Thread: Upcoming Helix 9 and 999ci difference?

Why would it be more expensive and a lesser unit. I don't understand the lesser part.

The Helix series is a fairly basic entry level unit that is non networkable, slower processor etc. I am guessing the price point will be around $1000.

999 is a top of the line full featured unit and on clearance now are under the $1000 mark

Originally Posted by MonteSS

The Helix series is a fairly basic entry level unit that is non networkable, slower processor etc

This is true of the Helix 5 and 7 line ...
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The specs for the larger Helix line has not been released yet ...

So networkable, processor, screen type, etc...we can only guess at this point ...

Rickie

Originally Posted by MonteSS

The Helix series is a fairly basic entry level unit that is non networkable, slower processor etc. I am guessing the price point will be around $1000.

999 is a top of the line full featured unit and on clearance now are under the $1000 mark

Somewhat INCORRECT statement Monte...
The Helix 9-10-12 WILL have Ethernet ability.

Addressing the "WHY" Boa3...
I (had a 798) have a 859,899 and 999 and the keypads are rather poorly lit compared to my 998 - I fish at night often so it's important to me.
Maybe 90% + of the other folks would never notice a "problem".
The xx7 & xx8 series have well lit keypads.
The 899 was "cheapened up by supplying a compact SI XDCR and the 898's had a Hi Def XDCR.
$70 difference right there....
LEDs may be bought in bulk for maybe 10 cents, but multiply that by hundreds of thousands in thousands of units and you can realize a cost savings.
My old 787,797 & 798 had wel lit keypads - I know the keypad by heart, so I can "get by" with less lighting, or I can use external lighting.
Monte is correct about being a "basic" unit and I am pretty sure the current Helix 5 & 7 have NO back lit keypads.
The SI XDCR supplied is a compact. I upgraded the 899's XDCR to a Hi Def and it's easily worth the better images!
I've been working with these devices for about 25 years, so I kind of know the drill with answering to the competition.
Lowrance has great prices on the DI units, HB comes back with an SI machine at a very competitive price.
The ONIX & Ion will continue to be their flagship models ...
The MSRP on a 998 was $1999 - the 999 MSRP was $1499 and the Helix 9 MSRP is going to be $999.
Something has to give even if that means a slower processor, less mapping capability, a less capable XDCR, internal GPS and less accessory options.
You can see below how the left side of my xx9 units are dim compared to my 998 or previous 798.
I hope this helps you understand some of the "WHY"....

RAS

So current price on an 999 combo is $900. I would think (not know) that this is a better unit and deal than a Helix 9.

A was going to get another, but the 1199 is super attractive if you can get one...

I think I understand how I will use the unit verses all the features offered by different models.

I am going to wait on the helix9, the larger screen is important as well as gps and SI. I will only have one unit at the center console and dont need networking the way I am currently set up to fish.

Are they set to hit the market Oct 1?

Since the Helix 9,10,12 are replacing the 999 and 1199, I would expect them to have at least the equivalent functionality and maybe more. I think they are just throwing down a challenge to others with the price cut.

Also, it has already been announced that the current Helix models will have a fix for the data box issue that has been a big issue on the 998 and 999. They may also fix this in the older series.... but who knows? The Helix 9 will almost certainly have the fix also ..... and there will be other features in the future for the Helix that the older series won't get ......Unless you need something right now, I would wait to hear more about the Helix 9,10, and 12. As swf1960 indicated, the rumors are that they will network.

We should know more real soon.