798ci hd si or helix 5 si gps

i want to buy one of these. it will be my first si unit which one do you guys think i should get and why?

Tough to give you advice as the they discontinued the 798c SI HD, and the HELIX is a brand new unit for 2015.

I have a 798 and love it. If you can provide more details on the specific price on a used 798 vs. the retail of the HELIX you’re looking at it would help.

they are both 500 at gander mountain

I had a 798 with side imaging and really liked it . I was just about to order the helix 5 but I found out it only takes lakemaster and navionics gold chips. I did not want to buy another chip so I would rather buy a more expensive one that takes my navionics premium. if I needed a chip too I would buy it looks like a slick little unit for cheap

I have not been disappointed with my 798ci SI and it nicely converted to an ice machine with the addition of the iceducer. I bought it when they first came out and it was twice that price.

The 798 allows you to network with other ‘birds in the future, plus has the easy-remove base. The Helix has that nice horizontal screen orientation.

For the same $$$, I think the 798 is a better choice

http://www.humminbird.com/Products/798ci-HD-SI-Combo/

HRG

another thing I found out today. I went to cabelas asking some questions on units. I was looking at the 859 and helix. apparently the 859 runs a 10hz internal gps which is better than previous years pucks and the helix has a 1hz and is junky. according to the sales guy but he seemed to know everything I have been researching. but for the price you really cant complain. I am assuming he 798 has a better gps than the helix.

cabela’s has the Humminbird 899si on sale this saturday morning only for $799 I believe? If you want to get serious with SI, you’ll want the largest screen possible with your budget. I know it’s $300 more than the Helix, but it’s a MUCH better unit and the added screen size will make a huge difference interpreting SI..

JoeMX1825 wrote:

cabela’s has the Humminbird 899si on sale this saturday morning only for $799 I believe? If you want to get serious with SI, you’ll want the largest screen possible with your budget. I know it’s $300 more than the Helix, but it’s a MUCH better unit and the added screen size will make a huge difference interpreting SI..

^^^^^^ what he said!

HRG

thanks for the replies i did go with the 798 just have to get it hooked up now and get on the water.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

cabela’s has the Humminbird 899si on sale this saturday morning only for $799 I believe? If you want to get serious with SI, you’ll want the largest screen possible with your budget. I know it’s $300 more than the Helix, but it’s a MUCH better unit and the added screen size will make a huge difference interpreting SI..

Not to hi jack the thread, but is that an in-store only deal or online too? That’s exactly the unit ive been looking to purchase. And that’s a great price. Thanks in advance.

i bought mine online but the other day i was in the store and it was the same price

Hot Runr Guy wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
cabela’s has the Humminbird 899si on sale this saturday morning only for $799 I believe? If you want to get serious with SI, you’ll want the largest screen possible with your budget. I know it’s $300 more than the Helix, but it’s a MUCH better unit and the added screen size will make a huge difference interpreting SI..

^^^^^^ what he said!

HRG

What’s the difference between the 859SI and 899SI? I have been looking at the 859 at my local boat dealer.

859 does not have si.

eyecatchum wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
cabela’s has the Humminbird 899si on sale this saturday morning only for $799 I believe? If you want to get serious with SI, you’ll want the largest screen possible with your budget. I know it’s $300 more than the Helix, but it’s a MUCH better unit and the added screen size will make a huge difference interpreting SI..

Not to hi jack the thread, but is that an in-store only deal or online too? That’s exactly the unit ive been looking to purchase. And that’s a great price. Thanks in advance.

per the ad it was supposed to be for just a few hours last Saturday morning, but I just noticed it was $799 yesterday online….sucks for those who waited outside the store Saturday morning…