TZT13XL vs TZT3 ?

[Starrfarms]

Hi all
Garmin guy, looking to switch over to Furuno. Searched here for the difference, but couldn't find anything. What is the difference between these 2 units? Primarily looking to Furuno for it's superior 3D and ocean floor mapping capabilities. I would also pair the chart plotter unit with the DFF3D.
Thanks for any input

 

[Johnny Electron]

XL is the newest series and has twice the processor and memory of the TZT3. The TZT3 is an excellent system as well but the XL offers more power and supports the newest charting called TZMaps with Bathyvison. Either system can run the DFF3D multi-beam which you can provide your own bathy data. Both systems have a rebate available for a limited time. TZT3 price has been reduced due to it no longer being the newest series so it offers a really good value. Everything depends on your needs and budget. If fitting new, I normally recommend going with the newest series. I never recommend building a mix system from scratch. If you do end up moving over the first thing you will notice is how much better the radar is. Thanks for looking and asking. We are here if you need us. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Lov32Fish]

Hey Starrfarms, welcome to the Furuno world!

If you're looking to switch from Garmin mainly for advanced 3D and bottom mapping, go with the TZtouchXL (TZTXL)—hands down the best option right now.

The TZTXL is Furuno’s newest series and offers major upgrades over the TZtouch3:

• High-res 3D bathymetric mapping with support for new TZ Maps—super detailed bottom contouring.
• Built for performance with faster processing, crisp displays (especially the 10" and 13"), and an updated UI.
• Advanced features like AI autorouting, risk visualizer, and smoother DFF3D integration.

Since you're planning to pair it with the DFF3D, the TZTXL gives you the best real-time 3D view with wide coverage and depth shading. The system is incredibly smooth and responsive—especially important if you're doing structure fishing or exploring less-charted zones.

The TZT3 is still a great unit, but if you’re going all-in on 3D and ocean floor mapping, TZTXL is the flagship for a reason.

Let me know your boat size/setup if you want recs on screen size or accessories.

 

[Quitsa]

I have had a pair of TZT3 16s since they were first introduced and also have a 13" TZTXL at my tower helm that I installed last summer to replace a TZT2. I agree with the comments from the Furuno guys. Although the XL unit is faster to switch screens and redraw, the TZT3 is also reasonably fast (except for booting up, which takes a long time for both the TZT3 and the XL). What is much better with the XL are the new TZMap charts, which cannot be run on the TZT3. The bathymetric detail is excellent on the TZMaps and reason alone to go with the XL.

I have also DFF-3D. It runs a little smoother and faster on the XL unit but also works very well on the TZT3.

There is one other consideration, however, which is the helm space and budget you have available. Because the smaller XL units have hybrid controls on the side, the display area relative to the footprint is less. There is a huge difference in screen area between a 13X and 16X but the mounting space required is almost the same. There is a lot to be said for having the biggest screens you can fit unless you have a small boat that bounces around a lot and feel you need the hybrid controls. Even so, you would better off to get the larger touch screen only displays and a remote control that gives you the same features as the knobs and buttons on the 10X and 13X.

Unlike the Garmin system, Furuno supports its products over a much longer time period and you will be able to get a TZT3 serviced and it should continue to see some software updates as needed. But it almost always makes sense to get the latest generation of equipment so I think it is a no-brainer to go with the XL units. As noted above, you will really be impressed by how much better the Furuno radars perform than what you had with the other brand.

 

[Starrfarms]

Hey Starrfarms, welcome to the Furuno world!

If you're looking to switch from Garmin mainly for advanced 3D and bottom mapping, go with the TZtouchXL (TZTXL)—hands down the best option right now.

The TZTXL is Furuno’s newest series and offers major upgrades over the TZtouch3:

• High-res 3D bathymetric mapping with support for new TZ Maps—super detailed bottom contouring.
• Built for performance with faster processing, crisp displays (especially the 10" and 13"), and an updated UI.
• Advanced features like AI autorouting, risk visualizer, and smoother DFF3D integration.

Since you're planning to pair it with the DFF3D, the TZTXL gives you the best real-time 3D view with wide coverage and depth shading. The system is incredibly smooth and responsive—especially important if you're doing structure fishing or exploring less-charted zones.

The TZT3 is still a great unit, but if you’re going all-in on 3D and ocean floor mapping, TZTXL is the flagship for a reason.

Let me know your boat size/setup if you want recs on screen size or accessories.

I really appreciate the detailed answers!
I have a 25' NR Seahawk. We mostly fish 300-500' for ling and halibut, then tuna and salmon in the summer. I also have been targeting Oregon Swords (lost one) for the last 3 years, and am hoping upgrading my electronics will help locating targets in deeper water. My next questions will be about transducer choice and frequencies. I'm running a 600w transducer now, so upgrading to a 1KW will be an instant improvement. Which transducer will hopefully improve it even more. It will have to be a transom mount. Targeting the bottom 1000'-2000' with detail isn't the priority, but identifying the DSL from 500-700' suspended is.

 

[Johnny Electron]

@Deep Blue