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I have 2 older Humminbird units (Wide Eye and 525) that no longer work properly, so I am looking for a replacement. The technology has evolved so much that I can't really decide what I need/want. I am looking for a modestly priced unit (~$300), as it will only be used 3 or 4 weeks a year.
I fish Lake Muskoka for pickerel and smallmouth, and some downrigging for lake trout. Any advice as to features, brand etc. would be greatly appreciated.
I would look at the Humminbird Helix models. I had one and loved it. I, for reasons that escape me now, sold it and went with a Lowrance. I hate it. Way more complicated to use in my opinion. I’ll be going back to Humminbird.....
https://www.fishfinders.info/humminb...-si-gps-review
Would a portable finder suit your needs? I have also found huminbirds to be much more intuitive as well. You should be able to find last year's units reduced in price to move them out. You might also find a brand other than the big two might give you better bang for your buck but I haven't used any.
I have a Helix 5 portable ( no chirp ) and it works great .
Thank you all for the input. A portable would work, although I set up the Wide-Eye (which came with a suction cup transducer mount) and the 525 essentially as portable. I mounted them on a base which I bungeed to the seat of my boat - 12' tinnie - and that made it easy to set up/take down. I found the Humminbirds to be pretty intuitive to operate, so the comment in regarding Lowrance is appreciated. I manage to work with electronics, but have little patience for equipment that comes with a steep learning curve. I will definitely take a look at the Helix line.
For an option for the transducer a "L" bracket attached to the end of a 1 by 2 works well. Just use a C clamp to mount the 1x2 to the transom.
My friend just got the helix and it looks great and functions pretty easy
Good deal https://www.cabelas.ca/product/93670...si-sonargps-g2Quote:
Originally Posted by jaegaren
I have a helix 7 with DI and GPS.. honestly I never use the DI but the ability to make your own maps with the Autochart live is a game changer.. I regret not springing for the Side imaging as I think I would use that more.
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I had a Helix 5 chirp Down Imaging on my boat last year, until someone needed it more than me. But like you never needed the down imaging. It was cool but not necessary, I finally ordered a new one and opted to go with the standard 2D chirp, ordered it from SAIL and signed up for VIP to get 50 bucks off for my purchase and free shipping. It was 508 total with tax and Navionics+ card was included (you want the navionics) Great unit
It was delivered within 3 days
I just bought a new boat and had to equip it with a new finder, bow mount trolling motor etc... my last boat was equipped with an old Humminbird 300TX .. that wasn t working all that well last year.. I ended up with a Humminbird Helix 8 SI DI GN3 with GPS .. etc and the Terrova that goes along with it.. I Link ?? I was out last week for the first time and it works great... have to learn how to use all the features but what a difference from the old small black and white graph that wasn t working well anymore..