Humminbird Helix Buying Guide | What do you really need? Helix 5 to Mega Live Imaging
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- The Humminbird Helix has so many options it really needs a Humminbird Helix Buying Guide. First I break down the Helix 5 and Helix 7 into their features and price range. Next, I group the Helix 8, Helix 9, and Helix 10. I talk about different strategies with the one boat network and which units are compatible with Humminbird Mega Live Imaging and Humminbird Mega 360. Humminbird is the top tier of marine electronics, so it is no wonder they offer so many features. I also have video on the Humminbird Solix vs the Humminbird Apex. Make sure you check that out as well. • Is the Humminbird APEX... Thank you for watching my Humminbird Helix Buying Guide | What do you really need? Helix 5 to Mega Live Imaging video! Please SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already.
For business inquires contact: fishingfundamentals2019@gmail.com
A little about me:
I am James McBurnett. I live in the great state of Texas. Probably not where you would think, but I am located in the panhandle region. I moved here from Alabama and work as a Chemical Engineer in the area. After being here for a few years, I decided to get back to my roots as a fisherman. It is quite challenging in my area to find a body of water to fish. The closest lake to me is about 40 miles away.
After a couple more years, I realized how much I love fishing and wanted to share it with the world. Clearwater fishing was born. I wanted to teach people all about fishing. This includes rods, reels, fishing line, bait, lures, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, bluegill, boats, boat trailers, outboards, and anything else related to fishing.
I also wanted to share my fishing experiences as well. To be entertaining, knowledgeable, comical, and FUN. This channel was created out of the love of the sport of fishing, and I plan to keep making content that represents that. Thank you for watching this video and reading a bit about me. Give me a shout out in the comments below and let me know you read this. Now get out there and go catch you some fish.
Equipment I use:
Truck 2018 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.7L Cummins
Boat 2011 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW with 60 hp Mercury 4 stroke EFI
Front Fish Finder Garmin Echomap Plus 93SV with Livescope
Trolling Motor Motorguide Xi3 70lb with Pinpoint GPS
Console Fish Finder Lowrance Elite 9ti
Camera 1 Canon EOS RP
Camera 2 GoPro Hero 8 Black
Camera 3 GoPro Hero 5 Black
Which Helix are you getting and why?
I like your thoughts on the Helix 12 SI+ that’s where I will probably start my build.
Just ordered a new Skeeter that comes with a helix 12 at the helm and helix 9 at the bow. Was considering changing the 9 to a 12, but after this may just add another 9 to the front instead
I have two 10s on my boat G2N DI ant the bow and G3N SI connected with I-Pilot Link. I would like to add my Helix 7 G3N at the console but haven't decided on mounting it's the all season unit and has only been ice fishing so far. The last one is a 9 G4N SI with the Mega Live ice package, I might add the 9 at the bow with some kind of pole mount for the transducer.
I kayak fish and I want down imaging and sonar. I do not care about mapping or side imaging.
I'm want a 7', but have used a 5 and it is honestly enough.
I currently have a Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 with sonar and mapping. I just REALLY want down imaging.
What do you suggest?
Thanks you for the video
I am upgrading my trolling motor and the electronics on my Stratos 286 Pro XL this coming spring. I have two ancient Lowrance 5-inch units that I plan to replace with Humminbird Helix units including 360. For the electronics, I am trying to decide between 1) a Helix 12 MSI+ at the console and a Helix 12 MDI+ at the bow or 2) a Helix 12 MSI+ at the console and 2 Helix 10 MDI+ at the bow (one specifically for 360). The cost for option 2 is around $600 to $700 more unless I go to a Helix 10 at the console, plus needing a mount for 2 graphs at the bow and a little more labor. I am replacing the factory 65 lb thrust Maxxum trolling motor with a Minn Kota Ultrex MDI (80 lb thrust).
I would appreciate your thoughts and insight on each set up. Does the better resolution and size on the Helix 12 let me split my screens sufficiently to see 360, down imaging, and either 2D sonar or lake map at the bow versus the 2 Helix 10's?
Thanks.
I have a smaller bass boat and bought a helix 5 SI G2 that I mounted at the console, I won a Helix 7 mega DI g3 at the Skeeter owners tournament last weekend. I’m excited to get it mounted up front, All I’ve ever had on my boat were really small Lowrance elite 3’s. Even though the Helix 5 and 7 are small graphs compared to others out there, I feel like I have myself a great upgrade. Thanks for your video I enjoyed the info you shared.
You are going to love the Helix 7 on the bow. I had one and it was like taking a picture of the bottom.
Cheers from Australia dude. I think you made my mind up on your 2 videos. I think the Helix 12MSI+ G4N is the one for me. Excellent video. Your helping many people understand the models, features, pros and cons. Thanks again.
Great choice! Thank you for your kind comment. Make sure you share with your friends.
Thank you for a real review from a real fisherman
No problem 👍
Very informative video! Exactly what I needed to see in order to help me decide on what model Helix works best for my needs. Thanks!
Which one did you pick up?
Great video I just went out and bought a helix 9 Msi it was a small fortune but in the long run I think it will be well worth it thanks for educating me on this topic
I am loving your channel. I’ve recently found it and it’s packed with quality, clear, concise information of which I am very thankful. Keep that up. I’ve watched many of your vids on electronics, and I really don’t know which way to go. I have an opportunity to buy 2 ti2 7’s for 950. I just don’t like that I can’t share side scan or down scan to the 2nd unit, which may not be a big deal. Recently I’ve started to look into to humminbird helix, also a little into garmin, but for some reason lowrance appeals to me. I’ve recently found that humminbird helix really offers more (vs lowrance hook reveal) but I’m new to fish finders and lake fishing. I’d like to eventually have two units, and I do have a budget (950 being about the max) which is why I am considering that deal. I was just seeing if you know much about these units or if you have any recommendations/advice on a great budget 2 screen setup, one at the bow and one at the console. I’m really open to anything, its just that there’s SO many options it’s overwhelming, therefore needing some advice.
Thanks for your time!
Yup. I got you hooked up on an email. Thanks for the comment.
Such an excellent explanation of the lineup, thank you!!
Your welcome! Let me know if there is anything else you need.
Ty. I’ve been going back and forth on fish finders. I think I’m going with hummingbird.
Just ordered a Tracker Pro team 195 with A Helix 10 mega SI Gen 4n for console and a 10 mega DI Gen 4n for the bow. Plan on adding my Livescope 93sv to bow also. Really hoping the Helixs work as well as you claim. At $3300 for the Helixs and $2500 for the LS if I can’t catch some fish I may be disappointed. Thks for all the good info.
They will treat you good. You will catch them, I am sure of it.
Man if you need all that to catch fish you may want to go back to the basics first
Great video, been away from fishing fo a while and getting a boat again. The electronics companies are not much help in telling you what you need. I know what I want and you helped explain it.
Thanks
So first of all, great job on explaining that information. It's not the easiest to digest with all the different models. Which leads me to my question.
If I just want to connect two units via Ethernet cable to share waypoints... Do I need the "N" networking model?
Website from Amazon says no I do not but the way you and my brain explain it to me .... I think yes... Confused. Thank you for your videos !!
You need the N to network to share waypoints via a network. You can save waypoints to a card and upload them from one unit to another for units without the N.
@@clearwaterfishing thank you for sorting this out. To clarify... To share thru Ethernet cable immediately after marking way point...I need the networking model. If I want to manually save waypoints and then transfer later to another unit via sd card then non networking model. Is this correct.
Always great product knowledge and very good at explaining things
Thank you for your kind comment. I try my best.
Just purchased a Helix 7 MSI G4. Had an old Lowrance a friend gave me but it is so basic it is basically just good for GPS. Hoping it goes well on my Old Town PDL 106.
You will love it.
Thanks for this great Video about the Helix Series! At least I decided to buy the Helix 10 SI. It works together with my I-Pilot Link.
Greetings from Germany!
You are welcome! Hello from the US!
Thank you for your hard work. I'm looking forward to see what you can review/ explain to us after ICAST next week
Sure thing!
@@clearwaterfishing for what it's worth I'm looking for something for my kayak on the Colorado River and lake mead, Mohave area since there really isn't a lot of fallen trees.
Outstanding video. Clear explanations and insights. It helped me to solidify my decision. Thank you very much. 👍🏼
Glad it was helpful! Which one did you end up picking?
I have a helix 7 MDI G4N, they added more buttons and u can add mega live now, I wish they would have back-lit the buttons
Do you plan on getting Mega Live?
huge help and thanks much for explaining this so well!!
No problem. If you have more questions just ask!
Have had the Helix 5 chirp gps g2 for 5+ years and it's the best. Never part with it. So I want to add DI. At the time I couldn't find a Helix 5 w/DI so bought a Garmin Striker 5 CV and it's nice but I just don't like it. I don't us the 2D sonar on it but it is very cartoonish. Have it up for sale. Looking now at the Helix 5 DI G2. I just want to stay with Hummingbird.
Excellent video on Helix .
Also remember the 12 and 15(1280x800) have a higher screen resolution than the 8-10(1024x600)!
I totally forgot about screen resolution. I normally talk about that. Whoops. Thanks for putting it out there.
@@clearwaterfishing not trying to call you out! It was a good video
@@BehindTheReelFishing Your good man! I appreciate the comment.
Doesn't the 10 also have a higher screen resolution?
@@jeisonhansson no
Really helpful! Getting ready to buy!
Glad I was able to help. Which on did you decide on?
Accurate concise explanations in each of your videos. I've purchased a new G3 Angler 18 with an Ulterra with Mega Di transducer built in. Upgrading from a single 7" si sonar on a 16' side console boat I'm deciding what electronics to put on this new boat. Serious fisherman but not likely tournaments . I'm not tall (5'3" ) so I'm closer to the screen than taller guys. .What size screen would be optimum at the bow ? Does a tall telescopic or fold down mount get in the way ?( allows for smaller screen up closer) I'll have my Livescope ice bundle with 9" screen likely with ducer on a motorized pole on the bow as well. Also wondering about screen size for the helm. I don't want to block forward vision thru the windshield too much. Tough getting electronics over 7" in Canada right now.My boat dealer has a Helix 10 Mega si gen 4 and a Solix 10 mega si in stock. The si wouldn't function off the Ulterra ducer. Your advice on whether those 2 units he has would be optimum or something else? Thanks from Parry Sound Ont.
I really appreciate your comment. Lots of good stuff. I find that about a 10" screen should be the standard. Large enough to put 2 things on the screen and have plenty of detail. Higher than that just gets better and lower than that you start to lean in and watch the screen too much. You asked about a telescoping pole mount. Even though I don't have much experience with them BeatDownOutdoors.com has tons of model. Even some that are telescopic and fold down. That should work for what you want and you can adjust it to be out of your way. I would try it mounted on your deck first because if you don't need it why buy it. My opinion about the Solix vs Helix is that Solix is better all around but if you aren't going to use those extra features that it comes with you might want to save some cash and go helix. The helix can be frustrating to someone used to touch screens so maybe I lean to the solix. If money doesn't matter to you that much then I would buy the Solix 10. You can always learn more about it and move it to your console someday if you feel like the features are be utilized. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. I am glad to help. 😄
I just picked up a Gen 4 Helix 7 mega si
Do you like it?
@@clearwaterfishing no. I took it back and bought the Lowrance Carbon 9 Cabelas had on sale for almost the same money. Yeah I lose the 1.2 kHz definition mega but I gain on the bigger touch screen.
@@Hatchet69th Don’t blame you there!
Good job.
Many many thanks! What did you like most? What did you like least?
Great video! So, do I need one with an N just to be able to tell my trolling motor where I want it to navigate to?
Liked! You are right, there really can be better explanation than on Humminbird's website. A+. Best overview I have seen. Took me many hours to find out a lot of what you said in 18 minutes and I still learned quite a bit from your post. Thank you. QUESTION for you if I may: I'm just wanting to set up a kayak with the Helix 9 Si+ so no network needed. What're the advantages of the G4 over the G3 - or will there be no practical difference for my need? I hope to eventually add the Mega 360 transducer too. Thanks in advance for any help. I'd love to save some $ without compromising the detail if G3 will work just as well. Thanks!
For a kayaker, I don't think there is much of difference between G3 and G4. I believe most of the differences are in hardware.
@@clearwaterfishing Thanks! Much appreciated.
Can you explain the different model of transducer hummingbird has for each unit
That’s a whole video on its own. I will give it a shot. Give me a week or 2 and I’ll have something up.
Great info!
That Helix 12 Mega SI+ would look nice on my boat!
Mine too!
appreciate video home boy
No problem.
Great info! Love my helix units!
Awesome! What sizes and feature do you have?
@@clearwaterfishing i have a 9" G3N MSI+ at the console, a 1p"G3N MSI+ & a 9" G2N CHIRP at the bow. Mega 360 and an ipilot link ultrex
@@BehindTheReelFishing Is the SI+ useful at the bow?
@@clearwaterfishing I'm sorry, my 10" is a MDI. no sense in getting an SI at the bow with a Mega 360.
@@clearwaterfishing here's a video I did with RMP going over the SI feature on the Mega 360. ua-cam.com/video/zBGHrxY1IdE/v-deo.html
Great Vid and job THX
Thank you! Glad it was helpful.
This was a great video, and super helpful, especially for a guy who knows little to nothing about fish finders. Wondering your opinion... I am looking at one of the Helix's, most likely the Helix 5, for the GPS only to mount on my snowmobile to get me out on the ice and back safely. I want something that is easy to use, easy to follow, can mark waypoints, etc. Not exactly concerned too much about finding fish, as I already use a flasher. Would the 5 be a good one for this, or would you recommend a different unit? Im trying to upgrade from a handheld that is not very user friendly. Thanks!!
That should fit your needs perfectly. The 2D can be used as a flasher and the GPS will get you back to the same spot. If you planned on using a boat in the summer to find locations for winter I would recommend a Helix 7 SI. Then you could have a multi purpose unit.
Great Video. Explained well. Thank you.
Thank you! I work hard for y'all. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
@@clearwaterfishing I have a Helix 5 but the screen is difficult to see in the Sun, I’m hoping to get a second machine, with a 9” screen. Use one for the bottom machine and the other for GPS maps. You put out a lot of good information about the new machine. Thank you
@@kenpendergraft8997 No problem. If you want some help picking any out, I am here to help. I think you can buy a sun screen which is a cover that blocks the sun for you.
@@clearwaterfishing sweet! Did not know that, I will check in to it. Thanks.
@@kenpendergraft8997 It's not a Humminbird thing so you would have to find it on the aftermarket.
This video was very helpful. Im looking for a Humminbird helix 7 side scan for Crappies. Can you tell me if the following is a good deal?
From: Boatlanders
Model: Humminbird Helix 7 Gen4 CHIRP Si
(They're taking orders, ETA Jan 21 2022)
Price: $450
Transducer included: XNT 9 HW Si T
That is a good deal! It doesn’t have networking though.
@@clearwaterfishing
Thanks!
I dont network...
I just see the helix 7 Gen3 for $900 on internet, and now this Gen4 for $450 !??
Just didnt sound right for the little i know.
@@howardredder3582 Just a note it is not mega. Mega is $630. Mega in my opinion is better than regular si or di.
Which is the correct transponder for a Helix 10 SI GPS KVD? Barn rats have chewed thru my transponder cable.
What gen?
Which unit would you recommend that has following :
Touch screen, side scan, 7” screen. What would that start at? Can I get that for under $1,000 ?
Lowrance FS. That’s about all you can get with a touch screen in your price range. Garmin is just underwhelming.
Sorry, I meant which Humminbird unit. But in the meantime I went on Humminbirds website and saw that I would have to spend I think at least $2300 for the touch screen. It’s mostly the touch screen I am interested in. I have a Lowrance 7ti. (7”, touch screen). Got spoiled w touch screen as i mark a LOT of waypoints and don’t have time to be messing with toggle
So if I wanted to just put a unit on my trolling motor what would be the best unit to use at the cheapest price. The ultrex has its own Built-in transducer and I'm not sure which one to get with it .
I think the helix 9 or 10 is best. If you are putting it on a trolling motor you don’t need SI. Just get the DI version.
For me... the hot buttons are awesome, sad to see they are not on the Helix 5. Wish there was a workaround... any ideas?
You can remove the views in the menu of screens you scroll through. Just remove the ones you don't use often. They can always be added back.
So, when it all boils down the 7 is the best.
Which one do you recommend for saltwater -humminbird helix 5 chirp g2 or the g3 . I hear stories of freezing imaging while in motion.
I am always a proponent of new generations. They usually make a significant amount of improvements.
I guess Humminbird changed cause i just ordered me a Helix 7 MDI gen 4.
Great video as always, thanks for sharing. One question, does Solix 15" bring everything (ie., transducer, 2d sonar, mega si+, mega di+, etc)? is it portable? (I mean, simply use a long stick to add the ducer and move the console to one boat to another depending on my needs). Thanks again.
It can come with or without the transducer. Without is call CHO, which stand for control head only. If you have 2 boats with a transducer and power mounted to each one. You can move the control head from boat to boat. A great way to save some money if you have more than one boat you fish.
So I found a steal on a used Helix 7 mega SI G3. The question I have is does this unit have Bluetooth capability?
I don’t think any helixes have Bluetooth capabilities.
My 7 g3n had Bluetooth & so does my 7 g4n
This is great
Just bought a minnkota ulterra, going to get a hummingbird so I can steer it with hummingbird. Help me out. Then do I keep my hook 7 or sell it.
What they do not tell you, if you place a memory stick whether, for a chart or any purpose, The Helix loses its water tightness due to the door being held open and the plug will not go back
Never covered touch screen, do you have anything that covers that?
Maybe I am misunderstanding you. Helix doesn’t have a touch screen. The solix does. I don’t have a buying guide for that because they are all the same except for size.
I have a Helix 9 on the council I would like to put a unit on the bow. The one on the council is connected to the Minn Kota Ulterra do I have to disconnect if I dont want to network with the main unit?
I been looking for a new set up. I was thinking about the helix 8 g4n si but I like the lowrance Elite 7 fs 3-in-1 as well. Idk witch one.. someone flip a coin...
Get the Helix!
Thanks! I'm glad I found your channel!
@@JC22666 No problem! Spread the word!
solix 12 or helix g4n?
Solix
Are there any Helix that have both the down imaging and side imaging?
The ones with side imaging have down imaging as well.
What imagine for a 2 man electric bass boat? Lol I have twin troller x10.
Thinking about getting something and wonder your thoughts which is the way to go. The mega 360 looks really neat…
Recommendations?
If you are looking for solid images and not break the bank, I would go for a Helix 7 SI or DI. Depends on how much trolling and looking for stuff you plan on doing.
@@clearwaterfishing thank you very much… small lake kind of fishing… just a good sonar to see what’s around
@@pewpewrn7565 Definitely the helix 7. Probably the si if you want to find new brush piles and other structure/cover.
@@clearwaterfishing thank you so much!!!
So I think all mega plus units will be compatible with the mega live coming out?
That is what Humminbird has told us.
I have a helix 9 mega di mega si it did not come with transducer g 4 n which transducer do I need?
Helix 9 MSI+ G4N uses the XM 9 HW MSI T. It cost $399 on Humminbird's site, but they are out of stock. Was it a mistake you bought the CHO?
@@clearwaterfishing no just wanted to get right transducer thank you!
@@marvinwimsatt11 no problem. Glad I could help
I am a trolling walleye fisherman in lake Erie. what do you suggest?
Helix 9 or 10 MSI+ G4N if you want to network or G4 without networking.
Thanks, picked up the Helix 9 MSI G4 today at Cabelas.
Is there a mapping system for Canada ? I can’t seem to find anything
There are lakemaster maps for Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. I hope the link works. humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/mapping/lakemaster?_gl=1%2Ar7ijjd%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE2Mjc3NDg5MTYuQ2owS0NRanc2Wk9JQmhEZEFSSXNBTWY4WXlHbURYd0J4SnJpU2ZCMUFSSXZQQllwbi1WZ05pNXBuVXdGQXdidHhFTFRLVXZKRk9RTjdBY2FBZ05JRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE2Mjc3NDg5MTYuQ2owS0NRanc2Wk9JQmhEZEFSSXNBTWY4WXlHbURYd0J4SnJpU2ZCMUFSSXZQQllwbi1WZ05pNXBuVXdGQXdidHhFTFRLVXZKRk9RTjdBY2FBZ05JRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_ga%2AMTI4NTgyNDgxNC4xNjIyNDExOTgy%2A_ga_JE4T2LF5XP%2AMTYyODAzMzM1Ni4zOC4wLjE2MjgwMzMzNTYuNjA.%2A_ga_LKQZ6YTSTM%2AMTYyODAzMzM1Ni4yMC4wLjE2MjgwMzMzNTYuMA..&_ga=2.189474219.1827186889.1627956781-1285824814.1622411982&_gac=1.51835995.1627749001.Cj0KCQjw6ZOIBhDdARIsAMf8YyGmDXwBxJriSfB1ARIvPBYpn-VgNi5pnUwFAwbtxELTKUvJFOQN7AcaAgNIEALw_wcB&f%5B0%5D=field_product%253Afield_hbmappingregion%3A27951
Humminbirds maps are so slow it’s ridiculous. Especially the helix. I have had lowrance HDS units since the first ones. On my new boat I put a Garmin 102 UHD, helix 12, helix 10, and the birds don’t even come close to the Garmin and HDS. Lakemaster is a little more detailed on some lakes but Humminbird is so slow it’s not even worth it. Not to mention the side imaging and down imaging doesn’t show fish half as good as lowrance. If you want to look at pictures of structure and you don’t care about catching fish and don’t fish offshore, sure get a helix. But if you want to see fish and be able to pan your map around without it freezing and loading forever l, , lowrance is the way to go. Not to mention mega live sucks compared to the other brands.
My Lowrance was nothing but problems. The touchscreen worked half the time. Maps were garbage. And the down and side imaging were poor at best.
Please tell me why I cannot see my shaded path as I am charting when using auto chart live. Software is updated and is gn4 unit. What screen do I go to after hitting record and what settings to get the shaded area each side of boat to show as I chart?
Sometimes the transparency of the AutoChart live map is set to 0% (or 100% whichever you can see through). You may need to change it to the other end of the spectrum.
@@clearwaterfishing thanks.. does it matter what any of the si or di settings are on?
@@richardj6593 it shouldn’t matter.
@@clearwaterfishing thanks.. love your channel.
@@richardj6593 Thanks man! I appreciate it.
I'm confused about something. I think you said the MSI includes DSI but other times you say we might want MSI OR MDI. That confuses me because it sounds like you are saying there is an MSI unit and separate a DSI unit. Thanks for the video.
That is because they make DI units that don't have SI.
@@clearwaterfishing oh ok. Thanks!
Want a helix but also wanna get the mega live what is the cheapest unit that will work with mega live
Probably a Helix 8 G4N.
I think the heilx 8 chirp mega si+ gps g4n is the unit im gonna buy but am not 100% certain it will work
@@Noah_P Check out humminbird’s website. Search mega live and it will tell you.
@@clearwaterfishing thats the one thanks buddy was a super informative video keep it up!
@@Noah_P Thank you sir!
How about the live image
What about it?
Which is the correct transponder for a Helix 10 SI GPS KVD? Barn rats have chewed thru my transponder cable.😂
What gen?
So many models, features, transducers, and map chips- I have a helix 7 that sits home and collects dust, that eliminates the frustration of staring at an 800$ fancy boat night light! These things are useless.
I don’t think they are useless. They can be very useful and show you were fish are especially off shore. Just because you have it doesn’t mean you will catch more fish. I would like you to try and learn how to use it. Much like throwing with your non dominant arm, you aren’t going to be very good at first. Keep practicing and learning and soon you can throw it very well and it adds flexibility to your arsenal. Take a look at Fish The Moment UA-cam channel. He is very good at explaining how to use electronics.
Is it a g3n or g4n? Ill buy it
Which is the correct transponder for a Helix 10 SI GPS KVD? Barn rats have chewed thru my transponder cable.
What gen?
Which is the correct transponder for a Helix 10 SI GPS KVD? Barn rats have chewed thru my transponder cable.
What gen?
Which is the correct transponder for a Helix 10 SI GPS KVD? Barn rats have chewed thru my transponder cable.
What gen?
I found the answer in the manual:
XHS 9 HSDI-180T