Helix 8 or 9 DI Only, or with Both DI and SI

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11-11-2019, 01:13 PM
Gansett

Helix 8 or 9 DI Only, or with Both DI and SI

I have a Helix 10 Gen2 DI/SI on my console and LOVE IT. I now want a unit on my bow. I have two limiting factors: 1) when spider rigged I don't have a lot of room and: 2) financial limitations. My first choice was a Helix 9; however, I read that the physical size of the Helix 9 is the same size as a 10. Is that true?

If the 9 and 10 are same size I will buy a Helix 8. I know a bigger screen is better. Considering the sizeable price difference, am I losing that much by going to an 8?

I've also read here that a Helix unit with DI-only gives a better view than one with DI and SI. So, fishing from bow, is DI all I need? (Of course it also has 2D.) Also, my pea-sized brain tells me that with SI, and the transducer mounted on the trolling motor, I could have, in effect, a 360 degree view by simply turning the motor. True?

Thanks for any advice/thoughts.
11-11-2019, 03:45 PM
BobB

It's true that the case size for the 9 and 10 are the same.

I personally have always had a SI unit at the bow and find that it is useful there. You can rotate the motor to scan. You will get information that way, but not a pretty picture.
11-11-2019, 03:55 PM
tahoe 50

I bought a new T/M with the built in mega DI. I bought a Helix G3N CHO(control head only) just for it. Now I can't see crap but that 8 is super clear. I have a Helix 12 Si next to it. And I have noticed a bit of fuzzy imagery from the T/M. But not really bad. I have a Helix 9 on the console which was on the bow. I think that the G3N is much better, clearer, so I don't see much difference between the two. (Not counting the 12) I am set up for spider rig.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
11-11-2019, 07:42 PM
Eagle 1

I got a Helix 7 gen 3 mega Di and like it . Got it for spider rigging and pulling cranks . My other is a Helix -9 .
11-11-2019, 08:04 PM
Cray

Straight Di is going to give you more coverage and a better picture than from Si. Have not seen one but from a lot of the posts I have seen on image quality and the cost difference the 8 is the Best Buy. Especially with your space limitations.
11-11-2019, 08:17 PM
BobB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cray

Straight Di is going to give you more coverage and a better picture than from Si. Have not seen one but from a lot of the posts I have seen on image quality and the cost difference the 8 is the Best Buy. Especially with your space limitations.

Sorry, but there is no way DI gives more coverage than SI. I agree that the 8 is a good option if space is a concern. The 8 does have a dedicated Di element as well as as Si elements, so the DI quality should be the same as a straight DI unit.
11-12-2019, 10:10 AM
rnvinc

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobB

It's true that the case size for the 9 and 10 are the same.

A little note ...:

*9" and 10" in G1 and G2 are same cabinet size ...
*8" and 9" in G3 are same cabinet size ...

Rickie
11-12-2019, 10:13 AM
Cray

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobB

Sorry, but there is no way DI gives more coverage than SI. I agree that the 8 is a good option if space is a concern. The 8 does have a dedicated Di element as well as as Si elements, so the DI quality should be the same as a straight DI unit.

Bob, I was referring to the Di coverage you receive with the Si transducer.
11-12-2019, 10:38 AM
BobB

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnvinc

A little note ...:

*9" and 10" in G1 and G2 are same cabinet size ...
*8" and 9" in G3 are same cabinet size ...

Rickie

AAAhh .... Thanks Rickie. Didn't know that.
11-12-2019, 10:42 AM
BobB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cray

Bob, I was referring to the Di coverage you receive with the Si transducer.

HMMM .... thanks for the clarification. I don't know if that is the case or not without digging into the specs. Is there different frequencies available on the DI only unit than there is with the SI/DI model?