Fish Finder

[BRONZEBACK32]

What are you running and why?

I was looking at the Humminbird Helix 5 DI fish finder, but have found some mixed reviews.

[BigG]

I can't speak to any complaints, but I have had a 5" screen and I would highly recommend you get a larger unit.

[toporanger]

I run a 899 in the rear and a 859 up front. My father runs Lowrance, I tend to like the picture and some of the options on the lowrance but the interface to me on the Humminbirds is better. They are all good units IMO, BUT........ Get the biggest screen you can afford.

[BRONZEBACK32]

What is the best unit I can get for $250?

[toddmc]

It's hard to beat the Humminbird Helix series for value. You won't likely get more than a 5" screen and sonar at that pricepoint.

[Baik]

It's hard to beat the Humminbird Helix series for value. You won't likely get more than a 5" screen and sonar at that pricepoint.

I was in your shoes about a month ago and decided to go with the helix 5. I have a 898 on the console and the 5 up front and don't really notice the difference in screen size. The picture is very clear and bright on the helix but I do have a hard time seeing the screen in direct sunlight at times. Other than that it's a great unit at a great price.

Matt

[BRONZEBACK32]

Is the extra $50 worth it on the Helix 5 DI?
Or save $50 and go with the plain Helix 5?

[BRONZEBACK32]

Also, what about chirp?

[toddmc]

I just put a Helix 10 on the bow with 360 Imaging on the trolling motor. This replaced a 7" Lowrance. I have no desire to run multiple units on the bow yet because I like things simple.
I started with 5" screens and I got to be quite proficient with them on my first boat. The 5" screen is very adequate if you are only using sonar. I kind of miss the simplicity. $250 gets you very good sonar.
The GPS, SI, DI, and 360 Imaging is much better with the bigger screens because you may want to see more than one thing at once. Humminbird really knocked it out of the park with the value of the Helix series. It's amazing to see so many on people's boats.

[toddmc]

You have to step up to the Helix 12 to get the chirp in the Helix line I think. The Helix 10 without chirp is so clear that I didn't opt for the chirp. The chirp is an upgrade, but a very small upgrade for the price in my opinion.

[BRONZEBACK32]

What about the raymarine dragonfly?
It has chirp, I just don't know much about it...

Still thinking of the helix 5 DI

[BRONZEBACK32]

That Helix 10 looks amazing

[toddmc]

The Raymarine stuff looks nice. I don't know anyone that uses it or the Garmin though. Our two major boat dealerships in SoCal push the Lowrance.

[BigG]

It's hard to beat the Humminbird Helix series for value. You won't likely get more than a 5" screen and sonar at that pricepoint.

I was in your shoes about a month ago and decided to go with the helix 5. I have a 898 on the console and the 5 up front and don't really notice the difference in screen size. The picture is very clear and bright on the helix but I do have a hard time seeing the screen in direct sunlight at times. Other than that it's a great unit at a great price.

Matt

Major difference is when viewing the GPS maps.

[BRONZEBACK32]

No GPS needed.