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.

I hear the mapping is better on humminbird????? :dono

I've never had hummingbirds, so I can't compare. The mapping on a Garmin is pretty good I think. I think Garmin uses some of the navionics info.

Probably like a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge......

All things being considered. I would recommend the garmin gpsmap 7608 xsv. No longer being made the 76xx line replaced by the 86xx line.

Specs are still terrific and size would be great for kayak. Pricing is around 1000-1100 for a new unit. Livescope compatible also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

I hear the mapping is better on humminbird????? :dono

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Once again my opinion for what it’s worth. Humminbird Lakemaster is best mapping I have used on lakes they have mapped. Have used Navionics and no comparison. Have never used the Garmin maps but some guys really like them. Garmin has gone to using a lot of the Navionics mapping since they bought them. So have no idea how that has worked out. Major thing is if Lakemaster has the lakes you fish then their mapping is going to be better because they have done their own mapping. But in some cases the Navionics is going to be better. Just takes some research on waters you fish.

Probably none of the smaller lakes will be mapped by either. I'm looking to do those myself. I'm assuming some of the larger ones in the area will be on both systems. That being said the capability, pricing and easy of doing your own is important.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Probably none of the smaller lakes will be mapped by either. I'm looking to do those myself. I'm assuming some of the larger ones in the area will be on both systems. That being said the capability, pricing and easy of doing your own is important.

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Dave, I know birds have options to build your own maps and yes it can cost. Need to do some research on the Garmin, I have read about guys using some of them to create their own maps. And I could be sadly mistaken but I’m thinking one thing I read was on the new version of the cheaper sv series units even though they don’t or didn’t have a card slot.

I took this from the Garmin website on the UHD 93sv website. It has 1 micro SD card, 32 GB maximum size.
Attachment 366670

Cray I had the 73 Echomap that I got 4 or 5 years ago and they had the card holder. Is was the regular size not micro.

Anything smaller, I don't know.

Sorry Dave, here is unit I was thinking about. Seems to have what you need at a much better price.
Garmin STRIKER™ Plus 9sv | GPS Fish Finder

The Garmin UHD 93sv unit would win but I have a hangup with it not having traditional 2d sonar. Why did they drop this on the UHD models?

I was gonna grab a Garmin Striker Plus 9sv yesterday on sale at Cabelas $499, put it in my cart then had a phone call. Came back to order and they were sold out! :banghead Seems this model is being discontinued. For the price I could deal with this model.

OK I pulled trigger on fish finder. Hope I didn't make bad decision. I found a HELIX 10 Mega SI G2N on sale a bass pro for $1000. Didn't want to lose another sale deal.

So, what exactly is the difference between the G2 and G3 Helix models?

OK I found a post from Rickie and link to explain. I'm ok with this difference I think for the price.

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/side...ix-5-di-g2-g3/

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

OK I pulled trigger on fish finder. Hope I didn't make bad decision. I found a HELIX 10 Mega SI G2N on sale a bass pro for $1000. Didn't want to lose another sale deal.

So, what exactly is the difference between the G2 and G3 Helix models?

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The HELIX MEGA SI G2N you found at Bass Pro may be the promo unit made specifically for big box stores that has HW 2d ...

What is the full model name on the barcode sticker on the back of the unit ...??

Rickie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

The HELIX MEGA SI G2N you found at Bass Pro may be the promo unit made specifically for big box stores that has HW 2d ...

What is the full model name on the barcode sticker on the back of the unit ...??

Rickie

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I don't know. Just ordered. Did I do wrong? What is the promo unit?

Model# 410120-1

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

I don't know. Just ordered. Did I do wrong? What is the promo unit?

Model# 410120-1

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No sir. Nothing wrong with this unit ... It will actually have better 2d than the normal G2N ...

It’s simply a special run G2N promo unit with an upgraded xducer (and software) not available in any other unit ...

If the unit name (or the included xducer) has “H1012” in the model name - it is the special run promo unit ...

Cabelas/Bass pro Helix G2N question

Rickie

Now you have me excited Rickie! Hoping I get the better unit. Have to wait and see I guess.

Does anyone know if the holes to mount the helix 10 is the same as the helix 9? YakAttack has a Helix mount but it only list Helix 5,7 & 9.

Attachment 366778

410120-1 is the Model # in the BPS ad.

SD336

I think you will enjoy your new unit.
The unit will most likely be the HW model Ricki mentioned.

Bought one back in Dec during sale to replace my old 998 unit.
Took it out once before we locked up with ice.
Nice images with the stock settings and then wished I had bought 2 at that price.
They recently came back on sale and picked up a 2nd unit to replace the bow 998 so I can use the MDI transducer in the trolling motor.
This unit was also a HW model unit.

Out of the box with stock settings.
Looks pretty good to me.
Yes, those were crappies in the trees.:biggrin


Enjoy your new unit.:highfive




Attachment 366781

That looks good and is such a big improvement from what I currently use. Guess who is extremely excited now!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

The Garmin UHD 93sv unit would win but I have a hangup with it not having traditional 2d sonar. Why did they drop this on the UHD models?

I was gonna grab a Garmin Striker Plus 9sv yesterday on sale at Cabelas $499, put it in my cart then had a phone call. Came back to order and they were sold out! :banghead Seems this model is being discontinued. For the price I could deal with this model.

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Since you already purchased a unit I’m sure your going to be happy with I’m just posting this for information purposes only. If someone might read this post here is a description of the 93sv UHD and what it comes with. It does have UHD chirp 2d sonar included.
GARMIN echoMAP UHD 93sv Chartplotter/Fishfinder Combo with GT54 Transducer and LakeVue G3 Charts | West Marine

When Dave said the UHD didn't have 2D I was going "what??? yes it do".

Don’t mind me, I don’t know what I’m talking about

That 10" is going to be pretty awesome on a kayak. Hope to see some screen saves when you get it on-board and running.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Now you have me excited Rickie! Hoping I get the better unit. Have to wait and see I guess.

Does anyone know if the holes to mount the helix 10 is the same as the helix 9? YakAttack has a Helix mount but it only list Helix 5,7 & 9.

Attachment 366778

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I do not know the answer to this one ...

Rickie

Thanks guys. Yeah I’m excited and can’t wait. I will wait to order the mount until it arrives and I can take measurements.

Dave, I bet they are since 9 and 10 housings are basically the same. 10 just covers more area of the screen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

The HELIX MEGA SI G2N you found at Bass Pro may be the promo unit made specifically for big box stores that has HW 2d ...

What is the full model name on the barcode sticker on the back of the unit ...??

Rickie

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So if it doesn't have the HW 2d then what would it have? Just normal single frequency sonar?

Congrats on the purchase Dave. I believe you made a great choice. I've been trying to sort out the electronics on my new boat as well... so I know it can be (both) aggravating and confusing.
In my case I'm having to deal with networking too... which multiplies my anxiety many fold... especially since I certainly don't understand all there is to know about it.
I know you will enjoy your new Humminbird unit. Thanks for posting... this thread has been both interesting and helpful to me as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

So if it doesn't have the HW 2d then what would it have? Just normal single frequency sonar?

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If a G2N unit doesn’t say “HW” in the model name - that G2N unit will have Dual Beam 2d fixed frequency Sonar 83kHz/200kHz ...

Rickie

Thanks Rickie