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Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS Review

Rating
3.7/5
 
Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS has an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 6 user reviews.

Humminbird_Helix5DI

VendorPrice
BassPro$349.99
ISave$369.99

The Helix series features affordable, compact fishfinders that offer all of the features of the larger, more expensive models at the fraction of the cost of similar, older units. The Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS in particular comes loaded with features that rival the Humminbird 859. The device is the perfect angling tool whether an you are an amateur not wanting to invest a lot of money or a seasoned fisherman.

Contained within the box, new owners find the Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS unit that measures 7.55w x 6.64h x 3.3d. The box also contains the power cable, a transducer, a swivel transom mount, all of the necessary hardware and an instruction manual with DVD. Gimbal or in-dash mounts are optional. On the front of the Helix is the 5-inch wide-screen display that provides crisp, clear images in 256 colors and 480 x 800 resolution. The user-friendly, self-explanatory control buttons turn the Helix on/off, access menu functions, enable image zoom, make sonar selections, mark waypoints and choose single or split screen views in addition to navigating through menu functions.

GPS Features

Once on the water, power the unit on via a 10 to 20 volt DC power source. LCD backlighting adjusts to ensure visible images regardless of outdoor lighting conditions. Large digits provide water depth and temperature along with vessel speed. If new to the location, access the GPS function. The Humminbird Helix 5 DI comes with factory-installed UniMap cartography that provides highly detailed, full-colored 3D charts of thousands of lakes and rivers along with the coastline of the United States. Mapping data also includes a variety of land-based features. The Helix capably stores up to 2,500 waypoints or 45 designated routes. Insert a microSD card to capture images or enhance current software storage.

Sonar Features

Using high-frequency sound waves transmitted in thin slices, the down imaging sonar provides a picture perfect view of what is happening beneath the water’s surface up to depths of 350 feet. See bait balls, game fish and vegetation along with man-made structures and terrain contours. The display also illustrates the depth at which these features are found. View these images via the wide 75 degree/455 kHz setting or the sharper 45 degree/800 kHz option.

The DualBeam Plus function provides traditional sonar images to depths of up to 600 feet. The beams pick up images at 28 degree angles on a 200 kHz frequency and at a 16 degree angle on a 455 kHz frequency. Choose a narrow beam for greater accuracy or the wider beam went desiring to scan larger areas.

Additional Features

View both DI and Dual Beam sonar images simultaneously on a split screen, or navigate using the map and sonar at the same time. Change the color scheme for better viewing. In addition, the Helix 5 DI GPS comes equipped with Freeze Frame and Snap Shot capabilities, Selective Fish ID, sonar recording and water temperature alarm among other functions. Humminbird also encourages anglers to register the device in order to take advantage of software upgrades that are available online on the company’s website. The upgrades become available once or twice a year.

Conclusion

Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS offers technology that takes fishing into the 21st century. The device is designed to provide anglers with an advantage whether located on fresh or salt water. All in all, the device is well worth the money. You can get a great deal on Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS here.

 
 
 Raymarine Dragonfly 5PROGarmin echoMap 53dvHumminbird Helix 5 DI GPS
raymarine_5progarmin53dvhumminbird_helix5di
Screen Size5 in5 in5 in
Screen Resolution800 x 480 pixels480 x 480 pixels480 x 800 pixels
Display Type16-bit color TFTWQVGA256 colors TFT
Imaging2D using CHIRP
DownVision using CHIRP
2D, Down Imaging2D, Down Imaging
Transducer TypeTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling MotorTransom Mount/Trolling Motor
Transmit Power500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency200 kHz Sonar/350 kHz Down Vision77/200 kHz200/455 kHz 2D
455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth600 ft 2,300 ft freshwater
1,100 ft saltwater
600 ft 2D
350 ft Down Imaging
MSRP$549$499$349
ReviewsReviewsReviews

User Reviews

Posted by John Br.

  • 5/5
5

If you have a limited budget, this fishfinder is a great choice. You get all the bells and whistles of an expensive unit but you won’t get a sticker shock. I’ve been on my home lake just a few times with it and I’ve already discovered many structures I didn’t even know about when you using my old Lowarance Elite. Money well spent.

Posted by rickmb

  • 5/5
5

This is my first fishfinder so I can’t compare to other units but I it so far. I’ve read reviews for many units before buying this one. I was a bit concerned about GPS, many reviewers complained about GPS on the previous Humminbird models. So far I haven’t had any problems with GPS, it latches on a satellite quickly and keeps the signal. I’m considering buying a second one.

Posted by Jonathan Adair

  • 5/5
5

I use this unit for navigating shallow rivers with many gravel and sand bars. So far it has kept me out of trouble and hasn’t let me down. Can’t comment on the fishfinding part.

Posted by Kevin W

  • 5/5
5

I was hoping this would work as advertised, and Humminbird did not let me down. I rigged up a portable setup for ice fishing myself and so far it is working even better than I hoped. The included transducer works well sitting 6 inches below the water line and I was able to use the mounting hardware to keep the cords straight and level. I run it at 455 khz and set it to ice fishing mode in the menu. It found the fish every time. Now that it is summer and I have had a chance to try out the down imaging, I am even more impressed. The level of detail is out of this world. I can actually get a clear picture of what structures look like and the contours of the bottom. The GPS is handy in both seasons for marking spots where the fish hang out. The only thing it doesn’t do is get them on the hook. I recommend this to anyone who loves to fish more and search less.

Posted by Jim

  • 1/5
1

Just after the warranty ran out mine got moisture in it and now doesn’t work.
Boat is kept under a cover and carport but last time it worked we fished all day in heavy rain
Next time out had water in it
Laid it face down on my workbench over and next morning water was on the bench and around the push buttons. 75 bucks to repair

Posted by Gerard

  • 1/5
1

Big headache with the transducer, e-mailed Humminbird support several times. Each time was told I had to move the transducer, reset unit to default. Then was told to put in hull , none of their solutions resolved issue with transponder not working correctly. Even at a standstill unit would flake out and tell me I was in less than 2ft of water when I knew for sure at least 20. So now they tell me to take unit off boat and send it for service. Would not recommend. I just took it back to the store where I purchased it and exchanged for a Lowrance Hook 5, installed that unit and voila! no problems.

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