I'm trying to decide which Helix to buy and I'm wondering if it's worth the extra $500 or so to upgrade from a 10 to a 12 for the chirp and extra 2" of screen. I'd appreciate any feedback.
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I'm trying to decide which Helix to buy and I'm wondering if it's worth the extra $500 or so to upgrade from a 10 to a 12 for the chirp and extra 2" of screen. I'd appreciate any feedback.
Here is a thread comparing a new 'chirp' pic and an older 2D pic. Quite a bit clearer
Good question. I suppose that's hard to say . Some will feel chirp is worth it, enough to pay a little extra. From the short time that I've been using chirp, on the Onix. It's changed my mind about using chirp in shallow water. I could already see a 1/16 jig without chirp. Now using chirp I'm getting a much cleaner screen and have little problem, seeing crappie moving around in cover, while the boat is stationery. (i like chirp) :ThumbsUp
May look better but does it help catch more fish ? :juggle
I think the major concern is does it help SELL more expensive units. If assistance in catching fish was all that was desired. The manufacturers could have quit coming out with new designs and technology long ago.
But somehow I don't think the advances are going to stop. I can see specie recognition and almost picture like quality images being in the not too distant future.
The Bimford 5000 Ultramax not only finds the fish , but tells user how catch them. Informs user they are redears and if they are active or not. Will there be a market for such a thing if it retails for 4-5 K. I would think not. But I never thought 800 dollar freshwater spinning reels would sell. But somebody is buying them.
As long as there is a market. Some maker somewhere will market something to take advantage of that area of desire.
Example remember when the cell phone was just a phone ?
I think it helps me. I've been watching crappie react to my jig. If they don't bite, I've been pulling the jig away from them and watching them chase it. Just before they catch up to the jig, I'll either stop or let it fall. Seems to help.Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle 1
Here's a Garmin, chirp picture, showing spotted bass and a humminbird chirp picture showing crappie.http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/z...pslr4f8wrn.pnghttp://i826.photobucket.com/albums/z...psi6l0xpqe.jpg
just looking at that 360 pic makes me dizzy!
To answer the original question, I would say its worth it from the perspective of screen size alone, and the chirp would just be an added benefit.
From the pictures and threads I've seen it looks like Garmin is the way to go with chirp, but that should be the case when you start adding up all the costs.
If you're comparing similar (mid-priced) models, ie. Helix 9/10 to the EchoMap sv series, I'll take the value in Helix all day long and I used to own a 93sv.
For me, personally .... no, it would not be worth $500 for 2 more inches of screen and a little clearer 2d image. $100-150 .... ummm, maybe, but no way on $500 :bash
Now, I will freely admit (as I have many times before) that I am no fan of 2d sonar. Not since I started using a DI unit, and that was after using 2d sonar for nearly 40yrs before that.
I don't see were bigger screen will help anything, using the 2d sonar, because the live data is on the right side. All the rest is history. The only helix with digital processing is the helix12 tho and that is what is important. (picture of crappie rising up, completeing, to grab my jig.)http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/z...psmpuxrlp6.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
Something to consider also, is that the helix12, using the stock HDSI transducer , will chirp a 60° cone angle. (as far as I no, those Garmin are not doing that). With the 60°, you lose some detail, but it's much easier to keep a small jig in the cone(such as the 1/16 Oz. jig I'm using) http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/z...psuaempvx3.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by Tundah
I jig fish when they are shallow and normally fish old waters . when they move out as long as I can follow the contour lines , I am good . I do not fish tournaments . I guess fishing new water and tournaments would change my mind somewhat . I do not care for gadgets ,so upgrading every year does not appeal to me . My brother is just opposite .He spends more time riding and looking than fishing . Even tho he fishes less he will catch at least as much .Simple observation of our fishing . He has deeper pockets and likes messing with technology . lol :biggrin
I just upgraded to a Garmin 73dv. At least an upgrade for me. I love to catch crappie but I also love to explore and look for more out of the way places that aren`t the everyday community holes. Am looking forward to searching with this new unit some deep water brush piles and other areas that aren`t so noticeable. Enjoy reading and viewing the pictures you all post with it being a real learning aid to me. The 360 pictures that are posted are probably wonderful but to my untrained eye I don`t see it yet. Still learning.
Kosmo, Please forgive my ignorance, on the first 2d pic above, is the solid redlines crossing the screen the crappie swimming after the jig? I understand in the pic with the 360 beside it that is the jig making the sharp up & down movement. Ive always looked for the arches & it looks like with the chirp its giving a longer look at the fish, making it look like long red lines. Maybe my question makes sense.
Here's a video were I have the xi5 Motor guide trolling motor set on spotlock.vertical fishing crappie . first thing you see is my jig falling down. When I raise it, a crappie follows it up, then bites. He gets off after a brief struggle, causing those air bubbles. You can see him go back down and then see other crappie rising up. https://youtu.be/UQNY0hTkZ88Quote:
Originally Posted by johndeere5045
thanks Kosmo, I don't do a lot of the vertical fishing technique. The video helps me understand what the jig looks like & the fish.
Great video kosmo. I am trying to decide on a tm and see ur are running mg even with the onix. I too have an onix and just wondering why u chose a mg product. Thanks in advance!
Greg Harrison
Yes, I have the Onix transducer mounted on the xi5. Works really well. To keep from getting RF noise from the xi5. I've run a ground wire, down to the lower unit. (i like the spot lock of the xi5)Quote:
Originally Posted by gharriso
Thanks kosmo. I am about to pull the trigger on an xi5 for the better spot lock. I wondered if that was ur reasoning and now that I know it is helps me make my decision. I enjoy vertical fishing also. Thanks for ur time. Greg Harrison
I really believe I maid a mistake getting the xi5. The foot foot pedal is why I chose the xi5 over the rhodan. (imo) the xi5 foot deal is crap). The xi5's composite shaft makes it vibererate to. Check out the rhodan. It's American made and has a much better mounting design. It cost a little more but looks to be worth it. HD GPS Anchor+ - Rhodan Marinehttp://i826.photobucket.com/albums/z...psohbkfhln.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by gharriso
I am checking it out. Wish I knew someone that owns one. But I gotta do some serious checking now. Thanks for being the headsup. So far haven't seen anything on a foot switch. They ralk about two fobs. But anyway I need to look before I make a stupid statement. Thanks again!
Good rhodanmarine.com video https://youtu.be/BMObOL6m08o
The Rhodan has my attention. I may be ordering one tomorrow! Thanks for the headsup!
If your interested, (Pm) me. I would sell you my xi5 for a lot less than a new trolling motor would cost. I can make a utube video, to show you what condition it's in. (it's got some scuffs on the mounting bracket that might make it worth, a little less. But it still functions, like a new one.Quote:
Originally Posted by gharriso
[QUOTE=kosmo;3202592]If your interested, (Pm) me. I would sell you my xi5 for a lot less than a new trolling motor would cost. I can make a utube video, to show you what condition it's in. (it's got some scuffs on the mounting bracket that might make it worth, a little less. But it still functions, like a new one.[/QUOTE
Thanks for thwe offer. But now I am locked in the the rhodan. If I change my mind I will pm u. Thanks a bunch!
[QUOTE=gharriso;3202608]I understand. Good luck with what ever you get. (offers still there, if anyone else is interested)Quote:
Originally Posted by kosmo
Make sure you start a thread to let us know how the Rhodan works.......I haven't seen any forum review of it......Sure wish Minn Kota would have improved the spot lock with the Ulterra.Quote:
Originally Posted by gharriso
I will. Order couldnt be done today on my part but tomorrow for sure. On another note the Onix sees all and tells all. Found some deep shellcracker today and caught some nice ones. That rhodan sure would have been nice in the wind. If I ever figure out the picture posting process I will show u some nw georgia shellcracker and surprisingly a walleye! Happy fishin'!
BOB, if you'll buy my xi5, I'll make some videos of the Rhodan, running on my boat. (I'll through in that slide bracket, that I made for free)Quote:
Originally Posted by BobB
New Rhodan 72" v. Minn Kota 36v 60" on bigger boat. - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing ForumQuote:
Originally Posted by BobB
I've got a Terrova with I-pilot ..... it just doesn't have the link. I'm happy with mine except sometimes wish the spot lock was better. My boat is a deep V and catches the wind pretty good.Quote:
Originally Posted by kosmo
I may trade for a model that has the link one of these days if Minn Kota improves the spot lock.
Thanks Kosmo .... That's quite a discussion over there.Quote:
Originally Posted by kosmo