Humminbird 999 or Helix 9?

Hello Everyone! I'm have a hard time deciding between the two. I see the 999's are going on sale pretty much everywhere here lately as they are being discontinued and I've read they are great units. The thing I haven't really seen yet is much on the Helix 9's as they are so new and still somewhat hard to get. I'm trying to decide whether or not to go ahead and grab the 999 or save a few more pennies and give the Helix a shot. I do have a 798 as well so networking would be nice to have and believe I read both units have that capability.

Any help on the two would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Unless you plan on a used 999 I doubt you will find any new ones left. Though, I would go with the Helix anyway.

The 798 would have to be a HD model to network.

The 999ci HD SI comes with the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T Hi-Def xducer (83kHz/200kHz 2d and 455kHz/800kHz SI/DI) ...

The HELIX 9 SI comes with the XNT 9 SI 180 T Compact SI xducer (83kHz/200kHz 2d and 455kHz SI/DI) ...

The HELIX 9 SI is eligible for the HB xducer exchange upgrade to the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T (which would then give the HELIX 9 SI the capability of 83kHz/200kHz 2d and 455kHz/800kHz SI/DI) ...

What should I do if I need a transducer other than the transom mount included in the box of my Humminbird unit?

Rickie

Yes it can be mind boggling. But if I were you . I would wait until after Jan. Most entirely new tech units will be on the market by then. If you are going to go with the newest technology. Study all the major manufacturers products in your price line. Decide which one is best for your individual fishing style and needs. Narrow it down to three choices and go from there.

All I know is I am glad I am not trying to sell one of my major units now. The deep discounts being given the older models right now. Are making my a lot of my stuff a stranded investment. As in I would not realistically expect to even get a 50% return on my original purchase price.

So in summation get the newest technology you can.

I purchased one of the 999 fire sale units to replace my 998 to get a brighter screen (my old eyes are not what they used to be). This was before HB put out the specs. on the new Helix 9. I am every happy with the 999, but after seeing the specs on the new Helix with an even brighter screen (50%) with anti glare mat and (25%) faster processor. They did remove some of the accessory the 999 can run, i.e. Weather Sensor which I had (barometric pressure on the water) but it was removed from the 999 and a few more I didn't use. I now would have waited and spent the extra $100 or so and purchase the Helix 9. As stated above you also would has the newest product.

As Rickie stated if you want 800kHz you can always exchange the ducer.

The Helix 9 also has the fix for the data boxes eating up a lot of real estate on the left side ...... and I am in the go with the newest model camp.