Thread: Anybody using the new Humminbird Helix 5 or 7 with SI and DI

I have a 5 with DI and gps on the trolling motor. I have a 898 si combo on the console. I like it. It works alot like my 898. Not exactly but its a usable depth finder. The gps works fine for marking waypoints and you get alot for the money. I would have to say its only draw back is the size of the screen. But the screen is easy to use , its just not as big as the more expensive models. I would buy one again. I guess thats the test. Good luck

I have had a helix 5 with SI since March. I have been very disappointed in the side imaging. Perhaps I'm not smart enough to get it set up right, but I get nothing close to the quality images I have seen online. The screen is small, but that was expected. What wasn't expected was that no matter what the settings (and I have spent many hours fooling with it), I likely won't be able to see a brushpile 20' away. The down imaging and other tools work ok, but most of the lakes I fish only average 6' deep, maybe less, so that isn't a real big benefit. Kind of wish I'd saved my money.

the 7's aren't out yet, 9/1 shipping date

Originally Posted by catfishjohn

I have had a helix 5 with SI since March. I have been very disappointed in the side imaging. Perhaps I'm not smart enough to get it set up right, but I get nothing close to the quality images I have seen online. The screen is small, but that was expected. What wasn't expected was that no matter what the settings (and I have spent many hours fooling with it), I likely won't be able to see a brushpile 20' away. The down imaging and other tools work ok, but most of the lakes I fish only average 6' deep, maybe less, so that isn't a real big benefit. Kind of wish I'd saved my money.

A lot of times I find brush by seeing the shadow it gives off more than the pile itself. They can also look like "cotton balls" on the bottom of the lake. If you haven't tried this already pull the range into 50 feet and look for shadows. Once you figure out what you are looking at it will get easier to see them.

Originally Posted by catfishjohn

I have had a helix 5 with SI since March. I have been very disappointed in the side imaging. Perhaps I'm not smart enough to get it set up right, but I get nothing close to the quality images I have seen online. The screen is small, but that was expected.

As fishfood mentions ...sometimes the shadow will be the only indication of structure ...



More discussion the above shot in Sonar Quiz #29
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/side-...nar-quiz-29-a/

Rickie

I have a 5di/gps and love it. Its a great bang for the buck and is extremely easy to use - the DI is clear and reliable. 2d sonar is excellent if you do a lot of jigging. The screen is viewable 99% of the time (absolute direct sunlight causes the LCD to reflect terribly).

Here is a snapshot from 'gill fishing last week - weed edge breaking to a cedar tree

Thanks for the replies guys, I have di now just getting into si. The pics help lots, I was thinking the si would help me to find more productive water sooner and make my time on the water better. I appreciate all help.

Just got a HB 5 SI mounted, but haven't been to the lake yet. My only disappointment so far is with the CD instruction manual. I'd pay for a printed version. At this rate I won't ever get profficient with it.