First impressions - Helix 5 Ice Gps/Sonar Combo

[DOGFISH]

Was looking at the Hummingbird series Ice 35,45,55 and Helix 5 Ice combo. After much research and a final test run in store I went with the Helix 5. Pro's - Clear bright easy to read display, Option of White, Black or Blue Background on Flasher screen, easy to use menu, easy to use settings for sensitivity, sonar changes ect. Strong clear signal, no surface clutter or unwanted interference on Flasher or Sonar screen. Great battery life, built in GPS Receiver with mapping, Price, Ability to move to my boat in the Spring. Cons - Assembly is a little pain full but not bad. Info available on line, confusing and sparse. Overall satisfied with purchase works great right off the start. First Rainbow on the ice took less than five minutes. Can't wait to hit Slave Lake with it. Any one else have one, search did not provide much info on discussion on this Forum. DogFish

[Fwee6]

Nice rainbow!

What did that unit run you for price?

[DOGFISH]

Thanks, it was $550 Canadian

[sundancedan]

Thats a pretty decent price! Once the Side Imaging drops a bit in price I will be upgrading my unit!

[DOGFISH]

I believe they had a Helix 5 Sonar with GPS and Side Imaging for $700 and change. Side imaging is a wicked option. They have so many models it is hard to pick the right one. That is part of the reason why it took so long to pick one.

[Buona Pesca]

Had mine for 2 weeks now and I won't go fishing with out it. Here's a little mod I did to mine, I installed the extension arm and stopper.

[DOGFISH]

I hear you BP. They are awesome, I like your modification. Nice work.

[Gerry]

I got the helix 5 side image for christmas.
Had to pick it out myself so I knew what I was getting.
The Fishing Hole west had them on for $600.00 70 something.
They're great, mine worked without any setting it up right out of the box.
I did fine tune it a bit the second time out.
I built a box for it so that it's portable for winter use.

[DOGFISH]

Originally Posted by Gerry

I got the helix 5 side image for christmas.
Had to pick it out myself so I knew what I was getting.
The Fishing Hole west had them on for $600.00 70 something.
They're great, mine worked without any setting it up right out of the box.
I did fine tune it a bit the second time out.
I built a box for it so that it's portable for winter use.

Gerry, what type of transducer does that unit come with. Is it the ice transducer or another type.

[Gerry]

Dogfish, this is what the official specs read on the Helix 5 si combo.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display Size - Diagonal: 5"
Display Pixel Matrix: 800H X 480V
Display Type:Color TFT
Display Colors Grayscale: 256 Colors
Sonar Standard: Side Imaging/Down Imaging/DualBeam Plus
Standard Sonar Coverage: 20°, 60° & (2) 85° @ -10db (Total of 180°)
Standard Sonar Frequency: 200/83/455 kHz
Target Separation: 2.5"
Power Output RMS: 500 Watts
Power Output Peak to Peak: 4000 Watts
Depth Capability: 1500 ft (2D) & 100ft (SI)
Temperature: Built In Transducer
Speed: GPS Speed Included
Backlight: LED
Mounting Options: Gimbal or Optional In-Dash
Transducer Standard: XNT 9 SI 180 T
Transducer Mounting: Transom

I've never used an ice specific transducer,
My last unit was a Lowrance Eagle Fish mark 320 I had it for over 10 years and never had a problem with it while ice or summer fishing. It's still running great. I bought the Helix because I just wanted to update. I haven't used it yet on open water but I can't wait.

[1bluZebec]

Awesome

[1bluZebec]

I got the marcum lx3 but was so close to getting the ice helix 5