ANYBODY USING THIS UNIT OR KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
Printable View
ANYBODY USING THIS UNIT OR KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
I have one on my boat, what would you like to know? Its been my favorite unit that I have ever owned. I am wanting this helix 7 now because its bigger...if i had known they were releasing a 7 i would have waited
THATS WHAT I NEEDED TO KNOW.
I'AM LOOKING AT BUYING ONE AND JUST WAS CURIOUS.
I love mine have had no problems out of it
THANKS
I just recently got the Helix 7 si and I'm really liking it
I have Helix5 SI GPS. I really like it, but as tigerinfieder3 said, I wish I had the 7, particularly with side imaging. However, the screen resolution is really good with the Helix5 and it is a much crisper screen than the older model 5 inch screens. The Humminbird rep told me that if it is going to be mounted on the dash/console where you can get close to it to see detail, it is good and that is where I mounted mine. It does have great detail for the size and if I was only using DI, it would be great. The SI is not bad but to me, with SI, the bigger the screen the better. The Humminbird rep did say his personal preference was for a larger screen for trolling motor mount where you would be further from the screen.
Your timing is a bit off. Sportsman Warehouse had a $50 off on any ($250)item over the Labor Day weekend. I got the Helix 2D/GPS for my front trolling motor(ordered it online and shipped free to store). I have an HDS 7 with SI/DI so I just wanted a 2D to run off the transducer on the IPilot. Just installed it Wednesday so I have not used it but a few minutes to see that it worked. Going tomorrow for a longer test.
Brian at BBG is the only dealer I know that will come off the MSRP. He could not match the $50 off coupon, but I got a Ram Mount for it from him and it was 20% less than the big box stores. I ordered it Sunday night and it was delivered Tuesday morning. He really ships fast and he is a site sponsor. I got the Lowrance HDS from him also.
I have to echo what SeaRay said. I Recently got a HDS 9 Gen 3 from Brian at BBG, and he gave me a great price. He is a good reference too if you are trying to decide on what you need in a new unit. Prices have recently come down, even on the Gen 3 models. Another good reference (and dealer) is Larry Browning in Anderson (K&L Electronix). Larry has tutorials available for using the latest Lowrance units. Great for getting up on the learning curve for the touch units, structure scan, updating software, transferring waypoints, etc. KLElectronix.com I believe.
SeaRay,
Since you are just using 2D/GPS and not SI, I think the Helix 5 will be great at the trolling motor. My comment was really more for anyone thinking of using SI at the trolling motor. Since you already have a HDS 7 with SI, you have a very nice setup. I would love to have a 10 or 12 inch monitor at both positions like the big boys but do not want to part with the cash. It amazes me how much the bigger screens cost. The monitors themselves can't be that much more expensive for the manufacturer.
Hey guys, I just got a note from Lowrance that they would be discounting the Lowrance HDS Gen2 units as much as $400. Might want to hold off a bit and see how it shakes out. Brian at BBG should know as soon as anyone. I have always been a HB fan and I got the Helix to replace the 3.5" HB385 that I had.
I realize the comparison is not apple to apples, but the HDS7 Gen 2 touch has a much better image on 2D than the Helix. Now I know we are comparing a $300 unit to a $900 one, but the difference is startling. The Helix is certainly a serviceable unit and I plan to keep and and use it, but the clarity and definition is significant.
But the Helix does it's job and I will enjoy having a view right under the TM when I am looking for fish or structure.
I could not have afforded the HDS7 at retail, but there was a problem with the early model Elite 7 units and Lowrance swapped out for the HDS7 at a huge discount so that is how I ended up with it.
So botom line, the Helix is a lot of unit for the money, but if you can bump up to the HDS Gen 2 model when they reduce the price you will be glad ypu did.