Our Editor’s Choice Award for the Best Side-Imaging Fishfinder goes to the Humminbird Helix 5 SI GPS. The Helix 5 series offers anglers a range of pricing and options to fit any need without breaking the bank. No other manufacturer can match theses versatile units on functionality and value. The three main options available are the standard sonar, down imaging, and side imaging models. Each is available with or without GPS and all three are based on the same great platform.
Helix 5 SI features a vivid 800 x 480, 256 color 5 inch display with a super bright led backlight for easy viewing out in the sun. The display produces a really clear and crisp image. The wider landscape orientation allows for easy side by side viewing of any of the included imaging features. There is also a dedicated View button allowing to quickly switch display modes. The Dual Beam Plus sonar allows for both a narrow 20 degree and broad 60 degree scan to be viewed simultaneously. The improved software even allows multiple data feeds to be combined into one image showing greater detail than ever before.
The GPS is capable of storing over 50 tracks and 20000 waypoints. Finding and marking spots is easier than ever. There is a dedicated Mark button that allows the user to add a waypoint with a single push of a button. The stored waypoints are easily accessible using the dedicated Goto button. With optional Navionics or Lakemaster chart packs the amount of information available to anglers is truly amazing. The GPS receiver also allows for onscreen speed display and can route a boat easily back to the docks or ramp even in the dark.
The side-imaging mode allows to shoot a beam out to left and right-hand side of the boat and be able to see upto 240 feet in either direction giving a total reach of 480 feet on a single scan. This addition allows for scanning large areas quickly and accurately saving valuable time on the water. It reads depths of up to 100 feet, and when combined with the other scanning modes provides a comprehensive image of what lies below the surface.
The Humminbird Helix 5 SI GPS combines the latest technology in an easy to use package. It provides anglers with professional quality imaging and helping make the most of time spent on the water. It costs only $499 which is great value for this stellar technology.
| Lowrance Elite-5 HDI | Garmin echoMap 50dv | Humminbird Helix 5 SI GPS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  | | |
| Screen Size | 5 in | 5 in | 5 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 640 x 480 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Display Type | 256 Color TFT | Color VGA | 256 Color TFT |
| Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | 2D, Down Imaging and Side Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | 250W RMS, 30,000W Peak to Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS, 4000W Peak to Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | (50/200 kHz or 83/200 kHz) 2D 455/800 kHz Down Scan | 50/77/200 kHz, DownVu | 200/83 kHz 2D 455 kHz Down Imaging and Side Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1000 ft/2500 ft 2D 300 ft Down Scan | 2,300 ft @ 77 kHz freshwater 1,100 ft @ 77 kHz saltwater | 1500 ft 2D 100 ft Side Imaging |
| GPS Antenna Type | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Waypoint Storage | 3000 | 5000 | 2500 |
| Routes | 100 | 100 | 45 |
| MSRP | $499 | $649 | $499 |
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