New Fish Finder Question/Advice.

[Kjostad]

So i have been saving up and decided to look at a new fish finder. I have been doing some looking online and I am hoping to get some opinions on here about which way to go. I am looking at a Humminbird Helix 7 DI Sonar/GPS Combo or a Lawrance Hook 7 Base Mid/Hi Down Scan Sonar/GPS combo. So the screen size isn't a big deal to me I might go with the 5" to save some money but haven't decided yet. Want I am wondering is, the humminbird has down and side scan but the Lawrance does not. The Lawrance has CHIRP sonar, the Humminbird has the Dual beam with Switchfire and it can accept 3 different mapping software companies where as I believe the Lawrance only accepts theirs. I am mainly going to be fishing 0-50ft max and fresh water. Will fish in Indiana, Ozarks and Northern MN. From what I can see I am leaning towards the Humminbird but is the CHIRP sonar that much better? I like the side scan feature for when I get to shallower water or if I am in a channel and also like the fact I can get maps from a few different places. Any advice would be great. Also not opposed to looking at other brands/models but want to keep it under the $500 mark, Sonar/GPS and at Cabelas since I have saved the points on my card to cover that. Also right now the Helix has a $50 club members rebate so that is kind of nice to. Thanks

[foolfishin]

Kjostad

Double check the Hummingbird unit you are looking at. The one you described does not have side scan. The Helix 7 with side scan is a $700 unit. As far as chips go I would recommend the Lake master for Minnesota. I have the Wisconsin Lake Master chip for my unit at the console, the color and options for the high def lake provide a lot of options for how you want to view the information. As far as Indiana goes I wouldn't spend the money on a chip. Lake Master doesn't have a lot of the reservoirs I fish in high def and the Navonics is not much better than what is comes on the Humminbird units. Personally I am partial to the Humminbird unit and I am going to purchase a Helix 7 DI/GPS for the front of the boat this week.

[Locator79]

I have the Helix 5 series, with both the SI and also just the DI. For the money, could not be happier.

[Kjostad]

Thanks for the reply guys!

[foolfishin]

Talked to Humminbird yesterday. A low profile trolling motor transducer for a Helix 7 is a $60 exchange thru Humminbird. Also the 5 and 7 series take a micro SD card which would mean new cards if I want the hidef up front. The Helix 9 is linkable to my 898 and if I understand correctly it would share data and maps thru the link (no new cards $150 savings). Also the low profile trolling motor transducer is an even exchange ($60 savings). Then there is the potential for 360 viewing which is similar to side imaging but shows 360 deg around the transducer. So is the additional $300 for a Helix 9 DI/GPS worth the cost, I'm not sure that includes 360, calling Humminbird again today with more questions. Dilemma's/Delimma's

[Kjostad]

Foolfishin,

I did some reading on the 9 last night and really like the unit. I can get side and down immaging which would be nice and the ability of the 360. From what i have seen that 360 is really really neat and would be awesome. My problem is that it looks like it will be a grand for the 9 and it does NOT come with the 360. In order to get that it is an add on and is 1000-1500! Even with the 360 u still need the standard transducer. Only nice thing is that it has 2 card slots and at least u can add it later. This has not made my decision any easier, now i am afraid i am going to go over budget but at least it wont need an up grade for a long time.

[foolfishin]

Know what you mean about going over budget. Got a couple of gift cards for Cabella's that was going to take care of the majority of the 7 with DI. I've found that I am better off if I get as much as I can afford the first time around. The gal I was talking to at Humminbird said they don't charge tax to Indiana purchases, so there is a little savings. Thanks for sharing the info on the 360 I haven't had time to make the call today.

[daybreak]

The gal I was talking to at Humminbird said they don't charge tax to Indiana purchases, so there is a little savings.

That changed when Cabelas built stores in Indiana. You will pay sales tax for online purchases here now. The guys and gals are right. Buy all that you can afford now. You won't regret getting as much as you can for your money. I have a Humminbird 898 w/ SI and just love it.

[Kjostad]

Foolfishin not sure where you are from but did some looking and gander in avon has a Helix 9 si in stock and has one on their demo table if u want to play with it some. Hope to run down tomorrow eve to at least see it before i order.

[foolfishin]

Thanks kjostad

Looked at a 7 at gander in Lafayette the other day. The menus are very similar to the other units I have. My last conversation with Humminbird I was informed that the linked units would not share map data but would share gps data. So either way I go I would need new cards. So I've decided to go with the 7, look at the transducer & how it mounts on the trolling motor before I decide on the transducer exchange. Ordered a 7 with DI & GPS last night. Hope to see you on the water.