Humminbird Helix 5 Review
Are you a novice fisherman in need of an advanced, user-friendly fishfinder? Look no further than the Humminbird Helix 5. With its high-resolution display and dual beam sonar capabilities, this innovative product gives anglers access to up-to-date information about the underwater structure, bottom contour changes, and vegetation.
The device is compatible with reliable navigation features such as GPS mapping and Down Imaging technology, allowing consumers to track their progress while out on the water. Additionally, the Humminbird Helix 5 has a waterproof construction which ensures that it will be able to stand tough weather conditions while delivering top performance each time.
Now let us break down why the Humminbird Helix 5 is one of the best options for fishermen looking for reliable results!
The Helix 5 Series
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Humminbird 410250-1 Fish finder,Black | 582 Reviews | $379.99 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Humminbird 410200-1 HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder | 426 Reviews | $269.99 $254.74 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Humminbird 410220-1NAV HELIX 5 CHIRP DI (Down Imaging) GPS G2 NAV Fish Finder | 582 Reviews | $549.00 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Humminbird 411660-1 Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 | 186 Reviews | $319.99 $300.13 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Humminbird 411670-1 Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 | 128 Reviews | $360.89 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Humminbird Helix 5 is your perfect fishing partner. Boasting a range of features that make it easy to locate fish, read their movement, and lock onto them quickly, this device is sure to take your fishing game to the next level.
All models come with a five-inch color TFT screen in landscape orientation and a button system instead of a touchscreen. With Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Dual Sonar, and CHIRP options available, you can see up to 2.5 inches of separation on different types of terrain.
You’ll also be able to use the included GPS chart plotting tool so you know exactly where you stand at all times – no more navigating blindly! Helix 5 also sports a microSD card slot for storage so that you can access map data without hassle or interruption.
Built with the highest quality materials for optimum durability and reliability, the Hummingbird Helix 5 ensures years of enjoyable use time after time.
Key Features
Big Features/Low Price
Get ready to unlock your angling potential with a high-end fish finder combo for an unbeatable price of less than $500! Featuring Side Imaging, Down Imaging, and GPS functionality, you won’t have trouble spotting even the stealthiest aquatic life.
Display/Screen
The Humminbird Helix 5 is the perfect size for kayak fishing and smaller Jon boats; its five-inch screen won’t take up too much space. With this unit, anglers can enjoy a portably mounted fish finder without sacrificing ease of use – though it may be harder to read quickly while navigating different areas in the water.
Humminbird equips the Helix 5 fish finder with a landscape 800×480 pixel TFT display. 256 colors create vivid contours and details, allowing anglers to quickly identify fishes and structures below. To top it off, this model includes a convenient backlight that reduces glare in sunny conditions – all for an affordable price tag!
Despite its compact size, the Humminbird Helix 5 offers a host of features usually found in premium models. With this versatile device, you can now enjoy all the benefits and convenience of larger units – without having to sacrifice precious space!
Sonar/Transducer + SwitchFire Sonar
When selecting a model, it is important to consider the type of sonar available. Most have CHIRP and DualBeam sonar capabilities which serve different purposes. The advanced technology used in CHIRP sends out consistent waves that can detect objects drastically improving image quality over traditional fish finders – giving you an opportunity to uncover something special! Meanwhile, DualBeam focuses on delivering crisp images by precisely controlling your Sonar’s wave spread for both down and side imaging detail.
When searching underwater, Humminbird Helix’s state-of-the-art fish finder offers two ways to cover a larger area: the 455 kHz wide beam sonar for general scoping and the 800 kHz narrow beam for precise targeting. Their promise of 2.5-inch target separation guarantees accuracy that is second to none!
The SwitchFire feature is an innovative and intuitive way to leverage sonar technology in your fishing setup. By setting up the two modes—Max for wide scans, and Clear for pinpoint targets — you can make sure that no fish gets away with staying hidden! The handy color-coded system indicates how close they are too; orange means it’s time to drop a line while blue signals something further out of reach. With total customizability at hand even if you’re not familiar with all the technical aspects, this feature makes finding success on the water easier than ever before.
Side Imaging
With a Humminbird Helix 5 SI, anglers can upgrade their fishing game by gaining access to side imaging. By scanning the waters from both sides of the boat, users have an unprecedented ability to locate fish closer than ever before – even near shorelines! Additionally, this particular model includes down-imaging for added accuracy and convenience despite its smaller five-inch screen. Although pricier than typical models and having diminished accuracy on smaller screens, it remains a valuable purchase due to its enhanced viewing capabilities compared with conventional down-imaging devices.
Down Imaging
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and reliable fish finder, down imaging is your best bet. You can expect an accuracy of up to 250 feet for this model. While this particular fish finder has the capability for greater depths – even reaching 1,500 feet – its accuracy begins deteriorating significantly past the 250-foot mark. As such, you’re guaranteed dependable performance and results in shallow waters with this budget-friendly model!
GPS
With the Humminbird Helix 5’s basic GPS with a MicroSD card slot on the left side and limited storage, you’ll have access to a maximum of 2,500 waypoints with 45 routes. Offering even more versatility allowing users to sync it with AutoChart Live Navionics for added software benefits at an additional cost. Features like LakeMaster offer satellite imaging to help pinpoint ideal fishing spots but require premium spending if desired – so aficionados may want to opt for bigger screen units instead!
SmartStrike
SmartStrike takes the guesswork out of finding your perfect spot to cast! Leveraging a combination of weather data, lake conditions, and seasonal fish activity to provide you with optimal fishing locations. Unless your lake is already equipped for chart plotting technology, be prepared to pay up or map it yourself – experience with this type of device will come in handy here. However, buyers must possess an understanding of marine navigation tools as it requires some technical knowledge for optimal usage – plus its 5-inch display might not always be suitable for accurate depictions! Despite these caveats though, SmartStrike remains one innovative tool that brings enhanced convenience and value within reach of all fishermen seeking success in their angling exploits.
Non-Networkable
Although some models offer Side and Down Imaging capabilities, they are not integrated with networking features. This design choice likely helps to keep the cost of these units low for anglers on a budget.
Mounting
With the Helix 5, fishermen can get ready to hit the open seas quickly and confidently with its new plastic gimbal mount replacing traditional quick disconnect systems of years past.
Pros and Cons of Humminbird Helix 5
1. Helix 5 Sonar G2
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar to help identify fish
- Portable soft-sided carrying case to take your fishing system on the go
- SwitchFire Sonar with two display modes
- Keypad control interface X-Press menu system
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Helix 5 Sonar G2 is just a basic fishfinder function. Anglers often use it to keep them on depth as they troll along, it means this unit is like the depth finder but more advanced.
Pros:
– The installation was fairly simple.
– Easy to use.
– The device is very sensitive.
– Very detailed, and clear display.
-Good quality.
Cons:
– The unit is a little small (but has a decent size screen), and the windshield blocks the view so you need something to raise the unit up.
– Lots of blurs.
– It doesn’t have an icon mode to see what is fish and what is not.
– This unit has no GPS, no speed, and no down imaging or side imaging.
2. Helix 5 DI G2
- Down Imaging: Get a clear view of what's happening below your boat with Down Imaging. As you patrol the water, you'll watch timber, brush, bridge pilings, rocks and any other structure pop with great detail.
- SwitchFire Sonar: Take command of how your sonar returns appear. With two display modes, you can add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature and turbulence, even watch lure presentations - all at the push of a button.
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar: Two beams combine for great detail and a generous coverage area, helping you identify fish, structure and contours. Use the narrow beam for high-accuracy returns of fish, structure, detail and the bottom profile. Opt for the wide beam when you want a larger search area. You can view the beams separately, side-by-side or blended together for the complete picture. Your coverage area will be equal to your depth.
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
– Images are very clear when looking from 5 – 6 feet away.
– Image detail is pretty crisp.
– Simple to install and easy to use.
– Mates up easily with MinnKota.
Cons:
– 5-inch screen is sometimes a bit small to use.
– Doesn’t have GPS.
3. Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G2
- 5-Inch widescreen LED backlit display
- Includes Navionics+ (U. S. and Canada) SD card for out-of-the-box map coverage of over 21, 000 lakes and waterbodies
- Down Imaging to see a clearer view beneath your boat
- CHIRP digital sonar engineered to help you see individual fish
- Humminbird and Navionics map cards to create real-time maps of your fishing spots
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
– This unit is feature rich and very accurate. Be sure to read the owner’s manual to get the most out of your features!
– Easy to install.
– Perfect unit for a pontoon.
– The flasher mode is extremely responsive, with lots of different screen options.
– Solidly built.
– Updated maps and getting maps for your favorite lake are really easy.
Cons:
– A little complicated for those who are not tech-savvy.
– It takes time to learn, understand, and be able to use all the features of the device.
– A little too small of a screen.
4. Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3
- Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by softkey controls that allow you to reliably operate your fish finder in any conditions.
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar: Before you cast, know what's down there thanks to highly-detailed fish arches and a clear view of fish-holding structure and the bottom. Powered by our proprietary, Low-Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar offers two ways to search; Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail.
- Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Our enhanced basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
- Premium Chart Compatible: Humminbird provides the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers everywhere. Get a complete view of the world below with optional charts from Humminbird's LakeMaster and CoastMaster products, as well as your choice of compatible Navionics charts.
- AutoChart Live: Create real-time maps of your fishing spots, with access to patented Humminbird LakeMaster features. Map depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation as you drive your boat. Comes standard with eight (8) hours of built-in recording time and is compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for virtually-endless AutoChart Live mapping capacity.
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
– The unit is well made and fairly easy to set up and operate.
– Small and compact responses to depth changes and located fish.
– Easy to navigate through the different features.
– The color screen is bright and easy to read in bright sunlight.
– The SD card can be purchased with all the lakes the user plans to use the boat in.
– The make plotter on the main screen provides accurate and fast data while underway.
Cons:
– The Humminbird transducer loses the underwater view when they are running fast.
5. Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3
- Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by softkey controls that allow you to reliably operate your fish finder in any conditions.
- CHIRP Down Imaging: Filter out noise and clutter for a clear view beneath your boat. CHIRP Digital Sonar processing of Down Imaging Sonar means that you'll see great detail to make finding the fish simple and easy.
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar: Before you cast, know what's down there thanks to highly-detailed fish arches and a clear view of fish-holding structure and the bottom. Powered by our proprietary, Low-Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar offers two ways to search; Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail.
- Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Our enhanced basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
- Premium Chart Compatible: Humminbird provides the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers everywhere. Get a complete view of the world below with optional charts from Humminbird's LakeMaster and CoastMaster products, as well as your choice of compatible Navionics charts.
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a board with more upgraded software than Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G2, so it also has the advantages and disadvantages as stated in Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G2 above. in addition, it also has an advantage is that it’s so easy to transform this unit from open water to hard water.
FAQs
What does CHIRP mean?
CHIRP stands for Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse and is a pulsed sonar signal used by modern fish finders. CHIRP technology emits sound waves of various frequencies that allow the device to detect individual fish, debris, or structures on the bottom with more accuracy than traditional fish finders. CHIRP gives you the luxurious advantage of seeing beyond what 2D sonar can by offering broad coverage of frequencies.
Does Helix 5 show speed?
No, the Helix 5 series does not have speed capabilities. However, it is compatible with many transducers that do offer a Speed Over Ground (SOG) feature. The SOG transducer must be purchased separately and mounted before the Helix 5 can take advantage of this feature.
Are Helix 5 series fishfinders waterproof?
No, it’s just water-resistant. All Helix 5 series fish finders are rated IPX7 for water resistance so they can survive splashes and brief immersions in shallow water without any damage. However, it is best to keep them dry at all times when not in use to avoid any possible water damage or corrosion. It is also important to note that these units should never be submerged deeper than
What is side imaging?
Side imaging technology uses sonar waves to create an image of what lies beneath your boat by scanning over a 180-degree arc from both sides of the watercraft at once. This allows anglers to see structures along the bottom, as well as fish swimming near them, which provides a much more detailed view of what is happening underwater. Side imaging technology can also be used to map the bottom structure and create detailed contour maps.
What is down imaging?
Down Imaging uses sonar waves to create an image of what lies beneath your boat by scanning directly below in a conical pattern. This allows anglers to see structures along the bottom, as well as fish swimming near them – providing a much more detailed view of what is happening underwater. Down Imaging technology can also be used to map the bottom structure and create detailed contour maps. It’s important to note that while Down Imaging has great resolution, it only covers a relatively small area compared to Side Imaging which scans over a 180-degree arc from both sides of the watercraft.
Why does my Helix 5 not show fish?
Your Helix 5 may not be showing fish for several reasons.
First, make sure that you are in an area with plenty of fish and that your transducer is properly mounted and in the water.
Accurately positioning your transducer is essential for obtaining optimal performance from the depth sounder. An angled view of the underwater space can significantly reduce its ability to detect fish; thus, it’s important that the transducer be aimed straight downward and aligned according to boat movement requirements in order for this technology to successfully show what lies beneath.
Secondly, check to make sure that your frequency setting is appropriate for the depth and conditions you’re fishing in.
Finally, if all else fails, try adjusting the sensitivity on your unit or double-checking the cable connections between your transducer and display unit. If you’re still having trouble locating fish after these steps, contact Humminbird customer service for further assistance.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to what you value in a fish finder. The Helix 5 has some great features that might appeal to you, but it also has some flaws. Make sure to read through all the reviews and learn carefully about the features of each unit before making your final decision. So you don’t have to be disappointed or regret when the product you buy doesn’t have the features you need, and don’t waste too much on expensive machines that don’t use all of its features.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources available online like this one to help guide your decision-making process. With so many options on the market, there’s no need to rush into a purchase – take your time and choose wisely!
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Further reading