Helix ice

Hey guys looking to purchase a helix 7 for ice use. I want gps also. Can anyone recommend which version would be best for ice use. I have read that the di version may work better due to dual freq. options. Also which ducer is best? Thanks in advance

I don’t know if down imagineing is an option on ice, they make an ice transducer, i think it is only 2d, i have an older hummingbird (597) that came in portable pack, the 2d sonar on graph mode is my favorite for ice, i use it more than my lx-3

For ice it won’t matter what version you get. When you go to put on your boat then you’ll have to decided what you want.

I have an 899 rigged up on a blue genz box that works great. I like it better than my vexilar most of the time.

There is only one ducer that works with the helix and other summer units and that is the Xl 9 20. The xl 9 19 only works with the ice 35, 45, and 55 machines.

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Also….don’t forget the inline fuse and make sure the unit has the up to date software.

The di versions allow a 200/455 dual beam if you’re willing to use the open water ducer. The 455 is a narrow beam, unlike the other helix units which have an extra-wide 83khz 60 degree beam. The DI units work well, especially using the 200/455 ducer, but it is a pain to manage compared to a simple ice ducer.

I’m hopeful that Hummingbird will eventually sell more ice ducer types.

You can use the open water ducer but it’s not a long term idea. Too big of a pain in my opinion. If you do this you’d be disappointed. Buy the ice ducer if you go this route.

JAnderson wrote:

You can use the open water ducer but it’s not a long term idea. Too big of a pain in my opinion. If you do this you’d be disappointed. Buy the ice ducer if you go this route.

Agreed, personally used the DI and regular ducer for 597, not worth it. Regular 2d is great with the ice

______________ wrote:

The di versions allow a 200/455 dual beam if you’re willing to use the open water ducer. The 455 is a narrow beam, unlike the other helix units which have an extra-wide 83khz 60 degree beam. The DI units work well, especially using the 200/455 ducer, but it is a pain to manage compared to a simple ice ducer.

I’m hopeful that Hummingbird will eventually sell more ice ducer types.

yeah the only reason I was thinking the DI route for the ice is that it can run dual freq. Will the DI unit with ice ducer still be able to run dual freq? or is the ice ducer just good for 83 60 deg?

Just remember at 200khz and no dedicated IR if you fish in a busy area vs on your own the interference may drive you insane

hmm I will be fishing with another helix 5 and ice 45 on the ocasion

You will be fine with the ICE45 – Its the only “traditional” flasher that doesn’t run at 200khz. The Helix to Helix may give you some trouble if you are close together though. No IR to cancel out like Vexilar/Marcums.

Helix has noise cancellation. Most people reporting being able to run two helix’s in a house and the helix next to others.

If that’s a new feature that’s new to me. That may be noise, not interference rejection. A Vexilar at 400 Watts would be bad around you, a Marcum at 4,000 Watts would be game over. At the same 200khz frequency it is an arms race