Wanting to pull the trigger on a new graph. I found a helix 12 mega si gn2 for $1499.99. I currently am running a Lowrance 5hdi so it’s definitely time to upgrade. There’s only 1 place that I have found selling that helix gn2 for that price or should I buy the gn3. Topic might have been discussed already.
Helluva buy if you don’t plan on networking…but it looks like it is in the description after i read it. the maps option on those is upgrade able thru navionics cards i believe.
Helluva buy if you don’t plan on networking… the maps option on those is upgrade able thru navionics cards i believe.
That unit looks networkable to me?
It shows it is network capable. Next question is it going to be over the top too big to run on my atv for mapping in the winter or keep the Lowrance for that?
Next question is it going to be over the top too big to run on my atv for mapping in the winter or keep the Lowrance for that?
Far be it from me to tell you size doesn’t matter 
However that’s pretty darn big for anything but a boat. It will also have a pretty good power draw, how will you handle that?
Sounds like I would be better running the Lowrance on the wheeler nice big screen would be nice but your right would have to run a big deep cycle to keep it powered.
Wanting to pull the trigger on a new graph. I found a helix 12 mega si gn2 for $1499.99. I currently am running a Lowrance 5hdi so it’s definitely time to upgrade. There’s only 1 place that I have found selling that helix gn2 for that price or should I buy the gn3. Topic might have been discussed already.
I’ve seen the ad for that price also and I’ve been tempted but I’m holding out to get a gn3 model when I can afford it because I want mega+ imaging on si.
I’m having a hard time passing it up there must not be many gn2 left looked at a bunch of places no one has any. I feel like I should buy it real soon.
Buy it.
Here’s an 1199.
Has nearly 4,000 hours on it and still shows fish without mega 
Looks like a fish to me.
My 12 gen1 2″ from my 1199 while it has a nicer screen…I don’t even use for si.
No need.
There’s lots to be seen with older generation side imagining and the newer ones won’t make interpretations much easier with their crispness.
20200402_185733.jpg
Sounds like I would be better running the Lowrance on the wheeler nice big screen would be nice but your right would have to run a big deep cycle to keep it powered.
Yeah they’re juice hogs!!
Love my Helix 12 g2n. For $1500 I see no reason to buy the g3n. The g2n is indeed networkable….
All 9,10,and 12 helix’s are networkable.
Thanks for the perspective fish blood & River mud . The answers are very clear that I need to buck up and order it. Thanks guys for the good input.
Love my Helix 12 g2n. For $1500 I see no reason to buy the g3n.
It all depends what you are looking for in a depthfinder. Mega+ imaging technology extends the depth range and expands the side imaging coverage areas while improving the clearness of the imagery and detail by 20%. Personally, I’ll pay more to get that technology.
Personally, I’ll pay more to get that technology.
Nothing wrong with that! Not disagreeing, just adding to it Karry.
It is extremely expensive to keep up with depthfinder technology.
Every model is $2500 new (Buying the biggest and latest). Next year it is worth half that used.
I’m guilty as well as buying the latest and greatest, at one time anyway.
I dumped my 898 SI for a Helix 12 Gen 1 – only because it was the first net workable unit that can create maps…and i wanted screen size to boot. (Solix was the first but they’re a network nightmare) I don’t even utilize chirp. I doubt i’m missing the bus however.
Nothing has made me want to jump from my 1199 or Helix Gen 1 to the gen 2 or 3.
The technology increase just hasn’t for me made sense to spend the cash.
Especially since i could spend a little more and jump into the whole new world of Garmin Tech.
My advise with depthfinders is always buy a bigger screen in last years tech (or older) vs a smaller screen in this years tech…Sacrifice screen size as a last resort to new tech.
Plan on spending 20 hours minimum researching how to “interpret Humminbird Side Imaging”…Unless you just want that fancy toy you don’t know how to use.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Karry Kyllo wrote:</div>
Personally, I’ll pay more to get that technology.Plan on spending 20 hours minimum researching how to “interpret Humminbird Side Imaging”…Unless you just want that fancy toy you don’t know how to use.
I never said that I didn’t have side imaging nor did I say that I don’t know how to use it. I’ve been using side imaging since I bought a Humminbird 797c2 in 2006 and I’ve had it on several units after that. The sharper side imaging of the g3n units is what appeals to me.
It’s always what I thought my units have lacked in the past.
If that is the Helix Gen 2 for $1499 it is a promo unit it has it`s own special transducer. Humminbird made it up for Cabelas and BassPro shops the only thing I would be concerned about is maybe finding a transducer for it down the road if something goes wrong with it.
It’s listed at scheels how would a guy find out if it’s promo helix like you mentioned Tom P. That would stink to break it and not have a replacement
It’s not a promo….
It’s not a promo….
Agree not a promo. These units were $1,500 Last Summer for a while. I think the G2 will treat you very well. Personally I don’t see the reason to upgrade to G3 or pay the extra money. The technology difference is like 1%, not 20% as mentioned.
I still run G2’s. I’ve used G3’s and I couldn’t tell the difference.
What you run is up to you, but where do you get your 1% technology difference stat from Joe? I’m the guy that mentioned that Humminbird claims 20% more detail on Mega+ vs Mega. Do the research if you don’t believe me.
What you run is up to you, but where do you get your 1% technology difference stat from Joe? I’m the guy that mentioned that Humminbird claims 20% more detail on Mega+ vs Mega. Do the research if you don’t believe me.
Relax….I’m sure humminbird does claim 20% more detail. He gave his opinion. I happen to agree with his opinion. I was also of the opinion when the “mega” si first came out. I had the gen 1 si and still didn’t think the extra $1k was worth it to have mega si. Even after having “mega” now, I wouldn’t pay an extra $1k for it… I just think these huge sales are a great time to buy a unit that is a year behind in technology….unless money is no object
All 9,10,and 12 helix’s are networkable.
I believe that’s true for G3 Helix, but not G2 or G1. The Humminbird website is under maintenance right now, so I can’t verify that.
Also, the OP refers to “gn2” not G2N. So it’s not clear to me if he means generation 2 or Generation 2 Networkable.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:</div>
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Karry Kyllo wrote:</div>
Personally, I’ll pay more to get that technology.Plan on spending 20 hours minimum researching how to “interpret Humminbird Side Imaging”…Unless you just want that fancy toy you don’t know how to use.
I never said that I didn’t have side imaging nor did I say that I don’t know how to use it. I’ve been using side imaging since I bought a Humminbird 797c2 in 2006 and I’ve had it on several units after that. The sharper side imaging of the g3n units is what appeals to me.
It’s always what I thought my units have lacked in the past.
Hey bud, none of that was directed at you karry. Just general advice on the learning curve. Really. Not pushing buttons here
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Wingman99 wrote:</div>
All 9,10,and 12 helix’s are networkable.I believe that’s true for G3 Helix, but not G2 or G1. The Humminbird website is under maintenance right now, so I can’t verify that.
Also, the OP refers to “gn2” not G2N. So it’s not clear to me if he means generation 2 or Generation 2 Networkable.
Here’s the link to the Humminbird Networking Chart:
I have had SI on 1197, 1198, G2N, and will have G3N on my new boat. From my experience there was a huge upgrade between 1197/1198 and G2N with Mega. After I first upgraded to the G2N with Mega, I went back over some of the spots that I was very familiar with, I couldn’t believe my eyes in the new details that I was now seeing with the Mega. I kept the 1198 for mapping only so I was able to do side by side comparisons. So from my experience clearly an upgrade in the Mega. Now I will get to experience if Mega+ shows me even more details.
I would get the G2N. You will absolutely be blown away with the details you will be able to see.
In regards to the G2N release, they did release a special build to BP and Cabellas which has caused a lot of confustion.
If you do upgrade make sure you install the transducer that comes with the upgrade as there can be some issues with running older transducers.
All the details at this link. Also you will find a wealth of knowledge at this link.
Thanks Gonefishing I was trying to find that post.
Thank you for all the post and information following up on Tom P information you all have given me a lot of input and I appreciate all the help. I’m happy to be part of this forum.
I’m also planning to upgrade to Hummingbird SI unit this year. Does SI work with just one transducer on one side of the transom or should you put a transducer on both sides of the transom? Or how do you know if you should use two transducers or if one will be fine? It seems like with just one transducer that the signal could get blocked by the lower unit of the motor.
I’m also planning to upgrade to Hummingbird SI unit this year. Does SI work with just one transducer on one side of the transom or should you put a transducer on both sides of the transom? Or how do you know if you should use two transducers or if one will be fine? It seems like with just one transducer that the signal could get blocked by the lower unit of the motor.
Dan for best results run two. One port, one starboard.
I run two.
However, i broke one last fall before a sturgeon trip and haven’t replaced it yet to this day…So you’re also fine with one. It is just a little dirtier’ if you will. I gotta kick myself in the butt and get a bracket ordered to replace my broken one.
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