Humminbird introduced the latest fish finding innovation just in time for the 2016/2017 ice fishing season. The compact, portable and multi-function Ice Helix 7 is the big brother to the Ice Helix 5. With GPS, flash and sonar capability, the device is sure to enable anglers to find and return to productive locations on the water with more fish in tow. With this technology at hand, anglers spend more time catching and less time finding the fish.
Convenience
Grab the portable soft-sided case, which has an IPX5 waterproof rating and use the Ice Helix 7 while walking to your favorite fishing spot. Pack it on an ATV or snow mobile. The Ice Helix comes complete with the carrying bag, hardware, gimbal bracket, shuttle and a 12-volt 7AH battery plus charger. The unit itself measures a mere 10.54 inches x 5.44 inches x 1.13 inches.
Regardless of the weather conditions, the fish finder is designed to deliver the information necessary for a successful day on the ice. Combined with on-ice function, the larger 7-inch high definition screen provides images in a 16:9 ratio, which means plenty of room for easily visible split-screen displays and multi-tasking capability.
Brilliant Display
Anglers get a crisp picture of activity below the ice thanks to the bright LCD digital read-out that creates images in 256 colors on the LED-backlit screen at a resolution of 480×800 pixels. Get the image you need even when the sun shines or light reflects off the ice and snow. In split-screen mode, the screen displays both sonar and the graphic map of your choosing. The unit also has a zoom function that magnifies up to 8 times. Go to full-screen for the latency-free, six-color digital flasher.
In flasher or sonar mode, the display takes the guesswork out of lure and swivel depths, water temperature and the presence of fish. Use the fish I.D. Function to find the specific sizes or species of fish that you are after.
DualBeam and SwitchFire Sonar
Humminbird’s patented DualBeam PLUS™ technology offers 20 degree and 60 degree coverage @ -10 db. Attached to the eight-foot cable, the transducer emits pings and receives returns at 83/200 kHz frequency ranges. Built-in target separation of up to 2.5 inches displays fish stacking activity. The transducer functions at a depths of up to 1,500 feet in fresh or salt water while operating at 500 to 4,000 watts of power. The narrow beam is ideal for noise-free accurate bottom imaging while the wider beam allows coverage of wider regions.
The SwitchFire Sonar gives anglers control of how pings return to the device using the Clear and Max modes. In Clear Mode, the device filters weaker signals to ensure that the stronger return creates a clean, crisp image. The Max Mode in particular is favored by seasoned anglers who prefer modifying their fishing tactics based on precise conditions and environments.
Cartography and GPS
The Ice Helix also comes with UniMap cartography that is designed to display the United States coastline along with inland lakes and rivers at a resolution of 30 meters for every pixel. The 2x internal RAM loads and displays maps faster and continually refreshes the screen. The internal memory also provides anglers with the option of storing as many as 45 routes and 2,500 waypoints. The head of the device contains the GPS antenna.
A built-in micro-SD card slot extends functionality by providing use of external software. The Humminbird Helix 7 is compatible with AutoChart®, LakeMaster® and Navionics® programs. Use external memory cards to record and save screenshots, sonar readings or waypoints. The card reader additionally enables users to upgrade the internal software free of charge from the “My Humminbird” page on the company’s website.
Versatility
During warmer months, take the Ice Helix 7 on a boat, canoe or kayak. Install the unit in or on the dashboard for the same degree of highly visible useful information. Affordable and precise, the latest addition to the Humminbird array of fish finders features a one-year limited warranty. As with all Hummingbird products, the knowledgeable tech support team is readily available to answer questions and provide tips. With the technology available to today’s angler, it is hard to imaging fishing without it. You can get a great deal on Humminbird Ice Helix 7 here.
| Lowrance Hook 5 Ice Machine | Garmin Striker Ice Fishing Bundle | Humminbird Ice Helix 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Screen Size | 5 in | 5 in | 7 in |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 480 x 320 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Display Type | 256 Color TFT | HVGA color | 256 Color TFT |
| Transmit Power | 500W RMS | 200W RMS | 500W RMS |
| Sonar Frequency | Med, High (CHIRP), 83kHz/200kHz | Traditional: 77/200 kHz CHIRP: mid and high | 200/83 kHz |
| MSRP | $499 | $399 | $599 |
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