guide will walk you through a selection of batteries that cater to various Garmin devices you might use alongside your LiveScope setup. We’ll dive into five popular battery choices, giving you an honest look at their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Think of this as your hands-on companion to keeping all your Garmin electronics humming, helping you maximize your time on the water.

Product Reviews

MPF Products 1100mAh 361-00056-00, 361-00056-50 Battery

This MPF Products battery is a lifesaver for anyone using older Garmin Drive or Nuvi series GPS units, which many anglers still use for navigation or supplementary mapping alongside their LiveScope screen. It’s a direct replacement that ensures your trusty navigation device doesn’t conk out mid-trip. I’ve found that having a spare or a fresh replacement for these smaller units is crucial, especially if you’re using them heavily. It’s built to spec, so fitting it is usually straightforward, and the included tools are a nice touch, saving you a trip to the hardware store. Its 1100mAh capacity provides reliable runtime for several hours, making it perfect for day trips.

• Replacement for Garmin battery model/part numbers: 361-00056-00, 361-00056-50
• Compatible with Garmin Drive 50, 50LM, 51, 51LMT-S, 51LMT; Garmin Nuvi 30, 50, 50LM, 52, 52LM, 52LMT, 55, 55LM, 55LMT
• 3.7V 1100mAh 4.07Wh Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
• Includes Free Installation Tools
• 1 Year Replacement Warranty

Pros:
– Direct fit for many popular older Garmin GPS models.
– Lithium-ion technology offers good power density.
– Comes with installation tools, simplifying replacement.
– Affordable and reliable replacement option.

Cons:
– Limited capacity compared to some alternatives, best for shorter uses.
– Only compatible with a specific range of Garmin devices.

Best for: Anglers needing a reliable replacement battery for their Garmin Nuvi or Drive series navigation devices used in conjunction with their LiveScope setup.

User feedback summary: Many users appreciate the exact fit and the included tools, noting it brought their older Garmin GPS units back to life. Some wish for a slightly higher capacity but acknowledge it performs as expected for the price.

3.7V 2200mAh Li-ion Replacement Battery for Garmin Montana

For those who rely on a rugged Garmin Montana handheld GPS, this 2200mAh Li-ion battery is a fantastic upgrade or replacement. The Montana series is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its durability and larger screen, making it a great companion for mapping and waypoint marking when fishing with LiveScope. This battery offers a substantial 2200mAh capacity, effectively doubling the runtime compared to many standard replacement options for similar devices. I really appreciate the focus on safety with built-in over-charge, over-discharge, and over-heating protection, giving you peace of mind during long days outdoors. It’s also FCC and ROHS certified, speaking to its quality.

• Electric voltage: 3.7V, Capacity: 2200mAh / 8.14Wh
• Product type: Li-ion, Dimension: 53.33 x 34.40 x 11.00mm, Weight: 70.0g
• Compatible with Garmin Montana 600, 600T, 600t Camo, 650, 650T, 680, 680T, Monterra
• Part No. 010-11599-00, 010-11654-03, 361-00053-00, 361-00053-04
• Safety & Reliable Quality with built-in protections (over-charge, over-discharge, over-voltage, over-current, over-heating)
• Easy to install and offers extended run time with no memory effect.
• 30 days Refund and 24 hours response service.

Pros:
– High capacity (2200mAh) provides significantly extended runtime.
– Robust safety features ensure reliable and safe operation.
– Easy to install and perfectly fits compatible Montana models.
– No memory effect, allowing for flexible charging.

Cons:
– Specific compatibility to Garmin Montana/Monterra series.
– Slightly higher price point due to increased capacity and features.

Best for: Garmin Montana users who need maximum runtime for their handheld GPS while on extended fishing trips or scouting locations, complementing their LiveScope system.

User feedback summary: Users frequently praise the extended battery life and the perfect fit in their Montana devices. The added safety features are a bonus, making it a trusted replacement for long days outdoors.

Garmin PRO Series Li-Ion Battery

This isn’t a battery for your LiveScope display, but for those who combine fishing with dog training or hunting, the Garmin PRO Series Li-Ion Battery is an essential accessory. If you use a Garmin PRO Series dog device – perhaps to keep track of your retriever while bank fishing or hunting – having a spare is non-negotiable. This lithium-ion battery is specifically designed for those devices, offering an impressive 40-60 hours per charge. Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry multiple spares, ensuring your dog’s safety and your peace of mind throughout long training sessions or multi-day excursions. It’s a genuine Garmin part, so you know it’s going to work seamlessly with your existing gear.

• 40-60 hours per charge (for PRO Series dog devices)
• Package Dimensions: 18.2 H x 2.0 L x 10.3 W (centimetres)
• Package Weight: 0.041 kilograms
• Country of Origin : Taiwan
• Designed for extended training sessions with your PRO Series dog devices

Pros:
– Excellent runtime (40-60 hours) for compatible dog devices.
– Genuine Garmin product ensures perfect compatibility and reliability.
– Lightweight and compact, easy to carry spares.
– Lithium-ion technology for consistent power output.

Cons:
– Exclusively for Garmin PRO Series dog devices; no other application.
– Capacity (mAh) not explicitly stated, but runtime is impressive.

Best for: Anglers who also utilize Garmin PRO Series dog training or tracking devices and need reliable, extended power for them.

User feedback summary: Owners of PRO Series dog collars rave about the long-lasting charge and the convenience of having a genuine spare battery. They confirm it performs as expected, providing consistent power for their training sessions.

MPF Products 900mAh Extended 361-00056-08 Battery

Another great option from MPF Products, this 900mAh lithium-ion battery serves as an “extended” capacity replacement for a different range of Garmin DriveSmart GPS models. While 900mAh might seem lower than others reviewed, for the devices it’s compatible with (like the DriveSmart 55 or 65), it often represents an improvement over the original stock battery, hence the “extended” label. It’s another crucial battery for keeping your supplementary Garmin navigation devices powered, ensuring you don’t lose your way to or from your favorite fishing spot. Just like its sibling, it comes with free installation tools and a 1-year warranty, adding value and confidence to your purchase.

• High-Capacity Replacement for Garmin battery model/part numbers: 361-00056-08
• Compatible with Garmin Drivesmart 5, Drivesmart 55, DriveSmart 61, Drivesmart 65, DriveSmart 71
• 3.7V 900mAh 3.3Wh Extended Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
• Includes Free Installation Tools
• 1 Year Replacement Warranty

Pros:
– Extended capacity compared to some original Garmin DriveSmart batteries.
– Includes necessary installation tools.
– Affordable replacement with a good warranty.
– Lithium-ion for stable power delivery.

Cons:
– 900mAh might still require frequent charging for heavy users.
– Specific compatibility to the DriveSmart series.

Best for: Garmin DriveSmart users who need to refresh or extend the battery life of their GPS unit, ensuring it stays operational throughout a fishing trip.

User feedback summary: Users report that this battery is a perfect fit and significantly improves the runtime of their compatible DriveSmart GPS devices. The included tools are frequently mentioned as a helpful bonus, making the installation straightforward.

Garmin Rechargeable NiMH Battery for GPSMAP 64s/Oregon 600

This is a versatile power solution for a couple of Garmin’s popular rugged handheld GPS series: the GPSMAP 64 and Oregon 600. Unlike the internal Li-ion batteries discussed, this is typically a rechargeable NiMH battery pack that often replaces standard AA batteries in these devices. The beauty of this system is its flexibility – you can often switch between this rechargeable pack and regular AA batteries if you’re in a pinch. For LiveScope users who rely on these handhelds for detailed mapping, geocaching, or precise waypoint marking on the go, having a dedicated rechargeable pack means less waste and more consistent performance than disposable batteries. It’s a genuine Garmin accessory, ensuring perfect compatibility.

• Compatible with Garmin GPSMAP 64 and Oregon 600 Series GPS
• Rechargeable NiMH Battery
• Genuine Garmin accessory

Pros:
– Provides a rechargeable solution for compatible Garmin handhelds, reducing reliance on disposable AAs.
– Genuine Garmin product ensures perfect fit and functionality.
– Offers good performance for long hours of outdoor use.
– Often provides the flexibility to switch to AA batteries if the rechargeable pack runs low.

Cons:
– NiMH technology has a higher self-discharge rate than Li-ion (meaning it loses charge faster when not in use).
– Requires the specific charging setup for compatible devices.
– Capacity (mAh) not specified, typically equivalent to good quality AA NiMH cells.

Best for: Owners of Garmin GPSMAP 64 or Oregon 600 series handheld GPS units who prefer a rechargeable, dedicated battery pack over disposable AA batteries for consistent power.

User feedback summary: Users appreciate the convenience of this genuine Garmin rechargeable pack, noting it’s a solid upgrade from disposable batteries. They find it reliable for multi-day trips and easy to charge within their devices.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When considering the best battery options for Garmin LiveScope systems, it’s crucial to remember that the LiveScope black box and transducer themselves typically require a robust 12V power source, often a deep cycle marine battery or a dedicated LiFePO4 battery, due to their significant power draw. The batteries reviewed above are primarily for other Garmin devices you might use alongside your LiveScope setup – things like GPS chartplotters that take internal batteries, handheld navigators, or even dog tracking collars.

Let’s break down how these specific options compare:

For your handheld or dash-mounted GPS units, the 3.7V 2200mAh Li-ion Replacement Battery for Garmin Montana stands out for its sheer capacity. At 2200mAh, it offers significantly longer runtimes than the MPF Products 1100mAh or 900mAh options. If you’re using a Garmin Montana for mapping or waypoint marking all day, this higher capacity means less worrying about power. However, it’s strictly for the Montana and Monterra series.

The MPF Products 1100mAh and MPF Products 900mAh batteries are excellent choices for their specific Garmin Drive and Nuvi series devices. They offer reliable replacements and often an “extended” capacity over original batteries in those specific models. The included installation tools with MPF Products are a definite plus, making the DIY replacement process straightforward. The 1-year warranty on MPF batteries also provides good peace of mind.

The Garmin PRO Series Li-Ion Battery is in a league of its own, specifically designed for dog tracking/training devices. Its impressive 40-60 hours of runtime highlight its purpose for extended use in the field, far beyond what typical GPS batteries offer for their main unit.

Finally, the Garmin Rechargeable NiMH Battery for GPSMAP 64s/Oregon 600 offers flexibility. While NiMH generally has a higher self-discharge rate than Li-ion, the ability to swap to standard AA batteries in a pinch is invaluable for long, off-grid excursions. This makes it a versatile choice for specific rugged handheld GPS units.

Key takeaway for Garmin LiveScope users: These reviewed batteries are not for powering your main LiveScope system. Instead, they enhance the functionality of your other Garmin devices. Consider the specific Garmin model you own and your required runtime when choosing. Lithium-ion batteries generally offer better power-to-weight ratio and lower self-discharge than NiMH, making them ideal for devices needing consistent, long-term power.

Final Verdict

When equipping yourself with the best battery options for Garmin LiveScope systems, it’s crucial to distinguish between the substantial power needs of the LiveScope black box and transducer, and the complementary power needs of your other Garmin devices. For the LiveScope system itself, you’ll be looking at large 12V deep cycle or LiFePO4 batteries to ensure all-day performance.

However, for the specific internal and rechargeable batteries we’ve reviewed for other Garmin units, here’s my take:

• For maximum handheld GPS endurance, if you own a Garmin Montana, the 3.7V 2200mAh Li-ion Replacement Battery for Garmin Montana is undeniably the strongest contender. Its superior capacity translates directly into more time on the water without needing to recharge.
• If you’re reviving an older Garmin Drive or Nuvi, the MPF Products 1100mAh 361-00056-00 is an excellent, cost-effective choice that brings new life to your navigation unit, complete with the tools you need. Similarly, for the Garmin DriveSmart series, the MPF Products 900mAh Extended 361-00056-08 offers a reliable upgrade.
• For multi-sport enthusiasts who rely on Garmin dog devices, the Garmin PRO Series Li-Ion Battery is a must-have spare, providing unparalleled runtime for those specialized units.
• And for rugged handheld users of the GPSMAP 64 or Oregon 600 series, the Garmin Rechargeable NiMH Battery provides a robust, manufacturer-backed rechargeable solution, offering the best balance of reliability and flexibility.

Ultimately, your “best” option depends on which specific Garmin device you need to power. Invest in the right battery for each piece of your Garmin ecosystem, and you’ll spend more time fishing and less time worrying about power.

FAQ Section

Q1: What kind of battery does a Garmin LiveScope system actually need to operate?
A: A Garmin LiveScope black box and transducer typically require a robust 12V power source. This usually means a deep cycle marine battery (like an AGM or lead-acid) or, increasingly popular, a high-capacity LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery due to their lighter weight, longer lifespan, and consistent power delivery. The small 3.7V batteries reviewed here are for smaller, complementary Garmin devices, not the main LiveScope unit.

Q2: Can these small 3.7V batteries power my LiveScope transducer or black box directly?
A: No, absolutely not. The batteries reviewed in this article (ranging from 3.7V to NiMH packs) are designed for smaller Garmin devices like handheld GPS units, car navigators, or dog collars. The Garmin LiveScope system draws significant power at 12V and requires a much larger, higher-voltage battery to function correctly. Using these small batteries would not only be insufficient but could potentially damage your LiveScope unit.

Q3: How long do typical 12V batteries for Garmin LiveScope systems last on the water?
A: The runtime of a 12V battery for a Garmin LiveScope system varies greatly depending on the battery’s Amp-hour (Ah) rating and the specific LiveScope model’s power draw. Generally, a 50Ah LiFePO4 battery can power a LiveScope system for 8-12 hours, while a larger 100Ah battery could last 16-24 hours or more. Factors like screen brightness, ambient temperature, and transducer usage also play a role.

Q4: What’s the best way to extend the battery life of my Garmin devices when I’m fishing with LiveScope?
A: To extend battery life, whether it’s for your LiveScope unit or a handheld GPS, consider these tips: reduce screen brightness, turn off unnecessary features (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if not in use), keep firmware updated, and always start with a fully charged battery. For handhelds, carry a spare, and for LiveScope, ensure your 12V battery is correctly sized for your planned outing.

Q5: Are lithium-ion or NiMH batteries better for Garmin handheld devices?
A: For most modern Garmin handhelds and internal battery replacements, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are generally preferred. They offer a higher energy density (more power in a smaller, lighter package), a lower self-discharge rate (they hold a charge longer when not in use), and typically no “memory effect.” NiMH batteries, while reliable and often used in AA-compatible devices, tend to be heavier, have a higher self-discharge rate, and can be more sensitive to charging cycles.

Q6: Do I need special chargers for these Garmin device batteries?
A: For internal replacement batteries like the MPF Products and the Garmin Montana replacement, you’ll typically charge them inside the Garmin device itself using its standard charging cable (e.g., USB). The Garmin PRO Series battery also charges within its specific dog device. The Garmin Rechargeable NiMH pack for GPSMAP 64s/Oregon 600 is designed to be charged while installed in those compatible handhelds. Always use the original or a high-quality, compatible charger to ensure safety and longevity.

Q7: How do I know which battery is compatible with my specific Garmin device?
A: Always check the specific model numbers listed for compatibility. For internal batteries, match the original battery’s part number (e.g., “361-00056-00”) to the replacement. For external or rechargeable packs, ensure your Garmin device’s model (e.g., “Garmin Drive 50,” “Montana 600,” “GPSMAP 64s”) is explicitly listed by the battery manufacturer. When in doubt, consult your device’s manual or Garmin’s official support.