Ice Helix 7 G2 - Thoughts / Impressions???
 

Hi Fellas. I just picked up an Ice Helix 7 G2. Will be a few weeks before I get out. For those of you that have fished with a G2 Ice Helix (7 or 5) can you give me your impressions of them both good and bad. I know I had heard there was some lag issues with the Gen1 units; is this still an issue with the Gen2 models? Also, how do you find them compared to your traditional flashers, as I'm assuming most came from a dedicated flasher. Thanks in advance for all replies.

You will love that helix 7. I have the 5 and a 10 but the ten is on the boat. A few tricks on YouTube to get the thing running perfect on ice. I don’t think there is any difference in the G1 and G2.

very nice unit , have the 5 and love it , and is a great portable unit in summer as well !

G2 units have autochart which IMO, is a huge upgrade especially in Canada.

I have the Helix 5 1st gen, it's nice. It had some bad lag for a little bit but sorted itself out after a while. Seems to work just fine now.

I'm looking for a 7 G2, or striker plus 7SV.

I defiantly have auto chart on mine so maybe I have the G2. I have had no success however loading the maps to my computer.

I have the Helix 5. So far I have no complaints. Sometimes I use it in flasher mode, but most of the time in 2d.

You need the Humminbird zero lines card to do the autochart feature properly.

Yep got all that stuff $250 for really no reason.

Helix 7
 

Dont mean to hijack thread. I have a Helix 7 for my boat. Can I get another transducer and power source and use it ice fishing? Thanks.

yes

Just get the ice ducer for around $100 and make yourself a case or buy one, good battery and you are winter fishing with it. I rigged up a backpack for mine and works great. Nice to have the 7 inch screen with gps and be able to mark spots etc and also can use my summer marks in winter as well.

You can also save some $ and use the summer transducer and put it on a pvc pipe down the hole under the ice. There are a few YouTube videos.

Humminbird also has an ice package specifically for this. Comes with the shuttle, bag, battery, and ice transducer. If you go that route you will want to ensure you have the right ice transducer.

The XI 9 20 Ice Transducer is the standard ice transducer. The XI 9 1521 is the CHIRP ice transducer. If your head unit has CHIRP you will want the XI 9 1521. Apparently the XI 9 20 will work on CHIRP units, but will not provide CHIRP. The two transducers are pretty much the same price.

SS

That package is outrageously overpriced. You can make yourself one, out of a plastic ammo case, wood, old pelican case or really whatever you want. Buy the transducer for 130$ or less (Amazon) along with a battery and charger for under 175$ if you have any DIY skills. The Humminbird ice package is damn near 350$ at local retailers. Its ridiculous.

Can we please bring this back on track to my original question????? I frankly don't give a rat's rear about the price of a kit, but am interested in hearing how people like the unit itself. Thanks.

Here are a couple videos I did on the Helix 5 G2 CHIRP.

https://youtu.be/Gf37DQWUszM

https://youtu.be/an8F0372kR8

Hope they are helpful.