$1000 Question - Helix 9 vs Helix 7

[Still Afloat]

I’m curious if anyone has owned both the Helix 9 G4N and Helix 7 G3N and what‘s better about the Helix 9 aside from a larger screen, two SD ports and WiFi.

I inquired on another site and someone said the down imaging and side imaging was much better. I don’t get that much use out of SI/DI on the Helix 7. It‘s useful for determining structure on new water but, SI/DI doesn’t do a good job at seeing fish so just run 2D sonar once I know the area.

Even with the Black Friday pricing the Helix 9 is still $1000 and I’m having a hard time justifying the purchase. Is it that much better? The only reason that I’m looking is because I‘m rigging a new boat and I’m one unit short.

 

[Ray Clark]

I have the 7 G3N, never had a 9 G4N.

I think you answered your own question with the SI/DI usage comment, particularly when you combine it with your other comment about having a hard time justifying the purchase.

If it was me, I'd save the pesos and get the 7 G3N. Might even look at buying the G3N with an extra display and network it on the new boat.

 

[Still Afloat]

You’re probably right, Ray. The only problem is finding a G3N since they are now out of production.

 

[Lost But Happy]

Not sure which of the 2 promotions would save you more $$, the black friday sale or this one...

https://www.tinboats.net/threads/humminbird-helix-sale.51095/

 

[LDUBS]

I’m curious if anyone has owned both the Helix 9 G4N and Helix 7 G3N and what‘s better about the Helix 9 aside from a larger screen, two SD ports and WiFi.

I inquired on another site and someone said the down imaging and side imaging was much better. I don’t get that much use out of SI/DI on the Helix 7. It‘s useful for determining structure on new water but, SI/DI doesn’t do a good job at seeing fish so just run 2D sonar once I know the area.

Even with the Black Friday pricing the Helix 9 is still $1000 and I’m having a hard time justifying the purchase. Is it that much better? The only reason that I’m looking is because I‘m rigging a new boat and I’m one unit short.

Don't know the answer, but will ask a side question. Which would you prefer having -- Side or Down imaging?

I'm still watching prices on Helix 7's. I note that SI is about $50 less than DI. Like you, I won't use imaging much if at all. If I had to pick one, I'm not sure which way to go.

 

[Still Afloat]

If you get the SI head unit it will also do DI but, the DI unit won’t do SI.

Also on the Helix 7 G3N you can not remotely display SI on a Helix 7 DI head unit. So spend the extra coin on the SI and get the network option. It will give you more flexibility down the road.

As far as the preference, they both have advantages for imaging structure. I think the SI helps you interpret the DI images. I’ll run both in split screen with the two SI images on top and the DI in the lower 25 to 30% of the screen.

 

[Still Afloat]

Not sure which of the 2 promotions would save you more $$, the black friday sale or this one...

https://www.tinboats.net/threads/humminbird-helix-sale.51095/

I think they are about the same.

 

[LDUBS]

If you get the SI head unit it will also do DI but, the DI unit won’t do SI.

Also on the Helix 7 G3N you can not remotely display SI on a Helix 7 DI head unit. So spend the extra coin on the SI and get the network option. It will give you more flexibility down the road.

As far as the preference, they both have advantages for imaging structure. I think the SI helps you interpret the DI images. I’ll run both in split screen with the two SI images on top and the DI in the lower 25 to 30% of the screen.

Thanks. That is a lot of help and sorry about detouring your thread.

 

[Still Afloat]

No worries. I pulled the trigger on the Helix 9. My eyes aren’t that great after three retina surgeries. The bigger screen should make things easier.

 

[Still Afloat]

Oh, here’s the new to me boat that’s getting the Helix.



It’s 2008 18’ North River Mariner, 115 and 9.9 Yamaha. It’s a very solid boat.

 

[Ray Clark]

Good lookin' boat!

Hope you enjoy that Helix 9. Like you, I need bigger screens these days. Before I got the Helix 7 in February, I had a tiny Lowrance that was not at all bright in the sunlight. It was very limited and I primarily used it for water temp and depth readings.

 

[jethro]

Oh, here’s the new to me boat that’s getting the Helix.

View attachment 118065

It’s 2008 18’ North River Mariner, 115 and 9.9 Yamaha. It’s a very solid boat.

Beautiful boat there. Exactly what I'd like to get into some day. Pretty much perfect!

 

[LDUBS]

North River Boats are awesome -- congrats.

 

[Still Afloat]

Thanks. I was hoping to get a larger model but, this one is heavy enough. My gas mileage was down to 10mpg towing it home through the Columbia Gorge. The truck normally gets 15 or 16 mpg when towing the Crestliner 1750.

Unfortunately, it won’t be going out for awhile. Winter is here and the lakes will freeze soon. Not to mention the wet, salted roads.