Curious on what everyone uses for GPS units? I don’t own a boat would be just looking for a unit to cover my needs while on ice. I have thought about a Ice helix 7 but I have heard mixed reviews regarding the functionality of the sonar. Not looking to spend a ton but also want quality unit. Any insight would be very helpful! Thanks
I have seen the Helix Ice 5 and it seemed to work really well in the flasher and graph modes. The GPS with the additional of the Lakemaster chip would put this at the top of my list if I was looking for a flasher/gps combo.
If I was just looking for a GPS unit, that is much more challenging since there are longer any handhelds that work with a Lakemaster chip. I have an older Lowrance H2Oc with a Lakemaster chip and thankfully it still works for the days when I walk out for ice fishing (use my graph out of the boat when I take the ATV out on the ice)
Not a handheld but, HumminBird used to make a 386ci which has a small screen (3 inch?) but included GPS. Mounted one on the snowmobile and it works for me. Would a bigger screen be nicer, you bet, but my son-in-law was not using this anymore so he gave it to me.
Here are a few hits from ebay
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XHumminBird+386ci.TRS0&_nkw=HumminBird+386ci&_sacat=0
Also saw some other HumminBird units with GPS available on that listing.
You could always download the Navionics app
Humminbird offers some different models if you are looking for a combination unit. I have been using my humminbird 788 on the ice now for over 8 years (and on my boat). What is your price range?
I have the Hummingbird Fish Smart app on my phone….the HD maps are awesome and I can utilize the depth shading the only downside is that it is 10 to 20 dollars a map, and also limited map options. I really like hummingbird and their products…. I just wanted to see if there was a product out there that would perform like the Ice helix 7 as far as mapping unit without the sonar. I appreciate the feedback!
I would recommend the humminbird helix 5 , I just bought one and it has gps on it and I don’t leave home without it , amazing unit!!! It’s a little bit over kill if u just want gps but it also can be used in the summer on the boat and ice fishing !!!
Which map chips work in the HB Helix units? Is it just Lakemaster and Navionics?
Pricing models for the LM chips are kinda ridiculous if you fish multiple states regularly like I do (MN/WI). That’s one thing I like about the national Garmin LakeVu chip.
I’ve been a Garmin guy for years but I have a chance to pick up a Helix 7 Ice G2 for a really reasonable price so I’m considering cheating on my FLX-28 and Garmin handheld unit. 
TIA.
Which map chips work in the HB Helix units? Is it just Lakemaster and Navionics?
Pricing models for the LM chips are kinda ridiculous if you fish multiple states regularly like I do (MN/WI). That’s one thing I like about the national Garmin LakeVu chip.
I’ve been a Garmin guy for years but I have a chance to pick up a Helix 7 Ice G2 for a really reasonable price so I’m considering cheating on my FLX-28 and Garmin handheld unit.
TIA.
It’s Lakemaster and Navionics compatible for sure. It also comes with a stock base map loaded, and you have AutoChart to create custom maps. Pretty tough to beat it’s GPS/mapping features, IMO, from what I’ve heard.
Finally got my Ice Helix 5 G2 today, so I’ll have some more solid first-hand info shortly.
X2 on the navionics app on your phone if you have one. Cheap, easy and accurate
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