Jumping into the SI market

[jeepguyjames]

Next week I'm going to invest in a SI/structure scan unit. I've been reading / researching / watching youtube vids on them and have it narrowed down to a few options.

Looking for for any one who has experience with any of the options I'm considering, maybe can offer some feedback on their experience, not looking to debate brands, just looking for real world experiences with these options ( good or bad )

To to start my current graphs are a eagle fish elite 480 on the trolling motor and a lowrance M68c s/map on back / dash.

Option 1) humminbird helix 5 SI mounted in dash area & a helix 5 GPS combo mounted on trolling motor. ( replace both current graphs )

Option 2) lowrance hds 8 gen 2 structure scan combo mounted on dash & keep eagle on trolling motor

option 3) lowrance hds7 touch screen structure scan on dash keep eagle on front

option 4) humminbird 899 SI on dash keep eagle on trolling motor

of course cost varies some with each option , I can get the 2 helix models for less than hds7 or hds8 but the smaller screen scares me a little. Found hds8 on sale but would have to keep eagle on trolling motor. Lots to consider , just looking for people who have experience ( good or bad ) with these models I'm considering. No heated debates of my toys better than yours please. Thanks in advance and God bless

[jusanothajoe]

Jeepguy, I have a Helix on the way. Yes screen is small, but every DF I have owned has had a small screen. So I am used to it, and that is what my budget allowed. This will be my starter SI unit and may upgrade to bigger in the future ? Most all have told me bigger is better, but think the Helix is a lot of bang for the buck.

[jeepguyjames]

Jeepguy, I have a Helix on the way. Yes screen is small, but every DF I have owned has had a small screen. So I am used to it, and that is what my budget allowed. This will be my starter SI unit and may upgrade to bigger in the future ? Most all have told me bigger is better, but think the Helix is a lot of bang for the buck.

Yea the helix is def more budget friendly ....... And quite honestly better than any graph I have ever owned ...... My eagles a 5 inch screen, my lowrance is smaller....... Either way I go it's a big upgrade ...... Fact is once i do it I'm stuck with em for a while so def wanna do it right

[rnvinc]

Do your future plans ever include iLink or HB 360 ...??

Rickie

[jeepguyjames]

Do your future plans ever include iLink or HB 360 ...??

Rickie

No interest in the I-link , had a I-pilot and got rid of it in favor of a variable speed cable steer ........ As far as 360, not likely any time real soon, have home projects and other financial obligations that will delay it ........

[crappiemax]

James
Since you already know I'm a real fan of the Lowrance products I had to look up those Helix 5 series units. It looks like a nice unit but as we all know BIGGER IS BETTER when it comes to using SI. One of the complaints I've heard from some Bird users is that side bar being so big on some of the units. It seems to me it would be better served if that info was displayed along the top or bottom of the screen giving the user the full 5" screen width to work with. Now 5" turns into 4" and if you split the screen with another view (chart/mapping) you end up with even less room for viewing SI.

I think one of the most attractive features of the Lowrance HDS units is the ability to be able to link the units together. Even though adding a 2nd unit now may not be in the budget just having the ability to add another unit later is an attractive feature for the future. As technology changes lots of time you can pick up a used 2nd unit for a pretty good price as guys are upgrading their electronics.
When people talk about screen size, it's usually always just in reference to just using SI. For obvious reasons big screens and SI are good together. Another advantage I never see mentioned in having a big screen is that big screen is also an advantage when using GPS. When you're out on the lake chasing these blue dots (waypoints) around a bigger screen is a real plus.

If I had to chose between the options you have listed I would choose Option 2, HDS 8 combo unit and keep 480 up front (at least for now).
Generally when I'm fishing I have the front HDS unit set with a split screen with Chart (GPS) & 2D (ducer on TM). I like having a ducer on the TM so I can see what's directly under me especially with the ability with the ability to be able to see my waypoints. The only thing I see missing in having the HDS 8 & 480 combo is not being able to share waypoints. That's not the end of the world since you can drop a buoy on your on your spots from the console as I often do anyway.

Of course you are always welcome to fill a seat in my boat once this horrid, miserable, never ending winter weather allows us to get back on the lake if you want to see & try it yourself.
My only regret in buying the HDS gen 1 units is if I would have known gen 2 was coming out, I would have waited and bought gen 2.
If anything happens to any of my stuff, I'll definitely buy Lowrance again.
I hope this helps.

[jmart045]

Mine is only di but the screen size is the same. For the money I'm very happy with the unit.

[jmart045]

[Zippy]

Have had the helix 5 SI gps for a few weeks. Was surprised that the screen was smaller than I expected. I have played with it a lot and am impressed by the resolution, it's really sharp. Still I was wondering if I wanted to keep it or return it to trade up. The other night I had it inside and put it on the couch and walked across the room 10 feet or so. I was surprise how bright, clear and visible all the info was. I think I'm gonna keep it.

[crappielimits]

Nothing in the Helix price range compares. I recommend buying one Helix and see what you think then buy the other if you like. At their price range you can afford maybe an upgrade next year on the other unit.