FIsh Finder options

Trying to decide on new fish finder for kayak. My choices I'm looking at are:

1) Humminbird Helix 12 HW CHIRP Mega SI GPS G2N

2) Humminbird Helix 9 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3N

3) Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv with GT54UHD-TM Transducer

I really want the SI and DI capabilities. I'm throwing the Garmin in because it is livescope compatible if I ever decide to go that route. I'm worried about the 12 being to large for the kayak. Be like trying to cast over a large screen tv when sitting inside a kayak. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

If it was me and could only buy one unit I’d pick the new Garmin. The UHD is supposed to have vastly improved side and down over older units. Plus if you decide to livescope is then just a add on. Having a hard time resisting going and buying one myself.

Calling the SI and DI debate a tie, the next question is what are you more likely to add later, Mega360 or LScope?

Keep in mind the LScope also adds a separate 4.5lb sonar module so consider power and placement.
Can be made portable with a box but I would think space is at a premium in a kayak.

I believe the new Mega360 connects directly to the G3graph now.

Don't have a kayak but just some info to consider.

Good Luck

I wouldn't go bigger than a 9" on my kayak; a 12" would be huge. I upgraded the Garmin on my big boat to a new Ultra 10" model, and moved the +93sv to the kayak. The reason is I use Livescope, and the resolution of the 93s is only 800 x 400 pixels, which is not good enough for my old eyes. The ultra 10" has 1280 x 800 pixels, almost twice as fine as the 93sv, and is a dramatic improvement. Unfortunately, the new 9" UHD also only has the 800 x 400 screen. I am going to sell the 93 and get something better for the kayak, but it will be a Garmin.

I have a HB Helix 9 Mega+ SI G3N at the console in the big boat and love it, best SI in the biz. I'd rather have the Livescope and a little less quality on the SI on the kayak. Not sure what I'll get, but it won't be another 93.

I was sort of leaning towards no larger than a 9". I printed out roughly to size the 12 and it's huge!!! It would be in the way most of the time I believe. I'm not sure I will add anything (livescope or 360) other then the fish finder. It's nice to have the option though if a deal or price drops happens. Glad you pointed out the resolution, silly me was just assuming they were the same or close. $500 more though for the humminbird. I still have to get battery, cards, etc.... budget might be deciding factor. Question, does the humminbird have a quick disconnect like the garmin units? Assuming they come with a cover?

The cables to the HB Helix go into a shell, or carrier, that plugs into the rear of the cradle. It has two latches that snap in. The cables themselves do not latch; the shell does. Check it out at a dealer if you can. Edit: yes, it comes with a cover, or at least my H9 did.

Ultra 106 would be nice. Can add the LVS12 panoptics straight to the unit.

Cable Collector for Humminbird Helix models

Attachment 366630

With the humminbird you have to get the lakemaster cards and a zero line card. Are there any cards or extras to purchase with garmin units? Being able to map the smaller bodies of water I fish is important to me.

Just a blank sd card for mapping with Garmin. Comes preloaded with Lakevu g3 mapping.